Nate Wilbourne (born 17 March 2008) is a New Zealand based youth and environmental advocate, speaker, and changemaker.[1] He has worked across New Zealand, Europe, and parts of Asia on youth and environmental advocacy and policy, which he is recognised internationally for.[2][3][4][5]
Wilbourne lives in Nelson, and was born on 17 March 2008.[3] He grew up in the suburb of Brightwater, where he attended the local primary school.[7] At 12 years old, he transitioned to a plant-based diet after learning that farming was responsible for nearly half of New Zealand's gas emissions each year.[5] Wilbourne is the founder of 'Gen-Z Aotearoa' a youth-led advocacy organisation who "use the power of social media to drive positive change."[8][9]
In 2022, Wilbourne was a speaker at TEDxNelson and gave a TEDx talk titled 'The Power Of Connecting Young People To Nature.'[10][11] In 2024, Wilbourne was invited to speak at the Youth Environmental Education Congress (YEEC) as part of the World Environmental Education Congress (WEEC) in Abu Dhabi on, from 29 January to 2 February, on "Intergenerational Action for Biodiversity."[12]
He is a student at Victoria University Wellington, studying a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts majoring in Development studies and International relations.[2]
In 2023 and 2024, Wilbourne took part in the translocation of 198 fluttering shearwater chicks to the Wharariki Ecosanctuary, a predator-proof fenced sanctuary established by HealthPost Nature Trust at the northern-most point of the South Island. The translocation was part of a three-year plan to translocate a total of 250 fluttering shearwater chicks to the sanctuary.[17][18][19][20][21] His conservation work also includes helping boost the number of kororā (little penguins) and tītī (sooty shearwaters) in the area.
At 13 years old, Wilbourne became involved with Forest & Bird Youth. To get young people involved in conservation within his region, he set up a 'Youth Hub.' There is now up to 40 youth supporting the hub.[22][23][24][5] He has also volunteered for conservation work in places like Farewell Spit, and advocated for environmental NGOs like Forest and Bird.[2]
Wilbourne at a Climate Protest, 2023
Climate justice activism
Wilbourne has worked with School Strike 4 Climate New Zealand.[25] He organised his local climate strike in March 2023, which mobilised local students and handed an open letter to Nelson Mayor Nick Smith.[26][27][28] Wilbourne was mentioned in RNZ's story: 'Climate Strikes: Thousands march around New Zealand to demand action'.[27]
Wilbourne is an advocate for sustainable urban development in his home city of Nelson, promoting climate resilience through initiatives that integrate Mātauranga Māori, affordable housing, and green spaces.[30] He has also supported expanding cycleway infrastructure to create more sustainable transport options in his community. [31] On constitutional issues, he has criticized the ACT Party's proposed Treaty Principles Bill, arguing that it seeks to redefine the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and accusing ACT of exploiting "Pākehā fear and misunderstanding of Te Tiriti."[32] Additionally, he has voiced support for lowering the voting age to 16, contending that doing so would enhance youth political participation.[33]
He first gained political attention as a representative in New Zealand's Youth Parliament, where he emerged as a vocal advocate for environmental protection and youth political engagement. He delivered a speech criticizing the government's environmental policies, which he framed as a "war on nature," while also raising concerns about censorship after Youth MPs were instructed to avoid direct criticism of ministers in their speeches.[34][35] Political commentators, including The Spinoff, suggested he could emerge as a future leader in progressive politics.[36]
Other work
Wilbourne has done youth engagement work with global civil society organisation, The World Future Council, Save the Children NZ, NetSafe and the Make It 16 campaign to lower the voting age.[2]
Awards and recognition
Impact Award 2023 – Climate category semi-finalist[37]
Keep New Zealand Beautiful 2023 – Young Legend Award[38][39]
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