Reflection written by Jodine Laing, Counties Energy
Delivered in beautiful Flaxmill Bay in Hauraki, the location of our Environmental Retreat could not have been more perfect for the topic at hand. With lush native bush enveloping us and the sparkling blue moana beckoning to us, I personally learnt and grew exponentially from the experience here. From the history of Kupe, so conveniently erased to favour Cook and the colonisers, to the environmental concerns and issues facing this god-zone piece of paradise.
From the colonisation of flora and fauna and its impacts on our native species, to the hard work of local groups, iwi and others, determined to protect and enhance this idyllic part of Aotearoa, I learnt about the struggles between those who share the same goal but whose methods, such as 1080, are in stark contrast. I heard the struggles of the disenfranchised iwi and the local supporters, fighting for the protection of the whenua from government, developers, tourism, and the apathetic.
This retreat was one of digging our toes in the sand, grounding ourselves and feeling the wind around us. Of walking under leafy canopies and brushing past damp fronds. Of spying a tui up ahead. Of smelling the salt in the air, viewing the Hauraki in all her beauty, and being at one with nature. Of calming our minds, and our souls. As our Courageous Leadership goals state, we are our wisest selves when we are our calmest selves.
Moving on to our leadership journey and the environmental theme, we questioned how we, as courageous leaders working towards 2050, will champion our environment as we do business, work with and within our communities. How we will lead our people and operate in Aotearoa in a way that protects and enhances our whenua, that truly recognises mana whenua, Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our history. It’s all connected, all intertwined, and it’s imperative that our future leaders understand our fundamental relationship and interconnectivity with nature and Papatūānuku.
This retreat was deeply personal to me. I have spent countless hours myself on the Hauraki Coromandel, my playground and my much-loved second home, yet before this retreat I had never truly thought about the cost to the whenua, the moana, and of course, to the mana whenua. From the rewriting of history, to the blatant exploitation of resources and disregard for nature, I left this retreat a little ashamed of my past indifference but, most importantly, with a strong sense of purpose. To share the true history with my whanau, my friends, my colleagues, my community, and to open their hearts and minds going forward to the environmental challenges faced by us all, not just on the Hauraki – but throughout Aotearoa. And to make a difference going forward and as we work towards 2050. This is the courageous leadership challenge I take forward on my journey.