Every year a remote property near Hunterville, hundreds of like-minded individuals gather to celebrate Kiwiburn.
Based on the world famous Burning Man festival in the United States, organisers call it an opportunity to celebrate radical self-expression.
This year, one of the centerpieces was a giant weta, built in
Auckland by a team of designers.
"I was a burning man a few years ago, and thought what would look really cool here? And I thought a giant flame-throwing weta would be awesome! It's uniquely kiwi," says Andrew Benson, art leader and designer.
This year the theme at Kiwiburn was "the robots are coming'!
"For me, it's just a hilarious off cut theme in tune with what's happening in society right now, things are becoming more robotised, robots will eventually steal our jobs and yea, the roots are coming!! Watch out!! All hell is going to break loose!" says Hippathy Valentine, project manager.
It took a team of 20 people to build the weta over three months, working late into the nights and on weekends.
It made its first appearance at Burning Man in Nevada last September.
The response?
"What's that giant bug? Nah people loved it, they really loved it, it was beautiful. We were all really really happy with it," says Mr Valentine.
As to what's next for the giant bug?
"After Kiwiburn we are going to showcase it at another festival in a few weeks time, then after that, the Auckland zoo may be interested as well. But ultimately it's going to end up gifted to a small community, probably in the area around here, and we will just leave it for everyone to enjoy," says Mr Benson.
