
In this solutions-focused session chaired by Kim Hill, three visionaries in the field – Kiwis in Climate contributing author Barry Coates; Trisia Farrelly ONZM from Cawthron Institute; and Aneika Young from The Nature Conservancy – will explore how tackling climate change can improve our lives.
Kiwis in Climate, edited by Tessa Vincent, brings together bold and practical visions for Aotearoa to lead on climate solutions. Leading scientists, politicians, CEOs and citizens demonstrate what we are doing now – and what we must do – to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. In their insightful Kiwis in Climate essay, ‘Individuals As the Foundation for Collective Action’, Barry Coates and Ben Gleisner aim to rekindle hope and empower readers to address climate change by exploring the significant impact we can have as citizens, consumers and investors. Barry will be joined by two other climate warriors in this wide-ranging conversation.

Barry Coates is a founder and co-CEO of Mindful Money, a charity that makes it quick and easy for people to invest their money ethically. Barry has a Masters in Management from Yale University, majoring in finance, and was a corporate strategy consultant in the US. He also led the mainstreaming of fair trade in New Zealand – fairtrade revenues grew by an average of 45% per annum for a decade. Barry is also a member of the expert Technical Working Group of the Sustainable Finance Forum (SFF), a group of the Aotearoa Circle.

Trisia Farrelly is a Senior Scientist and General Manager, Donor Relations at Cawthron Institute and an Honorary Fellow of Massey University. She is highly decorated for her groundbreaking environmental advocacy. She is Co-Founder and Coordinator of the Scientists’ Coalition – a body of over 450 voluntary plastics experts from more than 70 countries. In 2021, Trisia was named a finalist in the Environmental category of the NZ Women of Influence Awards. In 2023, she won the WasteMINZ Award for Excellence in Product Stewardship in recognition of “her longstanding and ongoing work to end plastic pollution” and in 2025, she was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her outstanding services to ecology. Trisia has also been recognised academically.

Aneika Young is an environmental consultant with skills and experience in Kaupapa Māori research, Māori Resource Management, environmental issues, biodiversity and ecology, conservation and working with hapū and iwi to drive iwi-led initiatives. In addition to hapū and iwi, she has worked with a range of stakeholders, scientists, government departments and consultants to advocate for both Māori and environmental justice. Strong community and social services, with experience in governance and a professional with a Masters of Science (MSc), Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) focused in Māori Resource Management, Environmental Studies from Victoria University of Wellington.