Kiwiburn organizers urge attendees to report individuals engaging in public sex, especially in the presence of children
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Participants at New Zealand’s Kiwiburn, akin to the renowned Burning Man festival, have been urged to share information about individuals engaging in public sexual acts or masturbating. Held in Hunterville, Rangitīkei from January 22 to 27 with a theme focusing on a “trash renaissance fair,” the festival experienced some unsettling incidents prompting organizers to take action. In a post on the festival’s website on February 3, attendees were asked to come forward with details of any inappropriate behaviors they witnessed, such as non-consensual actions, theft, or open sexual activity.
The organizers expressed a commitment to address and prevent such occurrences from becoming normalized within the festival community. They acknowledged the presence of “consent guardians” monitoring the event during nighttime hours. However, a festival-goer, speaking anonymously, revealed witnessing disturbing behavior during the burning of the effigy, including public sex and masturbation. Children were reportedly present during these acts, leading to distress among some young attendees who had to be comforted by their parents.
The witness highlighted the contrast between this behavior and the ethos of consent and kindness usually associated with Burner events. In their experience of attending the festival over the years, such inappropriate acts had not been encountered before. The individual emphasized the negative impact of these actions on the festival’s atmosphere and the well-being of participants, especially children present at the event.
While the police indicated no formal reports of the incidents, Kiwiburn’s executive committee revealed their commitment to prioritizing safety and fostering a culture of consent among attendees. The committee noted the challenges of monitoring a large-scale event like Kiwiburn with over 2000 participants, making it difficult to prevent occurrences that violate boundaries. Despite recent complaints of varying severity, the committee assured that measures were in place to address them effectively. This included professional security personnel, continuous patrolling by internal rangers, and the introduction of a consent hui, aimed at promoting a safe and respectful environment for all attendees.
Reflecting on the festival’s learnings, the committee underscored the significance of adapting and enhancing safety protocols based on feedback and experiences from each event. While acknowledging the presence of children under 16 years old among the attendees, they stated that no reports had been made regarding children witnessing inappropriate behavior. Parents were reminded that R18 elements might be present at Burn events, and efforts were made to designate areas accordingly. Overall, the organizers remain dedicated to upholding safety standards and cultivating a culture of mutual respect at Kiwiburn for all participants.