The Sustainability Options Podcast

What happens to our economy if AI starts creating abundance instead of scarcity, and industries are transformed? 🌏

In our latest kōrero with futurist Steve Swallow, we dive into the $650B being poured into AI by 2026 and what it could mean for labour markets, healthcare, and even the $9T pharmaceutical industry. If AI really can solve major global challenges, what does that mean for the systems we rely on today?

Steve invites us to imagine new models - universal basic income, universal services, and AI dividends - that free us to work less, connect more, and build an economy that serves people and the planet.

This week, we sit down with Manu Caddie (Ngāti Pūkenga, Ngāti Hauā), who is a passionate entrepreneur, activist, and academic dedicated to Indigenous rights and sustainable development, to discuss what it looks like to have nature as a shareholder.

This episode we speak with Mount Maunganui college student, Jem Dougal, who is both politically active and incredibly grounded.
He shares his experience of being a tax payer who has no voice when it comes to what this country invests in.
He talks about his future, clouded by AI and environmental concerns yet somehow stays optimistic in his well considered views. 
Join us for this very provocative discussion.

This week, Nik and Jo are joined by Ian Herbert, the University of Otago BIOFIN (Biodiversity Finance) Assessment lead.
Ian is an economist and an advocate for nature, and shares his insight as to how a sustainable environment can support a prosperous economy.

This week, Nik and Jo chat with Gareth Hughes, Director of Wellbeing Economy Alliance (WEALL) Aotearoa, author, and political commentator.
They explore the work WEALL is doing to amplify grass roots activity nationally as well as internationally.  This includes everything from social cohesion through to citizens assemblies as well as practical ways people in business can contribute to transforming our economic system. 
It’s a really interesting and inspiring conversation about what change can look like in practice.