🌏 Speaking Out for What We Believe In
Ever look at the world and think, “Where do I even start?”
You’re not alone. Things can feel a bit gloomy out there — too many problems, too little time, and sometimes it feels like nobody’s listening. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to fix everything all at once.
At JOT (Just One Thing), we believe real change starts small. If each of us does just one thing a little more sustainably — and speaks up for the change we want — those little things add up to something powerful. 🌱
🗣️ What’s Advocacy, Anyway?
“Advocacy” might sound like a big word, but it’s really just about standing up for what matters.
According to the Centre for Social Impact NZ, it’s about “making a case for change to those who can do something about it.”
That could mean:
✅ Signing a petition for a cause you care about
✅ Writing to your local councillor or MP
✅ Joining a peaceful protest or community campaign
When people come together like that, it’s people power in action — and it really can move mountains.
🚐 Local Legends: Oamaru to Palmerston Shuttle
A brilliant local example? The work of Trevor Goodin and his amazing team, who’ve been campaigning for a public transport link from Oamaru to Palmerston (connecting on to Dunedin).
Through sheer persistence and teamwork, they’ve achieved in six weeks what officials couldn’t in years — and the result? A trial shuttle service that could make sustainable transport more accessible for everyone. 👏
Trevor and his group also helped make the health shuttle to Dunedin Hospital a reality. Proof that a few determined voices really can create positive change.
🗳️ Make Your Voice Count
If you haven’t voted in local or regional elections yet — now’s your moment. Every vote is a chance to support leaders who care about sustainability and community wellbeing. And with national elections coming up next year, our collective voices matter more than ever. 🗳️
🌬️ Sustainability Hot Topics You Can Speak Up About
Here are just a few areas where your voice could make a difference:
⚡ Climate & Energy
Push for faster renewable energy rollout — more wind, more solar, and fair pricing for local power generation. We need reform that balances speed and environmental care.
🚌 Local Transport
Support the six-month Oamaru–Palmerston shuttle trial! Every seat filled sends a clear message to the Otago Regional Council that public transport matters for regional sustainability.
🛒 Supermarkets & Plastic Waste
Encourage supermarkets to stock local produce, use less plastic, and offer refill options.
👉 ActionStation Aotearoa currently has a petition calling for updates to the Waste Management Act — check it out!
☕ Single-Use Waste
Plastic bag and straw bans were a great start — but there’s more to do. Taking your reusable coffee cup or container to cafés and takeaways sends a strong message: we care.
🔧 Repair & Reuse
Support the Right to Repair movement. It’s about letting us fix our electronics, appliances, and farm gear affordably — instead of tossing them. While we wait for the bill to return to Parliament, visit your local Repair Café and keep those well-loved items going.
👕 Fashion That Lasts
Say no to ultra-fast fashion. Choose NZ-made, slow fashion, or textile recycling instead. Each choice helps push the industry toward sustainability.
💪 Choose Your “Just One Thing”
When it all feels too big, just pick one.
One campaign, one letter, one petition.
Maybe you’ll write to your local supermarket about plastic packaging, or support the shuttle trial, or lobby your MP for repair rights. Whatever it is — doing something is always better than doing nothing.
If we all use our voices consistently and respectfully, we will be heard.