Andy Johnston
on Inspiring a Wilder Kind of Connection
For wildlife educator Andy Johnston, sustainability isn’t a delicate bloom — it’s gorse. “It’s gotten everywhere and I couldn’t get rid of it if I tried,” he jokes. That sprawling, persistent energy mirrors his own passion for Aotearoa’s wild places and the extraordinary creatures he works to protect.
Andy’s journey crystallised during his Master of Wildlife Management at the University of Otago, where he studied the Mahoenui giant wētā — an often-overlooked species that quickly became one of his favourites. “Caring for an animal most people wouldn’t think twice about changes you,” he says. “It teaches empathy and guardianship.”
Kaitiakitanga — the responsibility to protect the natural world — sits at the heart of everything he does. Whether he’s teaching in person or reaching thousands online, Andy believes wildlife education must educate, advocate, and entertain. “The world can feel heavy,” he says. “You still have to inspire hope.”
Today’s educators wear many hats — scriptwriter, videographer, editor — and Andy embraces them all, inspired by creators like @benjaminkielesinski and @cleoabram, whose storytelling blends clarity, adventure, and accessibility.
If he could shine a spotlight on one conservation effort, it would be the mahi protecting the critically endangered Pukunui southern dotterel, with just 101 birds remaining. “They deserve far more attention,” he says.
Andy’s seed of change is simple: connection. “I want everyone in Aotearoa to feel close to our taonga species. That connection is where care begins.”
His actionable tip? “Buy FSC-certified products. It’s a small choice that protects forests and the wildlife that depend on them.”
Rooted in curiosity and driven by guardianship, Andy is helping Aotearoa rediscover wonder — one species, one story, and one spark of connection at a time. Read Andy’s answers to BLOOMING Sustainability to be inspired by a wilder kind of connection.
BLOOMING Sustainability Questionnaire
Name: Andy Johnston
Company & Title: Wildlife Educator
Website & LinkedIn Profile: @andyjohnston.wildlife on Instagram and tiktok
* Guiding Values | Kaupapa
A quote, personal motto or whakataukī that reflects your vision:
Gorse, because its gotten everywhere and I couldn’t get rid of it if I tried.
A quote, personal motto or whakataukī that reflects your vision:
“If you want to be a good archeologist, you’ve got to get out of the library” – Indiana Jones
If you could mentor a rising change-maker in Aotearoa, what advice would you share?
When trying to reach and connect to people, always educate, advocate, and entertain.
* Leading Change | Arataki
A key moment in your journey that shaped your path:
Studying the Mahoenui giant wētā through my Master of Wildlife Management at the University of Otago. Caring for an animal most would consider uncharismatic, and turning them into your favourite species.
What’s the main challenge you face in driving sustainability within your sector?
Wildlife education can be appropriately dire and stressful in the world we’re in, so its important to still inspire advocacy and change however you can.
An area you need more support with:
Nowadays you have to wear a lot of hats, educator, script writer, videographer, editor etc. It can be challenging, but rewarding, learning those supplementary skills.
An Indigenous perspective you admire and want people to be mindful of:
The perspective of Kaitiakitanga. Being guardians and protecting the natural world, and the responsibility to do so.
What do you think is Aotearoa’s superpower in creating a sustainable future?
A strong foundation. The love and care is already present, we just need to feed it and keep moving forward.
* Surfing the Green Wave | Kakariki
Books, podcasts, courses or other resources that profoundly shaped your approach to sustainability:
Two accounts that shape how I make my content are @benjaminkielesinksi for his adventure and nature content, and @cleoabram for her science communication.
A sustainable initiative or project in Aotearoa that deserves more attention:
Pukunui southern dotterel. Unfortunately, there are only 101 of the species left, but fantastic work is being done to protect and conserve them.
If your work could plant one seed of change for the future, what would it be
Everyone in Aotearoa becomes knowledgeable and connected to our incredible taonga species.
The leader(s) you endorse for a future edition of Blooming Sustainability:
If you haven’t yet, Young Ocean Explorers.
* One actionable takeaway for our readers to make a change today for a brighter tomorrow:
Buy FSC products. They ensure that any wood or paper products, like books and toilet paper, come from sustainable locations rather than areas of de-forestation.
