Author J M Storm put it well when he wrote: "Don't follow people, follow your passion. Find your passion, and you will find your people."
I'm fortunate to have been doing that now for a few years, refining the direction as I go.
Joining the Green Party and deciding to get political was the first big move, if you don't count the years of working for conservation, which I suppose I should, given it is a genuine passion. I've found lifelong friends in the Green Party, both locally and nationally.
Seeing my friends now as Ministers in Government has been wonderful. Action is already being taken on increasing access to medicinal cannabis, introducing a Zero Carbon Act, banning plastic microbeads from face scrubs and body washes, and passing the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill.
My second big political leap was becoming a Horizons regional councillor, just over a year ago, thanks to the votes of enough Whanganui people. Not quite the same pace of change as the new Government, but I believe some positive influence is happening. I remain committed to being a voice for the environment, in particular fresh water, with a focus is on finding common ground.
We've still got a long way to go in getting the One Plan right, and being on the inside now brings complexity, as expected. A simple solution, following the Environment Court decision, does not appear closer yet. In 2018, we'll be having conversations about how to find a way forward that's fair and achieves environmental protection.
These political moves kicked-off a few years ago now. I left my secure senior role at a global engineering consultancy leading their social responsibility programme across Australia-New Zealand because I realised I was on a slippery slope towards too much compromise. They were wonderful employers and I enjoyed the work, but when a position became available at Ākina Foundation, I took the leap – and the pay cut.
Ākina is a national charity growing the social enterprise sector. I wasn't able to stay on when I was elected to Horizons but this year I've found a way to keep chasing that passion for social enterprise here in Whanganui.
Alongside some amazing friends, we have set up Thrive Whanganui – a social enterprise hub and incubator to help people set up and run businesses that have positive social, environmental and cultural impacts.
That's what social enterprise is – business that trades to make a difference. Huge momentum is building globally and we want Whanganui to be part of that – there's an estimated $5b of growth in the next 10 years in NZ alone.
Our first major initiative is running an expo next 21-22 February to showcase social enterprise to Whanganui and the wider region. Our goal is to inspire, kick-start and connect the community.
We're bringing successful social entrepreneurs from around New Zealand to share their insights, alongside local champions. Day one speakers include Dan Steele from Blue Duck Station near Raetihi, Julia Milne of Common Unity Project Aotearoa in the Hutt Valley, and Levi Armstrong from Patu Aotearoa, a whanau-friendly exercise franchise. Locals Marilyn Vreede of Pakohe Papers and Charlotte Melser of The Citadel Cafe and many other inspiring people will be discussing how they're delivering positive social and environmental change across three theme areas – rural enterprise, health and hospitality, and arts and innovation.
Day two is a chance to connect to mentors one-on-one and find ways to collaborate with people who share the same passion, plus get started with practical workshops. Find us on Facebook @ThriveWhanganui to get the details and purchase tickets to attend. Thanks to our sponsors, we're keeping costs low to make it accessible to everyone.
If you wish you could follow your passion, make a difference and make a living, then join us. This movement is about building a more inclusive economy where everyone gets a chance to thrive.
*Nicola Patrick is a Horizons regional councillor, works for Te Kaahui o Rauru and is exploring a social enterprise hub for Whanganui. A mother of two boys, she has a science degree and is a Green Party member.
