Empowering the next generation

A Waxeye case study

Empowering the Next Generation

To help communities better prepare for floods, Tauranga City Council partnered with Waxeye to create an immersive VR experience that teaches people what to do before and during a flood emergency.

The experience is comprised of three core modules: Understand, Get Ready, and Take Action. Designed for the entire community, but particularly focused on 10- to 16-year-olds, who play a vital role in spreading awareness, this six-minute bilingual experience is available on Meta Quest 3 and distributed through schools, libraries, and community hubs. By combining storytelling with interactive learning, it delivers practical, memorable knowledge that supports all learning styles — a timely resource as flood risks and extreme weather events continue to grow.

The power of immersive flood education

Immersive VR flood education builds real-world preparedness

By placing users inside a realistic flood scenario, the experience helps people understand what to expect and how to respond, building critical awareness that saves time, property, and lives during emergencies.

Designed for all ages, with a focus on youth engagement

Targeting 10–16-year-olds, the VR modules empower younger audiences to become informed messengers within their families and communities, helping spread flood preparedness knowledge in a relatable, age-appropriate way.

Interactive, bilingual learning for maximum accessibility

Delivered in both English and te reo Māori, the experience supports diverse learning styles and language needs, making it an inclusive flood education tool for schools, libraries, and community centres.

Story-driven modules that make safety memorable

Structured around three modules—Understand, Get Ready, and Take Action—the experience uses narrative techniques and interactivity to reinforce practical flood safety steps in a lasting, emotionally resonant way.

Scalable, portable, and future-proof community resource

Available on Meta Quest 3 and distributed through the Tauranga City Council, this VR tool provides a scalable and cost-effective way for councils and emergency services to deliver consistent, high-impact flood education across regions.

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