How are you?

Elizabeth | Ōtautahi

Elizabeth (Ngāi Tūhoe) has always had a special bond with te taiao, the natural environment.

“I love animals and nature and it just feels like I’m part with the Earth and just as one, so it makes me feel comfortable and happy.

I’m good. I’ve only been here for two weeks, so it’s a new environment for me. But everybody here is really welcoming and friendly, so it already feels a bit like home.

Growing up on a farm, wildlife and nature have always felt like home to me. Animals have always been my family, so I tend to look for that wherever I go. That’s what feels familiar. It’s given me a deep understanding of nature and wildlife, and why we need to protect it. We look after them, and in return, they look after us.

Looking after animals has given me so much love in return. When you show them love, they just give you endless love and care. I grew up hunting, so I learned to respect every animal I take and always give back to the environment because they give so much to us. They taught me to respect, love, and cherish everything around us.”