Collaborative solutions for environmental challenges.

*The views expressed by this Rangatahi member are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the organisation(s) they represent.

Nicola Mulvay: Legal & Commercial Advisor, Mercury

I first learned about the Rangatahi Advisory Panel (RAP) through work about two years ago. I had already heard of The Aotearoa Circle through university connections, including someone involved in one of the Circle’s workstreams.

Late in 2023, I applied to represent Mercury on the RAP, but I wasn’t initially selected. Instead, the role went to Bryn Wilson. Bryn’s decision to travel overseas earlier this year reopened the opportunity for me and I filled the vacancy he left in February.

Being part of the RAP is a great opportunity to learn from both my amazing peers across different organisations and experienced business leaders. It offers a different kind of challenge from my day-to-day work, helping broaden and deepen my thinking.

I graduated with a BCom/LLB from the University of Auckland and started my career in private practice, then moved to an in-house legal role at a bank before a brief stint living and working in Vancouver. I’ve been part of Mercury’s legal team for two years as a Legal and Commercial Advisor.

For me, it’s important to grow my legal career in an organisation that prioritises sustainability and positive environmental outcomes. Mercury’s strategy is tied to New Zealand’s energy transition, and I’m proud my work contributes to that vision.

My own "light bulb" moment around sustainability happened while flatting, when I discovered we could recycle soft plastics. It dramatically reduced our landfill waste and made me realise just how much I cared about the environment - and how important it was to me to share my passion with others who believe in conscious consumerism.

I was born in Northland and mostly grew up in Hawke’s Bay. I’ve always loved the beach and the outdoors, and my parents instilled in me a deep appreciation of native trees and birds. I enjoy hiking and camping, and I cherish the relative uncrowdedness of Aotearoa New Zealand. I missed our friendly culture and saying ‘hello’ to strangers on the street when I lived overseas. It’s something I really appreciate now. Kiwis have a ‘small but mighty’ spirit that I’m proud to be part of.

As I look to the future, I worry that the things we take for granted - pristine nature, clean water, the freedom to explore - won’t always be there. I want future generations to have the same opportunities outdoors that we are so lucky to enjoy today.

One of the biggest opportunities I see for New Zealand businesses over the coming years is the need for greater cooperation. We face shared challenges and solving them requires shared solutions - like The Aotearoa Circle’s Future Fit Shipping workstream which is exploring decarbonisation of the shipping sector and alternative fuel types.

Cross-industry collaboration is possible when we acknowledge issues aren’t about one company alone. By working together, we can find stronger, more sustainable solutions.

We live in a capitalist society, but it’s not sustainable in its current form. At some point, we need to rebalance the scales between people, profit, and the planet. Profit may not always be able to come first. There’s no easy answer, but it’s a conversation we must continue having.