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 ZealandTo view all the links to the websites and documents, make sure you visit the show notes on our website. Don't forget to subscribe to this podcast, leave us a review and share this episode with your friends and family.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee.