Giver Chat: Dawn Baggaley

As Head of Sustainability, Dawn Baggaley helps New Zealand Post do business in a way that is good for nature, good for their employees and good for communities. Dawn is also a Sustainable Business Network board member, beekeeper and a One Percent Collective giver (for over four years).

Tell us about your bees, Dawn. How did you get into beekeeping?
Bees are amazing. I have always loved veggie gardening and know how crucial bees are for pollination, and I’m not sure what came over me, but I suddenly decided I needed to keep bees. Being responsible for tens of thousands of bees was a bit scary at first; I kept looking out of the window, worrying that they were okay. I don’t think I realised how much I had to learn, how much work it would be and how addictive it would be. I can’t even eat honey, so I tend to give it to friends or take jars into work and offer them for a gold coin donation, which I give to Kaibosh. Through keeping bees, I have become even more aware of the impact of changes in the climate, and even though I work at NZ Post, I didn’t realise until I became a beekeeper that I could have a new queen sent to me by courier! 

Where did your passion for sustainability come from?
From my childhood: my mother had a severe mental health condition that was challenging and isolating. I developed a strong sense of fairness and inclusion. Social equity and justice are important to me. Nature is also very important to me – it restores, inspires and challenges me. I couldn’t live without it and I want future generations to be able to have the same opportunities to enjoy nature.

Can you share a proud moment from your career to date?
I produced and edited a New Zealand version of Change the World for $15 – a book with 50 beautifully illustrated ideas to motivate people to be more sustainable. That was when I decided to change my career to focus on sustainability. I was inspired by the UK edition of the book and wanted to make a NZ version. I got the support of a number of businesses and individuals who offered to work pro bono or at reduced rates to help me get it published. It was a proud moment when it went on sale in Whitcoulls.

Are there any social initiatives inspiring you at the moment?
I love the work that Orange Sky are doing. I worked in social housing in the UK for 10 years during a mass wave of homelessness. I am very sad to see the same issues in New Zealand today. Orange Sky vans provide a free mobile laundry service, showers and a way for homeless people to connect. They bring dignity and connection to people who find themselves on the street. 

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Very dark chocolate, gin and tonic, buying shoes and vinyl records.

What does Being Open mean to you?
It means being available emotionally. Being open to new ideas and people. Being honest and genuine.

You’ve been a One Percent Collective giver since 2015. Why?
By giving a regular donation from 1 percent of my income, I don’t miss the money and it is helpful for charities to know that there is a regular donation coming through. I am in a privileged position, but I know what it is like not to be. If I can help others through my giving to get them through tough times or support environmental work, then that makes me happy. 

– As told to Ben Woodward. Image by Pat Shepherd.

If Dawn’s story has inspired you to become a giver, join her by clicking below.