Bio / Nate wilbourne
Nate Wilbourne is a New Zealand based youth, nature, and future generations advocate & international speaker. A 2025 and 2026 Semi-Finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year, Forbes 30u30 honouree, Nate has worked with global organisations and professionals to champion the rights of people and the planet.
Titled one of New Zealands most dynamic changemakers by the New Zealander of the Year Awards, 18-year-old Nate Wilbourne is a globally recognised youth, nature, and future generations advocate. Named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2026 list and a two-time semi-finalist for Young New Zealander of the Year, Nate has emerged as a leading voice for his generation.
He has empowered tens of thousands of young people across Aotearoa (New Zealand) and internationally to take action on the issues shaping their future. Through his advocacy, Nate has worked alongside leading organisations, brought youth perspectives into national and international decision-making, and championed greater consideration of young people and future generations in policy.
An international keynote speaker and panellist, Nate has joined discussions at United Nations Headquarters in New York and spoken at conferences and events across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. He has taken the stage at The New York Times Athens Democracy Forum, the Vatican Youth Symposium, and ChangeNOW in Paris - some of the world’s largest environmental and civic conferences that bring together leaders, innovators, and experts from around the world to explore solutions to humanity’s most urgent challenges.
He is now taking that passion and drive to the Wellbeing Economy Alliance Aotearoa (WEAll), where he serves as Future Generations Lead, leading the campaign for a Future Generations Act in New Zealand. The campaign seeks to embed long-term thinking into decision-making and ensure the interests of future generations are considered alongside the needs of people today.
He is a former UWC student and a student at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, studying a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Development Studies and International Relations.
