2025 EBANZ Conference

& Professionals Day

Promoting the art and science of earth and natural building

14 November

15/16 November

ŌTAKI, Wellington

✨ With special guest SIGI KOKO ✨

MORE INFO & SIGN UP HERE

The Earth Building Association of New Zealand (EBANZ) warmly invites you to our national conference, set in the heart of the Kāpiti Coast at the culturally rich Te Wānanga o Raukawa and the serene retreat centre of Forest Lakes.

This year’s theme, “Earth, Culture & Community,” brings together builders, designers, researchers, and earth-building enthusiasts to explore how traditional and contemporary earth construction methods are shaping resilient, sustainable futures in Aotearoa and beyond.

Enjoy up to three days of engaging learning and kōrero with leading voices in natural building, indigenous knowledge, climate-responsive design, and regenerative practice.

PRESENTATIONS

HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

BUILDING SITE VISITS

🏠 Professionals Day on Friday 14 November at Te Wānanga o Raukawa

The Professionals Day will be a high‑impact event designed specifically for architects, engineers, inspectors, builders and designers interested in earth and natural building techniques. It will dive into the Pa Reo development of Te Wānanga, which is a Living Building Challenge project. Other presenters will include Rau Hoskins (Architectural Designer, Director, designTRIBE) and Verena Maeder (Earth Building Artisan & Educator, Solid Earth Ltd) Sigi Koko (Founder, Build Naturally USA). As well as examples of different earth and natural building techniques.

🏠 In-depth Weekend Conference on 15/16 November at Forest Lakes

The Weekend Conference will be an immersive experience where people stay at the beautiful and family friendly Forest Lakes Conference Centre. In the mornings there will be a wide range of talks and presentations aimed to inform and empower people on different aspects of earth and natural building. The afternoons will include hands-on workshops in different methods and materials including clay based plasters, cob, rammed earth and adobe, straw bale and hempcrete. There will also be house tours featuring different building techniques including straw bale and rammed earth, adobe, natural plasters and more.

Of massive value is also the chance to meet and network with other earth building enthusiasts and experts including architects, designers and engineers in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Take your earth building knowledge to the next level

Whether you're an experienced practitioner or simply curious about earth building, this is a rare opportunity to connect with an inspiring community and deepen your relationship with building traditions rooted in whenua (land) and people.

🏠 Or combine both for a full immersive, life changing experience

Of massive value is also the chance to meet and network with other earth building enthusiasts and experts including architects, designers and engineers in a fun and supportive atmosphere. Take your earth building knowledge to the next level

Whether you're an experienced practitioner or simply curious about earth building, this is a rare opportunity to connect with an inspiring community and deepen your relationship with building traditions rooted in whenua (land) and people.

3/156 Forest Lakes Road, Ōtaki 5583, New Zealand

PROFESSIONALS DAY VENUE

Te Wananga O Raukawa,

41 Te Rauparaha Street,

Ōtaki 5512

CONFERENCE VENUE

Forest Lakes Conference Center,

156 Forest Lakes Road
R.D.3, Otaki, 5583

MORE INFO & SIGN UP HERE

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer scholarships or financial assistance to attend?

We have a limited number of partial scholarships available. Generally, financial assistance is reserved for students or those with a strong desire to learn about natural building, for whom cost is a barrier. Those considered for a scholarship would ideally be available to volunteer as helpers during the event. Please get in touch directly with the organizers to explore your options.

Is the conference wheelchair accessible?

Both the venues - for the professionals day and the conference - are wheelchair accessible. We only have a very limited amount of accessible accommodation available. Please get in touch with us before making a booking.

Is there the option to camp on site?

Sorry, no. The conference venue does not allow camping or parking up vans on site. Please check out other options nearby.

Is this even only for building professionals?

Not at all. Typically about half or the attendees are building professionals, and the rest is made up of those wanting to build, or general natural building enthusiasts. The conference is the prime opportunity to catch some of the most experienced natural builders in the country all in one spot, and it a wonderful way to network and make new friends!