A Vision for Aotearoa: From Collaboration to Action Across Generations

*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.

Zoe Tilsley, Sustainability Manager - Westpac

How would you like emerging generations to contribute to decision making and leadership – now and in 20 years’ time?

I envision a future where the values of the Rangatahi Advisory Panel are embedded across all sectors and organisations. Bringing future generations into the conversation should become the standard, not the exception. Boards are filled with experts from diverse fields, so why shouldn’t there be someone representing future perspectives?  The sooner we start doing this, the more natural it will become.  For emerging generations, it’s crucial to build trust and genuine relationships. Rangatahi can and do demand change on issues that are important to them, but this approach only goes so far. Effective leadership, no matter your age, is about listening, understanding and fostering connections that drive collaborative solutions.

What was your experience and key feedback on ERP2 when meeting with Minister of Climate Change, Simon Watts and how can business learn from this too?

A key theme from our conversation with Minister Watts was the need for communication to be both accessible and inclusive, with a long-term perspective. Often, communication and key documents can feel overly complex or disengaging. The future generation has a lot at stake, and it can sometimes feel like we’re intentionally being left out. While I’m fortunate to have a background in sustainability that helps me navigate documents like the draft ERP2, it’s still a very technical and complex read. However, it’s talking about some big themes that are just as important for rangatahi and future generations as it is for the current Government. CEOs should ensure that messages are clear and engaging, incorporating an intergenerational lens so that they resonate with future leaders and create genuine inclusivity.

Reflecting on your experience of speaking at our hui at Government House where you delivered a call to action – how did that feel, and what was the response from the audience?

Speaking at the hui was both daunting and an incredible honour. It was inspiring to see The Circle’s dedication to empowering young leaders, and I felt the weight of their trust in the rangatahi panel. The room was filled with people who are committed to the journey, which made the experience more impactful. The positive feedback I received reinforced the idea that our generation’s message doesn’t need to be complex or demanding; it’s about delivering a clear and genuine call to action. My goal was to remind everyone that rangatahi and future generations are here, eager to learn and contribute – a call to collaborate rather than demand.

What’s your vision for the future of Aotearoa New Zealand or the industry you work in?

My vision for Aotearoa is for us to lead by example, and not shy away from being world leaders when it comes to turning environmental and social challenges into opportunities. We need to embrace bold, forward-thinking practices and policies without letting political divides hold us back.  In the financial industry, sustainability is not just good ethics – it’s smart business. I think banks have a unique opportunity to guide our customers through this transition. I’m proud of the strides being made and I’m proud of the work that Westpac is doing. When you sit down and explain it to people as to why banks are so invested, they’re like “oh, that makes so much sense”.

What would you like the leaders of Aotearoa New Zealand to do to help bring your vision to life?

I go back to my call to action at Government House: leaders can support this vision by actively championing rangatahi who are eager to engage. This work can be challenging, and the path isn’t always clear. So, if you have rangatahi in your networks that want to lean in and learn from you, really advocate for them.

What are your biggest concerns when it comes to the state of Aotearoa New Zealand?

A key concern is the lack of social consensus around pressing challenges like climate change, social equity, and human rights. These issues are fundamental to our long-term wellbeing, directly tied to basic human needs such as access to food, water, and shelter. Failing to address them as priorities risks undermining the very resources and security that everyone relies on. These are interconnected challenges that need collaboration to find solutions – we need to find ways to get more New Zealanders on the same page.

If you could make one tangible change to enabling restoration of natural capital, what would you like The Circle to focus on?

While the Circle does incredible work connecting the public and private sectors, I believe there is an opportunity to extend its reach to those who are not yet fully engaged with the urgency of this work.  We often engage with like-minded partners, which is valuable, but I think we need to expand our influence to those who are hesitant or unaware. How can we bring our message to those who need to hear it most, fostering understanding and action where it may be lacking?