The Art of Awareness

Caring for People and Place

Through the above activities, I offer a path (especially for multidisciplinary leadership teams in parks, recreation, tourism and health) to bridge these silos, moving awareness to action, to support a caring culture, wellbeing design and resilient adaptation during times of change. Very simply, I (re)-connect people, culture and nature to care for people and places.

While there are others who scrape the surface, I bring a unique approach with depth and context. I connect people, culture and nature (through art, science and nature-based approaches) to redesign for social, economic and environmental wellbeing.

Who has benefited?

I am particularly passionate in supporting multidisciplinary leadership teams co-designing for adaptation and resilience in the blue economy. I have worked with architects, tourism operators and conservation groups to name a few. You can learn what others say here.

Who am I?

Tēnā koutou. I’m Dr Debbie Early. I have lots of academic credentials, but my true learning has come from lived experience in five countries, bringing theory to practice; from walking in the shoes of those we wish to serve and from unlearning. I'm learning that it is not so much about acquiring knowledge, but how we embrace our responsibilities with this new wisdom. I've worked internationally in multiple organisations, in industry, academia and non-profits across urban and rural environments, mostly in the areas of health and wellbeing.

I used to live in an urban environment helping people feel better in a variety of different ways; this included encouraging them to spend time outside in the ngahere (forest). On the weekends I often volunteered and walked in forested nature preserves.

After a series of difficult life challenges, I moved to a cabin surrounded by thousands of hectares of conservation land. Now I live in a forest environment; it’s an area people come to in an attempt to feel better. On the weekend I sometimes catch the boat to town.

Through workshops. facilitation, consulting and events I provide significant contributions and share invaluable insights bridging the gaps across multidisciplinary teams and research to practice, providing a framework to support a caring culture, wellbeing design and adaptation during times of change. You can learn more here.

I look forward to meeting you soon. Kia ora. ~ Debbie

Nature-based Approaches for a Resilient Future: Bridging the Gaps

Nature-based Approaches for a Resilient Future: Bridging the Gaps

What is the Challenge?

Adaptation & Destination Management

Workshops

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Forest Immersions

Facilitation, Research, Co-Design

Forest Immersions

Caring for People and Place

Who has benefited?

Who am I?

Sustainability Development Goal # 14

Ki uta ki tai From the mountains to the sea

Testimonials

Examples of Current & Previous Memberships/Collaborations

Photo Gallery