Your choice
Taking part is completely your choice.
Researching how community, regenerative systems, and emerging technology converge toward human flourishing.
NeoBiome is a practice-based research initiative within my Master of Technological Futures programme at academyEX (New Zealand). It investigates how emerging disruptive technologies might enable the development of decentralised, sustainable, and innovative eco-communities in Aotearoa New Zealand — and what those models might teach us about resilient, meaningful ways of living.
The project responds to a convergence of global and local pressures: the fragility of global supply chains, rapid urbanisation, housing unaffordability, growing ecological crises, and the increasing disconnection between people, land, and community. At the same time, emerging technologies — from renewable energy microgrids and micro-farming innovations to digital governance platforms and smart health systems — present real opportunities to reimagine how communities can live.
The research is guided by one central question:
How might emerging disruptive technologies empower the development of decentralised, sustainable, self-sufficient, and innovative eco-communities in Aotearoa New Zealand?
Four sub-questions guide the inquiry:
Hi! I’m Adam Wilder, a research master’s student at academyEX in New Zealand. I’m exploring the NeoBiome research project to understand how remote living can be more resilient — through regenerative systems, community design, and technology that supports (not replaces) human and ecological wellbeing.
Connect on LinkedInI’m looking for people with lived experience, professional expertise, or genuine curiosity about intentional communities, regenerative living, and the role of technology for local community benefits. Your perspective — whether as a community founder, a resident, a technologist, a planner, or someone exploring alternative ways of living — is invaluable to this research.
Sessions are offered as a 45-minute in-depth conversation or a 10–15 minute quick exchange if your time is limited. Both formats are equally valued — you can indicate your preference when booking. Interviews can be conducted in person (in Aotearoa New Zealand), online via video call, or as part of a site visit to your community where applicable.
To protect your rights as a research participant, please complete the steps below in order. The booking link becomes available once you confirm you have read the information sheet and submitted your consent.
During the interview, I’ll ask about your experiences, perspectives, and insights related to eco-community living, technology integration, self-sufficiency, governance, and the opportunities and challenges you’ve encountered. The conversation is guided but open — there are no right or wrong answers, and your unique perspective is what matters most.
Topics may include:
If you’d prefer to share your views in writing, a survey option will also be available — keep an eye on the Stay Informed section for updates.
I welcome informal conversations before you commit to anything. There is no pressure — my aim is to build genuine, respectful relationships with all participants, guided by the principles of whanaungatanga (relationships) and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination). You can always reach me on my LinkedIn profile or at research@neobio.me.
NeoBiome is a research project within my Master of Technological Futures at academyEX. It explores how community, regenerative systems, and emerging technologies might support more resilient ways of living in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Participation is open to people with lived experience, professional expertise, or a strong interest in eco-communities, regenerative living, community design, sustainability, and related technologies, whether based in New Zealand or internationally.
You can choose a 45-minute in-depth conversation or a 10–15 minute quick exchange if your time is limited. Both formats are equally valued.
No. At this stage, NeoBiome is a research project focused on understanding feasibility, design possibilities, and community needs rather than building a real-world community.
In this project, the term refers to technologies that could reshape how communities live and function, such as renewable energy systems, digital governance tools, local food and water systems, and communications or health-support technologies.
Aotearoa is a strong setting for this research because it brings together questions of self-reliance, environmental responsibility, community innovation, and culturally grounded models such as papakāinga.
The research is informed by values such as whanaungatanga (relationships), kaitiakitanga (guardianship), and tino rangatiratanga (self-determination), and by Te Tiriti principles of partnership, protection, and participation. I approach this as a non-Māori researcher with care, humility, and a commitment to respectful engagement.
The best first step is to register through the Stay Informed / Stay in the loop form below. If you’d prefer to contact me directly, you can also email research@neobio.me or reach me on LinkedIn.
Not ready to book an interview, or simply want to follow the project? Leave your details and I’ll reach out when there’s something worth sharing — findings, future interview rounds, or publication updates. No spam, ever.