Sir Rob Fenwick was many things – an environmentalist, businessman and relentless advocate for the whenua.

Before his passing in 2020, he helped lay the foundations for one of the most ambitious missions of our time: restoring the natural capital of Aotearoa New Zealand so future generations may thrive.

Sir Rob’s incredible mahi was founded on the principle of partnership. He saw a future where business, government, science and tangata whenua would work together to restore nature, guided by shared responsibility and the principles of kaitiakitanga.

That future became the vision for The Aotearoa Circle - an idea born in conversation with Vicky Robertson, strengthened by the leadership of Sir Jonathon Porritt, and grounded in the 2019 Environment Aotearoa report. From its inception, The Circle has reflected Sir Rob’s belief that prosperity in Aotearoa must be rooted in guardianship of our land, water, and biodiversity.

He once said, “It is reasonable to predict that in 100 years, our biological economy would be bankrupt. It’s a horrific legacy to bequeath future generations.”

Sir Rob didn’t just sound the alarm - he helped design the solution. The Circle is his legacy: a platform for courageous leadership, meaningful collaboration and action that can turn the tide for both our country and nature before it is too late.