Welcome Nate Wilbourne as our new Future Generations

This week, Nate joins us as our Future Generations Lead. At 18, he already has an impressive resume, and we’re glad he is now part of our team.

We asked him a few questions to introduce himself and his mahi. Have a read!

Kia ora Nate. You’re an advocate for people and the planet, your work has taken you across the globe, you were named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list at just 18, and now you're here with us. How did you come to the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa? 

It's been a bit of a journey. I've spent the last few years of my short-lived 18-year-old life serving people and the planet. Ever since I went to my first community tree planting as a kid (10 years ago!), I've volunteered with conservation groups, used social media to educate and mobilise people around social and environmental justice, and even had incredible opportunities like speaking at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.

Alongside that, I'm in my first year at Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington, studying a Bachelor of Arts in Development Studies and International Relations. I'm a big fan of the Sustainable Development Goals, understanding the structural causes of global inequality, things like world-systems theory and how historical systems continue to shape the world today.

As a young person with my whole life ahead of me, I often say my motto is to “leave the world in a better place than I found it.” For me, that means thinking beyond the next election cycle and considering the wellbeing of future generations.

That's what drew me to the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa. WEAll's vision of an economy that puts people and the planet first really aligns with the values that have guided me for years. So I'm incredibly stoked to be joining the team as the Future Generations Lead, where I'll be leading the Tomorrow Together campaign and helping ensure young people and future generations have a voice in the decisions we make today.

Who inspires you?

Steve Irwin, without a doubt. He's a classic lad from across the ditch, but more importantly, he dedicated his life to protecting wildlife and inspiring others to care about the natural world.

What I admire most is that he was completely driven by purpose. One of my favourite quotes from him is:

“What good is a fast car, a flash house, and a gold-plated dunny to me? Absolutely no good at all. […] I was put on this planet to protect wildlife and wilderness areas.”

I think that's such a powerful way to live. That mindset really resonates with me, it’s about the impact you leave behind, and I find Steve Irwin's sense of purpose incredibly inspiring. He showed that one person with genuine passion can make a difference and inspire millions to do the same.

How do you explain a Wellbeing Economy?
Putting people and the planet before profit - it's as simple as that!! Instead of measuring success by how much the economy grows, we measure it by whether people are thriving, our environment is healthy, and future generations have the opportunities they deserve.

What are you reading at the moment?

I'm partway through Prisoners of Geography by Tim Marshall, and I'm really enjoying it. It's fascinating because it explores how geography, things like mountains, rivers, coastlines, and natural resources, has shaped politics, conflict, and international relations throughout history. It's really interesting to see how physical geography influences global power and the decisions countries make. It's one of those books that makes you look at a map completely differently!

How do you like to relax?

Any chance I get, I love getting out and about in the beautiful backyard we're so fortunate to have here in Aotearoa! In particular, Farewell Spit and Wharariki area, where my family has a bach. I spent a lot of my childhood there, and it's a place that's really shaped who I am. I've also done a lot of conservation work in the area, so it's more than just somewhere to unwind, it's where I feel most grounded. In a way, it's my roots. Being out there, surrounded by incredible landscapes and wildlife, is the best way for me to switch off, recharge, and reconnect with what matters most.

Image above: Nelson Lakes National Park, my backyard!