Our Instep Young Leader Kaena John from Ōtūmoetai College recently had an opportunity to step into the spotlight, representing the voice of our next generation at Tonkin + Taylor’s Pathways to progress: Exploring climate futures for our region. This thought-provoking event brought together business and community leaders to collaborate on shaping a more prosperous and secure future in the face of climate change.

The event, designed as an informal yet impactful gathering, provided a platform to dive deep into the implications of various climate scenarios. Attendees from diverse sectors were encouraged to reflect on how their actions today will influence tomorrow’s outcomes.

As part of the event, participants were invited to consider the challenges posed by climate change from a variety of perspectives—whether planetary, community, or personal. The brief asked presenters to explore these challenges while setting bold expectations for the leaders in attendance. It called for urgency, courage, and innovative thinking to address what is undeniably one of the most pressing issues facing humanity.

Among the highlights of the evening was a powerful presentation by Kaena, a member of the 2024 Instep Young Leaders cohort. Rising to the challenge, Kaena shared his perspective of growing up in the Cook Islands:

“As a child from the Cook Islands, I always thought it a privilege to live a life where food is scrapped. Then I came to New Zealand and heard they threw out 100,000 tonnes of perfectly good food every year”.

Kaena delivered a challenge to the businesses:

“Limit the food waste as much as possible in the offices where you work and compost your leftovers to make sure none goes to waste. If you’ve already implemented that, I challenge you to try practicing a recipe that uses “spoiled” products, it’s those places one wouldn’t normally step that are usually ripe with innovation”.

Kaena expressed the critical need for action, emphasising the responsibility of both businesses and communities to accelerate progress. His address was not only insightful but also carried a strong call to action, urging those in the room to lead with purpose and commitment.

Kaena’s words resonated deeply with the audience, which included some of the region’s most prominent sustainability champions. His ability to articulate the urgency of the climate crisis, coupled with a challenge for collective accountability, left a lasting impression.

The Pathways to Progress event was a vivid reminder of the importance of intergenerational collaboration in tackling climate change. The involvement of Kaena not only highlighted the strength of youth voices in this dialogue but also underscored the role of future-focused leadership in driving meaningful change.

Great work, Kaena, and congratulations for contributing to such an important conversation. Together, you and our community champions are paving the way for a climate-resilient future.