Transformational Leadership
2025 AWARD COMMENDATION
Zak Shaw leads Development West Coast's Nature Economy Project, which puts nature at the heart of economic development. Through the project, Zak unites and inspires businesses, iwi, farmers, educators, DOC and community groups to unlock economic prosperity through investing in nature.
The West Coast has 84% of its land designated as public conservation area – the highest proportion in Aotearoa New Zealand. Historically seen as a constraint to economic development, the Nature Economy Project flips that narrative. When nature is managed well, it brings resilience and long-term benefits to people, communities and culture.
With just $335,000 invested, the project has delivered $3.6 million in total economic impact – a return of $10.75 for every dollar spent. In 2.5 years, it created 11.7 new jobs and mobilised over 9,000 volunteer hours towards environmental initiatives.
Key initiatives include the Ōkārito Plant Project, which links a native nursery with landowners, tourism operators and volunteers. Since launching in 2023, it's grown more than 20,000 native plants, created wildlife corridors, strengthened biodiversity on retired farmland and added $71,640 in local revenue.
Other work includes environmental careers pathways for rangatahi, a certificate in conservation skills co-designed with Tai Poutini Polytechnic, a predator control partnership, and direct support for farmers and landowners restoring wetlands and improving biodiversity.
The judges said: "Zak Shaw’s Nature Economy Project is redefining what regional economic development can look like, with the ‘natural economy’ at its heart. By building partnerships across iwi, business and government, he’s helping the West Coast’s economy thrive through restoring natural assets. This is a thoughtful, scalable and collaborative model aligned to te ao Māori."