By Sam Aschebrock, Product Associate – Merchant Payments, Westpac & Rangatahi Advisory Panel Member
**The views expressed by Sam are his own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of our Leading Partner, Westpac whom Sam represents.
From working on aquaculture farms to navigating corporate banking, Sam Aschebrock has seen Aotearoa’s environment from multiple perspectives.
In this RAP perspective, he reflects on how those experiences have shaped his understanding of our connection to nature, the systems that influence it, and the role we all play in building a more resilient future.
What makes Aotearoa special to me is our deep connection to the natural environment – being close to the moana, the whenua, and having access to such diverse landscapes.
I grew up in Tāmaki Makaurau spending most of my time outdoors. My childhood was filled with Saturday morning sports, water activities, camping, hiking, and helping out on my relatives’ farm.
Like many Kiwi, these experiences instilled a deep appreciation for the environment and an understanding that we are not separate from it. We are part of it, and we have a responsibility to care for it. This way of thinking inspired me to pursue a double degree in science and commerce. Before moving into the world of banking, I spent time working in the aquaculture sector on mussel, salmon, kingfish and hāpuku farms throughout the motu. I also had the privilege of working on Aotearoa’s first maara moana (ocean garden) with Mohimohi Moana in Tai Tokerau, an initiative I remain involved with today.
In 2025, I joined Westpac NZ’s Graduate Programme, rotating through a range of teams across the bank. I now work in merchant payments, supporting and creating solutions for businesses across NZ to manage their day-to-day payments.
I first learned about The Aotearoa Circle in 2024, when Izzy Fenwick spoke at the Aquaculture New Zealand Conference in Nelson. I was inspired by the ambitious and impactful work the organisation leads across Aotearoa, and I was beyond excited when Westpac offered me the opportunity to represent them on the Rangatahi Advisory Panel. The chance to contribute to work that tackles real-world challenges - prioritising collaboration and connecting industries to achieve better environmental outcomes - is something I am deeply passionate about and incredibly grateful for.
Coming from the primary industries, I have had direct, on-the-ground experience with the environment - witnessing both the benefits and the impacts of how natural resources are used. Now, working in banking, I also see the broader system: how decisions are made, and how policy and financial frameworks can influence outcomes. This dual perspective positions me to help connect strategic decision-making with practical, on-the-ground impacts. For me, it is essential that solutions work for both people and the planet, while remaining realistic and achievable.
When I’m not working or out fishing, I’m usually running. I love endurance sports, particularly ultramarathons. While ultrarunning is an individual pursuit, it relies heavily on a support crew and is surprisingly social. My approach to ultrarunning has shaped how I approach life, and how I see my role on the Rangatahi Advisory Panel. Much of what we are trying to achieve - whether environmental restoration or systems change - is a long game. You can’t jump straight to the end goal. You need to break it down, take things step by step, and stay consistent over time. Just like running for multiple days in an ultramarathon, progress requires patience, focus, perseverance, and collaboration, especially when things get tough.
One of the aspects I am most excited about through the Rangatahi Advisory Panel is the opportunity to learn. There is a great deal to take in, particularly around how policy works and how decisions are made at a national level. The Aotearoa Circle operates at a high level, bringing together organisations from across multiple sectors - not just finance - focusing on outcomes that extend beyond financial returns. I am keen to deepen my understanding of policy and how large-scale change happens. This is an area I have had limited exposure to, so it pushes me well beyond my comfort zone - but that is often where the most meaningful growth occurs.
Looking ahead, I believe one of the greatest opportunities for Aotearoa lies in recognising how deeply our economy depends on the environment. Around 70% of New Zealand’s export earnings rely on natural capital, meaning our economic success is closely tied to the health of our natural systems. In an increasingly complex global landscape, combined with our geographic isolation, there is a real opportunity for Aotearoa to do things differently - and to continue leading globally in sustainability by creating pragmatic solutions that benefit both people and planet.
I am excited to bring my learnings from the Rangatahi Advisory Panel into my mahi at Westpac. Banks play a pivotal role in our economy and influence every sector. I look forward to translating insights from the panel into banking conversations that help create practical, environmentally positive outcomes for our taiao.
Finally, I would like to thank The Aotearoa Circle and Westpac NZ for this honour and opportunity. I am excited to contribute, learn, and be part of the journey towards meaningful change for our country.
