We are living through an extraordinary moment. The time to act to reverse damage, rejuvenate and transform the things that are keeping us down and to do so with our future front of mind is now. 

My vision is a Southland where we put our wellbeing, nature and diversity at the centre of all we do. 

Imagine rich birdsong and breathing in crisp, fresh air. A future where nourishing food, resources and services to support our wellbeing are at our doorstep. Where we are the envy of the country for resilient farming. Where a connected transport network allows us to move around freely with little or no cost. Where our young people are empowered and have opportunities and employment. Where partnership is central. 

There is so much benefit can we unlock from community-centred decision making. 

Of my 21 years, My advice in navigating the world today while on my journey from feeling frozen to connected and empowered in short, is this. Take what you need 

• Courage is contagious. 
• We can open our eyes wide to the difficulties, but focus on the possibilities. 
• Experience allows you to mature, not necessarily your age. 

A Good Food Road Map for Murihiku workshop. Photo: Supplied

Some more about me

I finished up at Central Southland College in 2019 and I now study at university. I was in and out of Wellington, deciding on Journalism by distance. I am now living in my home, Nightcaps. As a storyteller and creative I cast a critical eye on many issues from agriculture to mental health. 

I am pretty obsessed with nature. It's spine-tingling beauty and its ability to heal and support our thriving future is immensely valuable. It is my passion not only because of the urgency that exists for us to look after it but also due to its unique value here in Southland.

I work on showcasing the benefits of putting nature at the centre of policymaking through volunteerring for environmental NGO’s. I focus mostly on strategy, notably fostering collaboration and coordination regarding communications and campaigns between a network of around 200 young voices for nature from Northland to Southland as part of Ngā Māhuri Tiaki: Forest & Bird Youth. I also work with other groups campaigning for a thriving future for agriculture and decarbonising our state sector. 

Southland District Youth Council workshop at Aparima College 2018. Photo: Supplied

Here is a summary of my priorities: 

Wellbeing

It has never been so important to link and connect with others, be open-minded and respectful of our differences. In between the lines of our policy is our people. Social cohesion to me is where our district is like a tree where we can extend and root our communities close together and support each other. This can be done through public transport, employment, groups and resources to support ourselves and each other through distress and ensuring proper representation for our most vulnerable. 

With high distress across the board, particularly in our farming communities, youth and our vulnerable communities, action is needed now. Acting tomorrow or later is not an option for me. 

Sustainable economies and nourishing our environment

Recovering and building our economy back better includes pulling every lever we can to act on climate change and protect our biodiversity to me. An economy is sustaniable when it is framed around our environmental limits and creates incentives and rewards for practises that protect and restore nature. Whether it is native planting or doubling our wetlands for instance, nature based solutions will produce guaranteed jobs in and around it, and safeguards our future. A key part of this is finding the sweet spots for collaboration with those who have been marginalised, feel their voice doesn’t matter or hasn’t been heard.

Our future is speaking, and now is the time to listen.

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