Over the past few months, we’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Tae as an intern at ENM. From day one, Tae has been a thoughtful and committed member of our team, and we’ll truly miss him as his internship wraps up.
Tae’s main project focused on climate mapping across ENM’s member groups. He worked to gather information on how these groups are taking action to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Using ENM’s four pou as a framework, Tae explored these initiatives by gathering data from websites and social media, although many groups lacked a formal online presence or consistent data. Despite these challenges, Tae was inspired by the local-level impact: communities engaging, shifting behaviours, and amplifying local voices.
Before joining ENM, Tae felt overwhelmed by the state of the world and worried about the future for his daughter. But his experience here brought hope. He now believes that real change comes from the bottom up—not just from policy, but from communities taking action. “Big companies won’t change unless we do. We all have a role to play.”
One of the most rewarding parts of Tae’s experience was seeing people come together to make change. Coming from an academic background, he had grown frustrated with the lack of progress on global targets like the Sustainable Development Goals. But through ENM’s work—connecting people, sharing knowledge, and influencing local decision-makers—he saw how collective action can make a real difference. Attending the recent election candidate meeting was a turning point: “As individuals, we can feel powerless. But as a group, we can influence politicians and shape our future.”
Tae’s time at ENM also sparked personal changes. He now sorts bottle tops at home with his whānau and has a new appreciation for sustainable living. His favourite project was the Repair Café, which challenged his mindset around consumption. “I used to think it was easier and cheaper to throw things away and buy new. But now I see the value in repairing—especially items that hold meaning. It’s inspired me to live more simply and choose quality over quantity.”
Thank you, Tae, for your energy, insight, and heart. You’ve made a lasting impact, and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next.
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