Transmission of Longchenpa’s Seven Treasuries

by Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche

Venue , Travel Advice & Health Advice

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Location, Venue, Transport to venue

Location

Wānaka is a small town in the Otago region of the South Island of New Zealand. Surrounded by the mountains of the Southern Alps, Wānaka rests at the southern end of the lake for which it is named.

There are many activities to enjoy in the region including hiking, mountain bike riding, boating and other adventure sports. Wānaka hosts a wide range of shops, cafes and restaurants.

Teaching Venue

Wānaka Recreation Centre, 42 Sir Tim Wallis Drive, Wānaka 9382, New Zealand.

Wānaka Recreation Centre is a community owned facility which houses the large hall which we will be using as well as the town swimming pool. There will be a separate entrance for the Seven Treasuries of Longchenpa attendees. We ask that everyone shows respect for the locals as they are sharing their community facility with us. There is ample parking.

There is a large supermarket and several small cafes nearby the venue but we advise people to either bring their own lunch or else sign on for the supplied catering as the local eateries may struggle to cope with the numbers.

Transport to venue

The venue (Wanaka Recreation Centre) is about 3 km from central Wanaka and 15 km from Lake Hawea. Transport options include:

  • Walk. The walk from town will take 30-45 minutes each way.
  • Bus.  A shuttle bus will operate between the main accommodation sites in Wanaka / Albert Town and the venue at the start and end of each day. Whilst a bus may also be operating between the venue and town at lunchtime, we encourage participants to take advantage of the catered lunch that is available at the venue. Bookings for the shuttle bus need to be made in advance and for the duration of the event. We cannot guarantee a shuttle service for those who have not booked prior to September 30th. All information about the shuttle buses can be found on the Transmissions Transport ticketing site, and tickets can be booked directly there.
  • Cycle. Bike hire is available from several places in Wānaka, including Green Toad, Racers Edge and Outdoor Sports. We have negotiated a rate (subject to availability) of $45/day with Green Toad (mention the event when booking). There are lots of opportunities for recreational cycling in the area.
  • Taxi. For groups staying together, taxi hire may be a good option. Local providers include Yello! and Wana-Taxi.
  • Drive. Car hire is readily available in Wānaka, Christchurch and Queenstown. We recommend booking early to get the best rates, and encourage ride sharing wherever possible.

Sustainability

Love Wanaka Community Fund 

As part of our commitment to the environment and the communities who host us, we invite you to donate to Love Wānaka as a way of offsetting the impacts of your travel to and from our event.

We suggest a minimum donation of $10 for domestic attendees, $20 for Australian travellers, and $50 for those who have flown internationally. Please make a note that you are donating on behalf of your attendance at the Siddhartha’s Intent event in the message section of the donation form.

Click here to donate now, or find out more at www.lovewanaka.co.nz.

About Love Wānaka

Love Wānaka is a community fund that exists so that visitors to the Wānaka rohe (region), and the businesses connecting them, can play an active role in the protection and regeneration of this environmentally and ecologically significant place.

Love Wānaka funds localised climate, conservation and biodiversity action exclusively within the Wānaka region, supporting the organisations who are championing this mahi (work) right here and now, as well as driving change for our future generations. This includes native reforestation, waterway protection, and biodiversity enhancement, with all funding allocated to local organisations, empowering grass-roots change and building more connected communities.

Love Wānaka’s mission is to inspire tautiakitaka (guardianship), so that nature thrives for the benefit of all species, whilst providing for the wellbeing of both people and place. This is often referred to as the kaupapa of tiaki.

Zero waste policy

Creating zero waste is a high priority throughout the event. Single-use items are strongly discouraged.

You will need to bring your own water bottle for drinking water. 

There will be recycling and compost stations available at the event and participants are encouraged to consider plastic free shopping.

This initiative is fully supported by long standing Circular Economy efforts in place by the local council and wider Wanaka community.

Zero waste principals in place throughout the event:

  1. Refuse – Refuse plastic packaging when you make a purchase. See here the Wanaka waste free shopping guide
  2. Reduce – Avoid produce wrapped in plastic (see above guide), ditch the tea bags. By bringing your own reusable coffee cup, you are supporting Wānaka becoming Aotearoa’s first single-use cup free town
  3. Reuse or repair. Shop instead for preloved goods, or have anything that needs fixing? Head down to Wanaka Wastebusters, a 20 min walk or 3 min drive from Wanaka Recreation centre. Forgot to bring your reusable cup, thermos or after other reusable goods? See guide here..
  4. Recycle – We will be working closely with Wanaka Wastebusters to recycle a range items including some hard to-recycle or unusual items like polystyrene, batteries, broken electronics, textiles, building materials and hardware.
  5. Rot – We will be working with the local worm farm and composting station for all compostable produce.

Travel Advice

What to bring

Below is a list of essentials and items you may find useful during your trip to New Zealand.

General

  • Clothing
    Weather in New Zealand can be described as “Four Seasons in One Day”. Therefore, it is advised to have an extra layer with you in case it gets cold. Bring also a jacket/coat that is suitable for wind, rain and cold weather.
    Daytime maximum temperatures average around a cool 17°C (62°F), whilst at night 6°C (42°F) is normal.

  • Rain gear 
    With your wet weather jacket/coat, you might like to bring a sturdy umbrella. There is 37% chance of a light rain on an average day.

  • Insect repellent for insects and sandflies & antiseptic cream for those that got through your first line of defense and landed a bite.

  • Travel adapter for Type I plug
    New Zealand operates on a 230 supply voltage (50Hz). The power plugs and sockets are type I. This is the same as Australia and the Pacific Islands.

  • Prescription medication for health conditions
    Please pack enough supply of your own regular medications for the duration of your stay and some extra in case you are away longer. Medications need to be declared on arrival at border control and it is advised to bring a copy of your current repeat prescription and a letter from your doctor regarding any chronic conditions and medical treatment you are receiving.

  • Reusable water bottle & Thermos
    Bring your own water if you want to avoid a queue and to reduce waste. As hot water will not be provided at the venue, please bring your own thermos.

  • Reusable cup – for buying coffee or tea from coffee carts.

  • Food containers (if self-catering).

  • A shoe bag – to put your shoes in for when you enter the hall

  • Reusable shopping bags & fruit and veggie bags
    NZ supermarkets/shops do not provide plastic bags. 

  • Cash – You can exchange foreign currency at major international airports in New Zealand. Please check airport website for more information. International credit cards are also widely accepted but an additional surcharge fee applies. ATMs can be found throughout the international and domestic terminals.

For the venue, teachings, tsok and empowerment

  • Meditation cushion
    If you have indicated to sit on the floor when you purchased your ticket, please bring your own meditation cushion.

  • A small container for tsok offering leftovers.

  • Semi-formal attire – participants should arrive in appropriate, respectful clothing for the empowerments.

  • A copy of the daily liturgy will be sent out 2 weeks prior to the event, that you can print or have ready on your device.

  • COVID-19 – Please ensure you have your own supply of surgical masks. Medical grade P2/N95 masks are considered most effective for medically vulnerable participants. All participants are advised to carry a few of these high protection masks in case they develop respiratory systems.
    If you have COVID-19 symptoms when you arrive in New Zealand by air, you are encouraged to take a rapid antigen test (RAT). Free RATs can be obtained at the airport, please ensure you bring your own supply.

 

  • FM Radio for Chinese interpretation and volunteer use
    Siddhartha’s Intent NZ will be offering three FM radio transmissions which participants can access inside the hall and within about 100 metres of the venue.
    Simultaneous interpretation of Rinpoche’s words while he is speaking English during teachings, explanations and announcements (Mandarin)
    Simultaneous interpretation of Rinpoche’s words while he is speaking English during teachings, explanations and announcements (Cantonese)
    Exactly what is coming through the loudspeakers from Rinpoche’s microphone. This means that people who need to fulfil their volunteer duties or leave the hall briefly due to health issues will still be able to hear the transmission

    What Type of Equipment Will I need?
    If you wish to hear the Chinese interpretation or listen to the transmission while doing your job, you will need to bring your own FM radio with headphones. You will not be allowed to listen using a speaker so you must have headphones with your radio.
    We are talking about an old-fashioned type of FM radio which can pick up the radio frequency, not internet based radio. Some phones are capable of doing this but most of them are not so if you plan to rely on your phone, please check by turning off internet access and checking whether you can hear the local radio signal.
    Wanaka is a small town with limited shopping options. It may be possible to buy an FM radio in Wanaka but we highly recommend that you bring your own radio from home to ensure that you can listen if you think you might need it.

Travel Tips – Aotearoa New Zealand 

New Zealanders are friendly and down-to-earth people who embrace the spirit of manaakitanga, or hospitality.

New Zealand has a rich cultural history grounded in Maori culture which is still very much alive today. You will notice touches of Maori culture throughout the event and we invite you to learn more about our cultural history while spending time in New Zealand. 

There are also 26 million sheep! 

This rich blend of cultures, combined with geologically fascinating landscapes and unique flora and fauna, make New Zealand an exciting country to explore. Discover some further interesting facts about New Zealand here.

Following is a list of useful tips and links to help you plan your travel and stay.

How to get to Wānaka:

Flights to Wānaka 

Wānaka has three international airports in proximity: Queenstown (a 60 minute drive), Dunedin (a  three hour drive) and Christchurch (a five hour drive).

Driving to Wānaka

Driving on the South Island roads of New Zealand is a great way to experience the region, with relatively quiet roads and some of the most amazing scenery right outside the window. Major car and campervan hire companies are all located at Christchurch, Dunedin and Queenstown airports. There are also a number of rental car companies based in Wānaka.

Buses to/from Wānaka

The Wānaka region is well serviced by a number of bus companies which connect Wānaka to Queenstown, Te Anau, Christchurch, Dunedin and the Westcoast including five daily buses from Queenstown airport and CBD.  

To plan your trip and to make all bus bookings please see Wānaka i-SITE

Bus companies:
   Ritchies. Contact details. Phone +64 27 511 1264
   Intercity. Contact details. International calls +64 9 583 5780.

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Things to know before you come to NZ

The 2023 NZ pocket guide has excellent information around the latest travel restrictions, how to plan a realistic travel itinerary, visa information, how to pack, what to declare at customs, transport information, weather, road rules and much more. 

SINZ is working closely with the warm and friendly people of Wānaka i-SITE  for local logistical support. Have a good look through their website for further information on Wānaka, including making travel, arrangements and for further useful information and guides. For an excellent overview of accommodation options that are being held for the event see here

Get travel insurance and check COVID-19 cover

When coming to New Zealand to visit, we strongly encourage you to get travel insurance. 
Some visa categories require you to hold insurance as a condition of your visa.

Check COVID-19 cover

Before you buy travel insurance, we recommend you check what cover it provides for COVID-19-related events, including medical treatment, the cost of changing your travel arrangements or paying for accommodation if you need to isolate.

Examples of travel insurance are Covermore, 1 Cover or World Nomads. It is important that you read the policy wording as we are not up to date with these, and the cover may not be suitable for you. 

What you will need to enter New Zealand

You will need a valid passport and a visa or NZeTA to enter into New Zealand.
You can check here if you need a visitor visa or NZeTA.

Stay updated here to check if you will need to complete a New Zealand Traveller Declaration to enter New Zealand. 

Before you disembark from your plane or ship, you will be given a Passenger Arrival Card to fill in. This card must be completed before  you get to passport control. On it, you will declare what you are – or are not –  bringing into the country. Please refer to New Zealand Customs Service for more information.

Visa/Immigration Office for foreigners 

Please visit the New Zealand Immigration website for more information. 

What to declare when entering into New Zealand?

New Zealand has strict biosecurity rules in order to protect its ecosystem.

Declare all goods, equipment, and food that could carry unwanted pests or diseases into New Zealand. Declare if you have been in contact with livestock. If you visit a farm overseas, ensure your footwear, clothing, and equipment is clean before departure. Please refer to New Zealand Customs Service for more information.

Available at the International Airports

Prepaid SIM Card 

Currency Exchange 

Currency exchange kiosks and shops can be found in the major international airports in New Zealand. Please check the airport website for more information.

ATMs 

Can be found throughout the international and domestic terminals. These ATMs accept VISA, MasterCard, Amex, Diners Club cards and all Plus cards. 

Weather

November is a pleasant time to travel in New Zealand as it is late spring. Temperatures can be warm in the middle of the day but you should still expect colder early mornings and nights.

Wānaka Weather

One of New Zealand’s most famous songs is called “Four Seasons in One Day.” This gives the visitor a good idea of what to expect! Wānaka is situated in the Southern Alps, surrounded by snowy peaks, so cold weather has to be considered likely. 

Spring (from the beginning of September to the end of November) is one of the most unique seasons in Wānaka. The average low temperature is 7.3°C (45.1°F), and the average high temperature is 19.8°C (67.6°F). The weather in November in Wānaka could get summer heat, winds, spring rain and a winter blast. It is recommended to pack clothing which can be layered as needed.  

Power plug, socket and voltage

New Zealand operates on a 230 supply voltage (50Hz).

The power plugs and sockets are of type I. This is the same as in Australia and the Pacific Islands. Type I plugs have three flat pins, with two angled to form an inverted ‘v’ at the top and one running straight down underneath. (see the picture below)

Health & Safety information

Covid 

There have been several recent international Dharma events where there were serious outbreaks of respiratory disease, and some of our Sangha members are still suffering the consequences. Siddhartha’s Intent NZ (SINZ) has taken advice from our medical team and formulated a multi-prong approach to minimising the risk for us all.

Please understand that while most of us may not feel threatened by Covid, we have a large group of elderly people and some undergoing treatment for cancer or other chronic conditions for whom this infection could be life threatening.

SINZ make these recommendations in the strongest terms and hope that everyone will make life easy for those around them. SINZ do not intend to enforce these measures or participate in any type of conflict around them.

The Strategy

  • International guests should use your RAT test they receive on arrival to ensure they are not introducing new strains to our Sangha or community.
  • Everyone should wear a mask while in the teaching hall unless they have a medical exemption. Nobody likes wearing masks but the weight of scientific data does support this measure as having a modest protective function. SINZ will not be enforcing this nor checking exemption certificates, it is up to the individual to take their own responsibility.
  • Once everyone has chosen a position to sit on the first day, they should keep the same place for the entire event.
  • We encourage everyone to get to know who is around them and form a sense of community between the people sitting close to one another. This is the best way to keep us all safe and well.
  • If you are unwell or test positive to Covid please do not enter the teaching hall, better to stay in your accommodation. For the first time ever, Rinpoche has agreed to allow a special password-protected livestream of the transmission especially for those who are unwell. If you need to access this service, simply email [email protected] and you will be given access.
  • If you do develop symptoms whilst you are at the event, please do a RAT test immediately, put on a high-protection mask and make your way home.
  • Rinpoche’s words will be broadcast over FM radio so that people have the option to sit outside and still receive the transmission. You will need to bring your own FM radio.
  • If you have health concerns and feel vulnerable to getting sick you are free to sit in the external dining room tent which will be open with good airflow and have a speaker broadcasting the transmission in the main hall.
  • Hand hygiene stations will be available at all entrances.


Please also refer to the New Zealand Government website –
United Against COVID-19 for updates and announcements regarding Covid requirements in NZ

Mobility assistance

Wheelchairs and Scooters and potentially other mobility equipment are available for hire through More Mobility Ltd.  They will be taking bookings in advance and may also have limited equipment available at the event.

To discuss your specific needs and make a booking, please contact:

More Mobility Ltd
0800 666 222 within New Zealand
[email protected]

Personal Safety Advice

  • Emergency Number for Fire, Ambulance and Police is 111
  • Non-emergency number for Police is 105
  • Number for Urgent but not life-threatening traffic matters is *555 (mobile phones only)
  • For more personal safety advice, visit the NZ Police website or chat with  Wānaka i-SITE

Safe Driving

New Zealand roads might be a bit different than what you are used to. While the road rules are similar to those you might find at home, there will be some important difference to note. Please visit Safe Driving for more details.

Earthquakes 

Please check GeoNet New Zealand for earthquake updates. 

Doctors and Dentists

If you are prescribed essential medication for chronic or significant physical or mental health conditions please pack enough for the duration of the teachings as it may be expensive to replace, especially for overseas visitors.

If you have forgotten, lost or run out of prescribed medications during your stay you can find medical and pharmacy services to replace them at the Wanaka Lakes Health Centre.

If you have some confusion around your medications and whether it is necessary to procure replacement or intermittent medication during your stay you can reach out for advice to the health team.

Wānaka Medical – Offers emergency care. Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Weekends, 9:00am to 6:00pm; Public Holidays, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Wānaka Lakes Health Centre – Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Aspiring Medical – Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm

Laryn Allied Health – Osteopathy, Acupuncture and Pregnancy & Infant Health.  Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 7:00 pm

Wānaka Dental – Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Wānaka Dental Practice – Lumino The Dentists– Monday to Thursday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm; Friday, 8:30 am to 4:00 pm

Psychological help

Kowhai Clinic Wānaka – open 24 hours. 

Southern Lakes Clinic

Pharmacy

Wānaka Pharmacy – Monday to Saturday 8:00 am to 6:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Wanacare Pharmacy – Monday to Friday 8:30 pm to 6:00 pm; Saturday 9:00 am to 12 noon

Language support

For all Chinese speakers you can contact Zuo Hui Zi. Email: [email protected] for any enquiries.

Wānaka i-SITE – there is a staff member at i-SITE who speaks Mandarin. 

Highlight and copy the URL below

https://calendar.google.com/calendar/u/0/[email protected]

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Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche's Schedule

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