Welcome Elliot Ferguson as Communications Specialist
We are very excited to formally welcome Elliot Ferguson to the team — a team he has been a part of as a graphic designer since the early days of WEAll Aotearoa!
From’s Gareth’s listening tour, through to our 2024 conference, research reports, and policy briefs; Elliot’s mahi has played a big part in bringing our wellbeing economy message to life.
We’re excited to have Elliot be part of the day-to-day team and can’t wait to see what more we can achieve together. Read more about Elliot below.
Kia ora Elliot, you’re a designer and communicator with experience in a range of different fields. How did you come to the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa?
You’re right, I’ve got an eclectic mix of experience! But it’s all fed into the person I am today.
My background in arts and culture taught me to appreciate the stories of Aotearoa’s shared identity. Later, my time in publishing helped me amplify and collaborate with the architects and artists shaping these very stories.
I’ve worked with a range of diverse NGOs over the years, helping local communities on the ground and leading on international issues. Recently, my work with movements for local and national government has honed my skills in campaigning and messaging on subjects that matter to me.
I’m excited to join WEAll Aotearoa, as it truly is a think-and-do tank. I know our mahi will help lead the conversation on creating a better economy for all.
Who inspires you?
People who inspire me are those who tell hopeful stories of our future. A few that come to mind are: Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, who loves climate solutions and talks about them in a joyous, provocative way under the banner ‘What if we get it right?’. Another is Damon Gameau, who made a beautiful documentary, 2040, a love letter to his daughter about what our future can look like.
Also, there are so many local legends in Aotearoa helping create the communities we love, my friend Levi Brinsdon-Hall is one. He is an urban farmer who feeds hundreds of people, teaches the next generation to grow their own food and does all this while raising a beautiful family with his partner, Ella-rose.
How do you explain a Wellbeing Economy?
A future that is very possible if we centre people, place and collective prosperity in our economy; instead of the profit-at-all-costs way things currently operate.
I think a fun way to describe a Wellbeing economy is as a successful kids' birthday party in the park. A time where the future of younger generations is celebrated, every generation, especially the grandparents, are invited, friends from all walks are included, and of course, where we share the birthday cake evenly, we respect nature and the shared space of the park by cleaning up and looking out for others, and most importantly, it is fun!
What are you reading at the moment?
A couple of months back, I finished The Overstory by Richard Powers. It stuck with me and left a permanent imprint on how I view our relationship with the natural world, and especially trees.
It’s a compelling read that gave me a newfound respect for the precious taonga of Aotearoa. Especially, the few great Kauri left, whose lives are measured in thousands of years, they show us a truth that the book summed up so well, “This is not our world with trees in it. It's a world of trees, where humans have just arrived.”
Image right: 'Te Matua Ngahere' Kauri tree, early 1900s. Photograph by Tudor Collins, 1898-1970.
How do you like to relax?
A recent reflection of mine is that I feel most content when cycling. It’s not necessarily relaxing to struggle up a hill, but the feeling of achievement and release when flying down a hill is unmatched. It’s a time when I get to switch off, forget the news, my phone and any concerns that are bothering me. I find it a uniquely mindful moment focusing on pushing the pedals and soaking up the beauty of everything that surrounds me.
