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Youth leader explores business partnerships

Writer's picture: Te Hōnonga a IwiTe Hōnonga a Iwi

Updated: Oct 15, 2024

Student journalist Fareh Farhan talks to Liam McCullough about his role as a Business Activator Youth Leader for Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park.




I had the chance to sit down with Liam McCullough, a friend of mine and fellow youth leader at Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park, to learn more about his journey and experiences within the project. Liam’s involvement began through a school announcement he spotted early on, which introduced him to the project’s mission of removing weeds and planting crops at the site.


However, it wasn’t long before Liam took his involvement to the next level, asking Project Co-ordinator Nicky Shave about opportunities for youth leadership. Liam was drawn to the flexibility of the roles available, particularly the behind-the-scenes work where he could help in a business activator capacity, an area he had a growing interest in.


Liam’s role as a business activator involves reaching out to local businesses to explore potential partnerships for the restoration project. His main motivation for taking on this role is the valuable experience it adds to his CV and future university or job applications. He also wanted to upskill himself and learn more about biodiversity, a subject he had little knowledge of before joining the project.


Through his work, Liam has developed key skills in business communication, particularly in how to formally and professionally email companies. Initially, he felt uneasy about emailing, as he wasn’t confident in selecting the right businesses to reach out to. However, after gaining some experience, he became more comfortable with the process and even began enjoying it. One of his biggest achievements was successfully securing $7,000 worth of sponsorship from a signage company for an upcoming exhibition, something that made him proud and boosted his confidence in his ability to contribute meaningfully to the project. Liam credits Nicky’s continuous support and motivation for keeping him and the team engaged, even when they take on smaller tasks.


When asked about the impact of the project on his life, Liam noted that while it hasn’t had a direct impact yet, the work is still in progress. He sees the long-term vision of transforming the restoration site into a safe, accessible environment that can serve as a playground or meeting space for the local community. The project’s overall mission of improving biodiversity motivates him to stay involved and contribute to something that will have lasting benefits for the environment and local residents.


Liam offered valuable advice for anyone considering joining the project: “Go for it.” He explained that it’s rare to come across biodiversity projects like this, and Te Hōnonga a Iwi is one of the largest efforts he’s seen. He encourages others to visit the site, see the progress made so far, and witness the positive environmental impacts firsthand.


Looking towards the future, Liam mentioned that he now has a heightened awareness of biodiversity and plans to incorporate this consciousness into any business ventures he pursues. While he doesn’t actively work on climate change initiatives outside of his role as a business activator, his participation in Te Hōnonga a Iwi has certainly increased his awareness of the environmental issues in our world today.


One of the standout moments for Liam was when he, alongside another student and Nicky, had the opportunity to meet the CEO of North Harbour Business. This interaction was significant for them as young leaders, allowing them to listen, learn, and observe high-level business discussions firsthand. Liam also recalled a memorable experience when TVNZ’s Seven Sharp filmed a segment about the restoration project. Interacting with the film crew and being part of such a public showcase was both exciting and eye-opening for him.


Liam’s journey as a youth leader has not only helped him develop essential business skills but also deepened his understanding of biodiversity and the local environment. His work as a business activator has given him the chance to contribute to meaningful partnerships that support the project’s growth, while also preparing him for future ventures.


Fareh Farhan is a Year 12 student at Rangitoto College and works as a Youth Leader Communications for Te Hōnonga a Iwi Restoring Rosedale Park.

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