Farewell Dr. Jane Goodall

In 2017, I had the privilege of spending some time with Dr. Jane Goodall as part of the Jane Goodall Institute NZ Roots & Shoots Youth Leadership Team. Hearing her talk made me think about my contributions to making the future a better place. She empowered me, brought me to tears, and taught me so much. I was so very humbled to get the chance to meet her and talk to her about the work Kids Greening Taupo (KGT) had contributed since inception in 2015. She signed a couple of books, one of which I presented to the KGT leaders a few days later.

While talking to Dr. Jane, I made the mistake of saying “I hope to achieve even a part of what you have achieved so far”. She then went on to tell me “you will go on to do even more than what I will do, you are well on your way… remember nothing is impossible, dream big and follow your passions”.

Dr. Jane was extremely humble, an extraordinary individual, yes, but just like any one of us, she was a person who happened to have a big dream. She committed to this, and due to her hard work, she not only achieved this but contributed much more to the environment than people originally believed was possible.

She broke through many barriers in science. She was a woman in science at a time when women were not seen as scientists. She redefined the boundaries between humans and chimpanzees, and she recognised the interconnectedness of the Earth’s systems. She knew that to help her beloved chimpanzees, she needed to focus on wider environmental and social issues. Her impact will live on in the lives of all those she inspired to take action. Rest in peace Dr. Jane Goodall.

The last photo is of myself with Hon. Eugene Sage at the Ban the Bag handover to parliament, which was led by JGI.