Gen-Z Aotearoa Co-Directors Recognised as Semi-Finalists for Young New Zealander of the Year
Gen-Z Aotearoa is proud to announce that two of its Co-Directors, Nate Wilbourne and Lola Fisher, have been recognised as Semi-Finalists for Young New Zealander of the Year in the 2025 Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards.
This recognition celebrates the leadership, impact, and dedication both Nate and Lola have brought to empowering young people across Aotearoa to take action for their communities, democracy, and the planet.
About Gen-Z Aotearoa
Gen-Z Aotearoa was founded in early January 2024 by Nate Wilbourne with the vision of creating a platform that empowers young people to use their voices, engage in democracy, and drive positive change in their communities. Shortly after its founding, Lola Fisher joined the organisation, playing a key role in shaping its direction, strengthening its reach, and supporting its growth.
Nate directed Gen-Z Aotearoa until August 2024, at which point he did not step away from the organisation, but instead expanded its leadership by bringing Lola Fisher and Bella Ngāwhika on as Co-Directors. Since transitioning to a shared leadership model, the three Co-Directors have worked collaboratively to grow Gen-Z Aotearoa’s impact, values, and national presence.
Since its founding, Gen-Z Aotearoa has reached over 2 million people, empowering hundreds of thousands of young people to engage with issues that matter to them and take action in their communities.
Nate Wilbourne – Co-Director, Gen-Z Aotearoa
As Founder and Co-Director of Gen-Z Aotearoa, Nate Wilbourne has been part of the driving force behind empowering more than 500,000 people in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally to get involved in their communities and participate in democratic processes.
Between July 2024 and July 2025, Nate’s work includes:
Helping lead and market the March for Nature in Auckland (8 June 2024), contributing to a movement that empowered 27,000 people to submit against the Fast-track Approvals Act.
Keynote speaking at New Zealand’s largest youth climate conference, The Climate Action Conference (27 July 2024), on mobilising people through social media.
Keynote speaking at Europe’s largest youth climate conference, LCOY Berlin (26 October 2024), on social media advocacy.
Speaking to over 2,000 students across New Zealand, empowering young people to follow their passions and take action locally.
Participating in global Fridays for Future climate strikes in Freiburg, Germany, on 20 September 2024 and 14 February 2025.
Speaking at a World Food Day event at Hohenheim Palace (16 October 2024) on youth-led climate action in agriculture.
Collaborating with international legal experts at the New Institute in Hamburg during a Mobilising Earth Governance Alliance (MEGA) congress (9 April 2025), contributing to policy solutions to the planetary emergency.
Serving as a Youth MP (30 June – 2 July 2025), delivering a speech on the war on nature that reached over 110,000 people across New Zealand.
Being commissioned by Fairtrade Australia New Zealand and the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate & Energy to deliver campaigns on sustainable consumption and climate finance.
Keynote speaking at a United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) event, “The Future of Land Is Listening” (17 November 2025), highlighting how young people in Aotearoa are protecting and restoring nature.
Nate’s work through Gen-Z Aotearoa and beyond reflects a deep commitment to youth leadership, environmental protection, and democratic participation.
Lola Fisher – Co-Director, Gen-Z Aotearoa
[Space to include Lola Fisher’s work, leadership, and achievements]
Gen-Z Aotearoa is incredibly proud to see both Nate and Lola recognised at a national level. Their leadership reflects the power of young people working together, sharing responsibility, and creating meaningful change.
This recognition is not just a celebration of two individuals, but of the thousands of young people across Aotearoa who are stepping up, speaking out, and shaping the future.
For media enquiries:
Gen-Z Aotearoa
team@genzaotearoa.org
