Pete McKenzie

As a freelance journalist, everything I do is driven by a fascination with people’s stories. Through my university study, my service in the New Zealand Army Reserve, and my volunteering with the Wellington City Mission I am able to connect with diverse communities, learn about the unique challenges they face and amplify their experiences for other people to engage with.

As a 22-year-old I know well the stress and anxiety of growing up in a warming world. It can often feel like climate change is too big and complex to do anything about. That’s why stories like “The Good Oat” are so important. A diverse coalition of farmers, entrepreneurs and officials are challenging Aotearoa’s conventional dairy industry by, in part, developing an oat milk substitute that reduces environmental impacts.

Their story is deeply personal, motivated by their love of family farms, local swimming holes and Aotearoa’s once “100% Pure” environment. By sharing it, I hope I can show that innovative, practical, steps are possible to mitigate the harmful effects of intensified farming systems.