Michael Mayell founded Cookie Time, one of New Zealand’s best-loved brands, in his early twenties and has gone on to create multiple successful businesses since then. However, Michael’s focus is now much bigger than simply building businesses – he’s on a mission to build a prosperous New Zealand where both people and the environment flourish.

Michael is spearheading a number of social enterprise initiatives including Drinkable Rivers NZ, which pushes for more than the government’s current target of making 90% of New Zealand rivers swimmable by 2040. Drinkable rivers – a crazy thought!

In this episode we discuss:
• Michael’s backstory and journey to his more recent way of life, including his plant-based diet
• The story of Cookie Time – from humble beginnings to striking gold with the business concept
• Drinkable Rivers NZ campaign, their current work on the Avon river and future direction for the organisation
• Michael’s passion for hemp as a versatile and eco-friendly material and a nutritious food option for New Zealand
• The need for a local and sustainable food system in New Zealand

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