Reflections from the NZ SDG Summit: Lifting Our Gaze Toward Collective Impact
Attending the Aotearoa NZ SDG Summit was a powerful reminder of the strategic role Environment Network Manawatū (ENM) plays in shaping a sustainable future. Over two days, we connected with passionate changemakers, facilitated an interactive session on Circular Economies, and deepened our understanding of how ENM contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Highlights included learning about Massey University’s regenerative farmlet study, which compares traditional and regenerative grazing practices with impressive data on runoff and biodiversity. We also heard from pioneers like Biofarm and Hua Parakore, who are reshaping our broken food system with organic, mātauranga Māori-based approaches. The idea of “kai as koha” emerged as a powerful concept for addressing food poverty and strengthening local resilience.
Plastic pollution was a recurring theme, with thought-provoking insights from Trisia Farrelly and others on the urgent need to move beyond recycling and toward systemic change. The concept of finite vs infinite games offered a fresh lens on sustainability—shifting focus from short-term wins to long-term purpose and community.
Youth voices, Indigenous perspectives, and creative expressions like slam poetry added depth and inspiration. ENM’s strong presence was felt throughout, with our team asking the hard questions, making meaningful connections, and proudly representing our network. The summit reinforced the value of slowing down, creating space for reflection, and harvesting collective wisdom.
We left with a renewed sense of purpose, proud of the impact we’re making and excited about the possibilities ahead.
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