Izzy’s understanding of the link between a healthy environment and a healthy economy began with a conversation on Waiheke Island in 2016. Her dad, Sir Rob Fenwick, was explaining the findings of a government report on the state of New Zealand’s marine environment. The message was stark: our declining natural resources weren’t just an ecological concern - they posed a real threat to our economic prosperity. In this preview to the first episode, Izzy sits down with her mum, Lady Jennie Fenwick, to reflect on Sir Rob’s legacy - as an environmentalist, business leader, and co-founder of The Aotearoa Circle. Together, they explore how his belief in quiet collaboration, cross-sector leadership, and practical action continues to guide New Zealand’s response to climate and nature challenges today. Visit our Podcast page to watch further episodes in the coming weeks.

In this opening episode, host Izzy Fenwick is joined by James Palmer, Chief Executive and Secretary for the Environment, Ministry for the Environment. James is also co-chair of The Aotearoa Circle. Together Izzy and James explore how environmental reporting has shaped action in Aotearoa New Zealand and why making data accessible and meaningful to leaders is vital for protecting our natural, economic resources. They also unpack how far New Zealand has come in connecting environmental evidence with business and policy decisions, and what the Ministry’s latest environment report tells us about the state of nature today and why we need to strengthen our natural resilience for tomorrow. Step into the circle with James Palmer.