Sitting in traffic and feeling like nothing ever changes is a special kind of slow burn, so we went looking for someone who’s doing the opposite: getting his hands dirty and thinking long-term. Our guest Michael Carter is an architectural designer in Tauranga, a native bush restorer on weekends, and a 2026 candidate for The Opportunities Party. The thread that ties it all together is simple: build systems that make good choices easier, whether that’s in a forest, a city, or Parliament. We start with something unexpectedly revealing: why festivals like Tomorrowland feel like stepping into a more positive world, and what that says about human behaviour and community. Then Michael takes us down his track into a largely unseen piece of native forest, where he’s trapped hundreds of pests and is aiming for predator-free in ten years. We talk biophilic design, mental health, and why regular time in nature can reset your week far better than another scroll on your phone. From there we get into the policies and the politics, without the usual theatre. Michael explains Citizens’ Income and Land Value Tax, how they might work together, and why shifting incentives could help with poverty, cost of living pressure, housing affordability, and entrepreneurship in New Zealand. We also dig into Tauranga’s rapid growth: infrastructure, public transport, intensification, mixed-use neighbourhoods, and the mindset change required to get cars off the road. Finally, we explore Citizens’ Assemblies as a practical tool for tackling hard issues with evidence, education, and consensus, plus how becoming a dad sharpens the motivation behind all of it. If you care about urban design, environmental restoration, pragmatic politics, and a future-focused Tauranga, this conversation will give you plenty to argue with and plenty to take seriously. https://www.opportunity.org.nz/candidate-michael-carter Subscribe, share this with a mate, and leave a review so more Kiwis find it, then tell us in the comments: what would you change first if you could? Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed on this podcast are solely those of the individual author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Bolton Inc. Did something in this episode spark a thought, change your perspective, or hit close to home? I'd love to hear your story. The most interesting responses might be featured in an upcoming episode. Your voice matters to this community. Support the show www.boltoninc.co.nz
