Wilderland

  • Community

About the Community

What we do

Wilderland is a unique centre of learning: a sustainable-living project with a focus on inner and outer education, staffed by a group of resident-volunteers living on an organic farm. Since its birth in 1964, Wilderland has become one of New Zealand’s most prominent sustainable communities. An ever-evolving resident-group maintains the land and holds the space for hundreds of volunteers from around the world to come and learn together every year. Wilderland takes a holistic perspective. All aspects of living off the land, from the soil right through to the facebook page, are part of an integrated system of full self-sufficiency. All aspects are aimed towards a future of true low-impact living, true self-reliance, and real local economy. We are a work in progress. Since the beginning, volunteers have had the chance to come and be part of developing our unique model, learning together as we go. After more than 50 years, we have a lot to share, and focus on sharing it with as many people as possible. We are especially interested in forming partnerships with educational institutions around the world who would like to send groups of students here, for an in-depth holistic sustainability experience. Check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eStPg1GdQZs to see an inspiring example of one such partnership, and get in touch if you would like to know more.

Our Mission

To become a world-class example of, and engage all humankind in, learning to live regenerative, harmonious lives.

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  • 0 total members
Total
15

How to join

Apply at least 1-2 months in advance of wanting to stay. Your initial term will be a 1 month visitor stay where you will have no or little responsibility, just joining in and getting a feel for us and we for you. If it feels like a good enough fit, you will stay on for another 3 months, have a review/feedback meeting, then stay for another 3 months. After this 2 x 6 month terms are available, then year long terms after that.

Decision-making process

  • Leadership Decides

A single person, couple, or small group makes most major decisions.

Governance structure

  • Founder/Leader-led

Primary authority rests with the community’s founder(s) or designated leader(s).

Economic model

  • Complete Income-Sharing

All member income goes into common pool for community use.

Shared resources and amenities that are accessible to everyone in the community

Common House, Garden(s), Greenhouse(s), Vehicle Share, Library, Workshop, Outbuilding(s), Swimming pond or pool, Outdoor Kitchen, Large Scale Kitchen, Tractor & Farm Equipment, Fire pit, Swingsets & play areas, Waterfront access, Gym or sports area, Internet

Frequency of communal meals

  • 2-5 times per week

Substance use culture

  • Substance use occurs primarily at celebrations or ceremonies

Property status

  • Privately owned

Property owner

Setting

  • Rural

Countryside locations with significant distance from urban centers.

Self-produced energy

  • 33 - 66%

Self-produced food

  • Up to 33%

Local, organic, or fair trade food

  • 33 - 66%
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Location

  • New Zealand

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