Lola Fisher
is an award-winning advocate, speaker and youth engagement advisor, dedicated to building sustainable, youth-led systems across Aotearoa.
movement building
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youth voice
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Sustainable Systems
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movement building • youth voice • Sustainable Systems •
Growing up in the digital age, Lola noticed online platforms often misrepresented the voices of rangatahi. In response to this, at age 13, she co-founded Create Happy Media, Aotearoa’s largest youth-run media outlet.
In 2022, research conducted at Create Happy revealed that 83% of headlines about young people in Aotearoa were negative. This insight became a driving force behind Lola’s work, revealing the need for youth storytelling and positive representation.
In less than four years, Create Happy has published 450+ articles and given 120 young journalists the opportunity to interview Forbes 30 Under 30 recipients, international activists, the New Zealand Police, actors, politicians, and global leaders.
Many of these young writers have since moved into jobs in the media industry, videography with some of the largest companies in Aotearoa, and student journalism, often crediting Create Happy for their start.
Working with lead kaimahi, Mary-Lynn, on the Y25 2025 cohort launch night
Speaking at Ara Taiohi’s INVOLVE, 2025
My 2024 TEDx talk on Youth Media representation
With Tara, Y25 2024 Launch, being named on the y25 list
Receiving the young courage Award in Stockholm, Sweden, August 2025
With Create Happy Journalists, 2023
Sharing my story at the YWCA’S 2024 Y25 Launch night
With Sara, at the YWCA’S Y25 2024 wānanga, August 2024
At just 17 years old, Lola has become an internationally recognised youth advocate, known for her work building spaces where young people are supported and resourced to lead.
Since 2022, Lola has personally contributed over 8000 hours of unpaid voluntary work to youth organising and sector building, often committing more than 50 hours a week. These experiences have shaped her understanding of community care and the challenges young people face when stepping into traditionally adult spaces.
Her work has involved more than 50 organisations across Asia-Pacific, from child rights NGOs and diplomatic missions, to major tech companies and key government partners.
In 2024, she co-founded Gen-Z Aotearoa, the home of tomorrow’s leaders, creators, and changemakers. As Co-Director, her focus is on building the networks, resources, and systems that allow rangatahi-led organisations to stand on solid ground. The aim is to create long-term stability and connection for young people working at the edges of change.
Less than two years on, Gen-Z Aotearoa has reached over two million people and strengthened national youth sector capacity through training, partnerships, and cross-sector collaboration. The kaupapa is simple: when young people are supported with real infrastructure, their visions grow into movements that ultimately change the world.
Watch my 2024 TEDx Talk
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