On 19 March 2025, a dedicated group met to inaugurate NZ2125 – a 100 year vision of Aotearoa New Zealand through the lens of long term sustainability.
The meeting focused on planning a presentation about the NL 2120 program in the Netherlands and its potential application to New Zealand. Catherine and Aimee shared insights from their recent trip to the Netherlands, discussing the program’s vision for spatial planning and nature-based solutions. The group then explored next steps for implementing a similar initiative in New Zealand, including creating a consortium, securing funding, and developing a long-term vision.
You may view a recording of the meeting, and a brief written summary follows below.
| Exploring Dutch Roots and Opportunities | |
| The meeting begins with informal conversation among Madison, Aimee, and Joanna about their locations and recent travels. They discuss technical aspects of the upcoming presentation, including how to manage online questions. As more participants join, Catherine starts the formal session, introducing herself and Aimee. Catherine then shares the backstory of how she came to visit the Netherlands, connecting it to her personal journey of self-discovery, her connection to nature in New Zealand, and her desire to reconnect with her Dutch roots after her father’s passing. She also mentions a podcast recording experience at Wageningen University that led to exploring potential opportunities there.
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| Netherlands’ 100-Year Vision and Nature-Based Solutions | |
| Catherine and Aimee discussed their recent trip to the Netherlands to explore the 100-year vision of the Netherlands, NL 2120, which focuses on spatial planning and nature-based solutions at scale. They visited various pilot projects and learned about the program’s key insights across policy, finance, agriculture, nature, water, social, and human elements. The NL 2120 program is a public-private partnership with over 25 consortium partners, aiming to increase the sustainable earning capacity of the Netherlands and improve wellbeing by combining green and grey infrastructure. The program has received 110 million euros (5 year conditions for additional 40) from the Dutch Growth fund and 40 million from active partners. The team is working to develop knowledge that substantiates the cost benefits and effectiveness of nature-based solutions over time.
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| Storytelling for Deep Behavioral Change | |
| Aimee discussed the importance of storytelling in achieving deep behavioral and cultural change, using the example of the 2120 program. She emphasized the need for a well-founded, hopeful, long-term perspective in a story that provides direction and solutions to major challenges. Aimee also highlighted the need for a story in New Zealand, given the country’s unique biodiversity and challenges. She mentioned two reports, one by Ey and WWF, and another by Boffa Miskell, which identified core challenges and opportunities for nature-based solutions in New Zealand. Aimee concluded by suggesting that a unified vision could be the catalyst to bring together the various initiatives and sectors in New Zealand.
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| NZ 2125 Initiative Funding Opportunities | |
| The group discusses the next steps for the NZ 2125 initiative. Catherine outlines plans to create a consortium of organizations, issue a call for project submissions across New Zealand, and host design sessions to develop a vision and roadmap. They aim to secure initial seed funding of $250,000 to begin implementation. Joanna then explains potential funding opportunities, including the Horizon Europe program, which offers significant long-term funding for collaborative projects addressing global challenges. The presenters encourage participants to consider how they and their organizations could contribute to this initiative. Aimee concludes by sharing an inspiring vision of a thriving, sustainable New Zealand in 2125, emphasizing the need for collective action to make this future a reality. |