Empowering Rangatahi: Shaping Aotearoa's Future for People and Nature
*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.
Name
Santhosh Chintapatla
Your whakapapa / background
I was born in Wanaparthy, a small village in Andhra Pradesh South India, and relocated to Aotearoa with my family when I was 18 months old. Since then, Tāmaki Makaurau has been my home
What excites you about the opportunity to be a Rangatahi Advisory Panel Member for The Aotearoa Circle?
Being part of the Aotearoa Circle's Rangatahi Advisory Panel (RAP) is and continues to be such an exciting opportunity.
The Aotearoa Circle’s RAP provides a platform where my voice can be heard and, together with fellow members, we can actively drive positive change across various initiatives in both the public and private sectors.
It is incredibly fulfilling to be part of a programme and organisation that is committed to restoring and preserving Aotearoa's natural resources for future generations. The ability to contribute to thinking that impacts the future of Aotearoa is a remarkable privilege, and one that needs to be shared with more rangatahi.
How would you like emerging generations to contribute to decision making and leadership - now and in 20 years’ time?
I believe it is crucial for emerging generations to play an active and influential role in decision making and leadership, both now, in 20 years’ time and far beyond that. Here's how I envision their contribution:
Shaping future leaders: Change is constant, and the needs and aspirations of emerging generations will differ from those of their predecessors. It is essential for today’s young people and future generations to actively participate in shaping policies and strategies that will impact their lives. By actively participating now, we equip future leaders with a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. This, in turn, enables them to make more informed and forward-thinking decisions.
Informed decision-making: Involving emerging generations leads to more informed decision-making. Millennial’s now make up more than 60% of the global population and by the end of the decade millennials are predicted to make up 75% of the global workforce. The diversity of thought, knowledge and perspective they provide contributes to better outcomes, not just for their own generation but for the generations to come. Understanding and informing ourselves about what drives emerging generations is essentially predicting the future.
Communication and inclusion: It is not enough for our ideas and concerns to remain within specific organisations. They need to reach a national level, informing government policies, projects, and laws. Inclusivity is key to ensure that insights from all generations (including emerging ones) guide decision-making processes.
Sustainability as a priority: Emerging generations must prioritise the long-term protection of Aotearoa's natural resources. We must embed sustainability at the core of decision-making processes, ensuring that our natural capital is restored and remains intact for the future.
What is your vision for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand?
My vision for the future of Aotearoa is simple, yet exceptionally demanding. It calls upon all of us to assume the role of responsible ancestors, paving the way for emerging generations to enjoy the same privileges and economic benefits in nature that we have had.
Aotearoa's unique strength lies in the profound interplay between nature, our economy, and our people. The state of our natural capital is directly linked to our economy and the wellbeing of our people.
Some of our biggest sectors, such as tourism, and the trade of agriculture and horticulture, are all heavily reliant on nature. Therefore, the more that we can do for nature, the more we can do for our economy.
New Zealanders share an intrinsic bond with our natural surroundings. It is an integral part of the Kiwi psyche. It is our duty to preserve and nurture this connection for the benefit of generations to come
What would you like the leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand to do in order to help bring your vision to life?
To help bring my vision to life our current leaders must do more, they must do it now, and they must make it last. Translated into actions, this could look like:
Long-term planning and policies: Develop long-term strategies that extend beyond political cycles. Restoring nature requires us to have a consistent and forward-looking approach that transcends changing governments.
Accountability: Establish mechanisms for monitoring and reporting on nature-positive focused goals. Holding both public and private sectors accountable for progress is essential to ensuring that we stay on course.
Investment in innovation: Encourage and expedite innovation in nature-positive solutions by providing funding and resources for research and development. Supporting startups and established companies in this space will accelerate their ability to further innovate and solve complex problems.
Education and awareness: Invest in public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives to inform New Zealanders about the importance of our natural capital, its current degradation and the role people can play in reversing and restoring natural capital. This is critical to make a widespread difference.
The leaders of today will be the ancestors of tomorrow and it is their responsibility to provide a future in which both people and nature thrive, even when they are not there to see it.
कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन
“You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions.” – The Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 2, Verse 47)