Welcome to the team Rosie. Where does your interest in sustainability come from?
Funnily enough I actually graduated from the University of Otago with an undergraduate degree in Marketing and Tourism Management and a Master’s in Marketing. During the Masters I began to question whether marketing at the time of a climate crisis should even be an industry at all – a rather confronting thought after years of studying the subject!
At about the same time I became the marketing manager for the Otago Student Volunteer Army and was involved in some fantastic regenerative community-based events. I am thrilled to now transition into a career dedicated to making a positive environmental impact.
You’re going to be involved in our nature work so we’re guessing you like being outdoors?
Absolutely! My love for the outdoors truly took off when I was 17 and participated in a 21-day Outward Bound course. Reflecting on that experience, I realise it was life changing. It ignited my passion for exploring Aotearoa New Zealand and engaging in various outdoor activities, as well as a deep appreciation for nature.
I try to get out tramping, skiing, rock climbing, surfing, and mountaineering as much as possible. The nine-day fortnight at SBN means more activity time! I also volunteer for the New Zealand Alpine Club as the events coordinator and get to run events like the recent Banff Mountain Film Festival.
It sounds like you’ve got heaps of energy which is going to be a big help in your new role. What excites you about this job?
There is so much to be excited about! I think a lot of people, including myself, are feeling pretty overwhelmed by the current state of the world. I’m ready to turn that concern into action and hopefully make a positive difference for the planet and people.
The opportunity to support the Puhinui regeneration project is particularly exciting, as I'm keen to see Tāmaki Makaurau offer beautiful community spaces for everyone. The role also offers an awesome chance to engage with the community and work alongside iwi and rangatahi-led initiatives, like Te Pu-a-nga Maara.
Why is regenerating nature so important?
We are all nature – without it, we wouldn’t exist. Regeneration is absolutely vital.
I like to picture it as leaving the planet in a better state than how we found it. Our current ‘business as usual’ practices mean that we keep on taking from natural resources without giving back. Rather than just offsetting the emissions from such degrading actions, regeneration challenges us to rethink our day-to-day practices and put sustainability at the forefront of our decisions.
In Aotearoa New Zealand we are fortunate to have incredible native animals and plants. Regeneration plays a crucial role in saving species from extinction and supporting the health of our ecosystems.
It’s also about our tamariki and future generations to come. I really hope that we can create a healthier, more vibrant environment for them to inherit and look after.
So you’re looking forward to working with a wide range of people?
Most definitely. In my short time of being in this role I’ve come to appreciate just how many people and groups can contribute to one catchment project. It truly takes a village to protect a river!
I’m looking forward to collaborating with a diverse range of people and perspectives to expand my currently small kete of knowledge. I believe Te Ao Māori principles are essential in restoring our natural systems, and I'm keen to learn from experts in this area.
You mentioned working with rangitahi or youth. What’s that going to involve?
I think it’s really important we first listen to rangatahi. They’re at the forefront of bringing new and unconventional approaches with innovative ideas, open-mindedness and strong social and environmental consciousness.
My first project includes securing scholarships for rangatahi to join us on our Leadership in Sustainable Business Course. As a 23-year-old, I will learn alongside my fellow rangatahi and aim to equip them with the skills needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. I’d love to hear from anyone interested in funding these scholarships. It would also be cool to see some credentials created that recognise the mahi that youth undertake, celebrating their contributions to sustainability.
Do you have sustainability tips that you pass on to friends?
I’m renowned in my flat for hating waste. ‘No food waste’ is a common term thrown around in our house. I’m also on a strict second-hand shopping regimen which I share with some of my friends. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as discovering a cool thrifted find!
What are you most looking forward to in the next few months?
I’m going to be absorbing a lot of information, from our educational workshops and from my incredibly knowledgeable colleagues here at SBN. It’s really exciting to start at a time when there’s so much happening, like the upcoming Nature & Business Symposium. There’s a lot of talk about the impacts of climate change, but I think this event is going to translate those discussions into tangible actions.
I’m proud to be part of the organisation that pioneered sustainable business in Aotearoa New Zealand.