After spending 2 weeks all across the globe in the beautiful place of New Zealand, I have gotten the opportunity to immerse myself in multiple sectors of the country. Before getting to experience the country, I was skeptical about the business of New Zealand as it was on a smaller scale and didn’t seem as intense as the business world in the United States. During our research before our trip, there was a predominant theme of ecological friendliness within business, emphasizing the importance of preserving the environment and all its plentiful resources. I naively read this as a weakness in business for New Zealand, as the goal of generating profits usually is the goal for most businesses here in America regardless of environmental effects. I think this style of business is heavily influenced by the nature of the people who live here. My time engaging with the people from New Zealand was a breath of fresh air. The Kiwis, citizens of New Zealand, were always offering a helping hand or even just welcoming us into their beautiful homeland. Their positive and respectful attitude/behavior towards each other is reflected in all they do, especially business.
In Queenstown, we had the opportunity to learn and question a business that specialized in tourism for the city. He highlighted their main goal that in 2030, they want to be an emission-free city. He talked us through their actions and plans to make this happen. My initial negative opinions of the eco-friendly side of the business were easily changed after getting to hear from a local on how they deem this to be very important. Not only New Zealand but other countries need to have more movement to prioritize the preservation of their environment’s natural ecosystem. New Zealand is a prime example of how their ecological practices of business not only is sustainable for the country’s future but also the mental health of their workers.
I am so grateful to have the opportunity to study abroad at such an amazing place and learn all about what they offer.
