I’ve travelled further than most water bottles ever will.
Before I met Kiersten, I was simply a reusable water bottle sitting on a shelf. I had no idea I’d become a companion on New Zealand adventures, from everyday runs to one of the country’s most iconic hikes, the Tongariro Crossing. I carried water through volcanic landscapes, past lakes and trails that showed Kiersten the incredible environments that make New Zealand so special.
I never expected that one day I’d cross the world with her to the University of Leeds.
At first, I was nervous.
A journey from New Zealand to the United Kingdom is a big one. I knew travelling overseas would leave an environmental footprint. But as I watched Kiersten prepare for her exchange, I realised she was not trying to be a perfect traveller; she was trying to be a thoughtful one.
Growing up in New Zealand, Kiersten has always felt connected to the natural environment. From exploring trails and spending time outdoors, she understands that the places we visit are more than destinations. They are environments and communities that deserve care.
This connection grew stronger through her involvement in the Young Enterprise Scheme, where she helped create Mahurutanga Scents, a wellbeing business inspired by the Māori value of kaitiakitanga; guardianship and care for the environment. Through sustainable packaging choices and responsible suppliers, she learnt that meaningful change begins with small decisions.
When we arrive in Leeds, my journey will continue.
I’ll join Kiersten through lectures, walks around the city, and adventures as she explores her new home. She knows sustainability is not about avoiding travel altogether; it’s about making conscious choices and reducing impact wherever possible.
Around Leeds, Kiersten plans to walk, cycle, and use public transport whenever possible. When exploring beyond the city, she hopes to choose lower-carbon travel options by using Rome2Rio to compare routes and Eurail to travel by train across Europe where possible. These slower journeys will allow her to appreciate the landscapes and communities between destinations.
Sustainable choices will also continue in everyday life. With resources such as Too Good To Go and Foodprint, Kiersten hopes to reduce food waste, and support businesses working towards a more sustainable future.
During her exchange, Kiersten hopes to learn from the University of Leeds’ sustainability initiatives and bring new ideas back to New Zealand. As a Management and Marketing student, she’s interested in how organisations can encourage responsible choices and create positive environmental and social change.
The UN Sustainable Development Goals will guide this experience, particularly SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
When we return home, I may look the same as when I left. But this experience will have changed us both.
My purpose was never just to carry water.
I’m here to carry a reminder that every journey leaves an impact, every choice matters, and everyone has the ability to make their footprint a little lighter.
References
https://www.rome2rio.com/
https://sdgs.un.org/goals
https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-nz
https://www.eurail.com/en
https://sustainability.leeds.ac.uk/
