Three UHC students and their Ako teacher, were invited to Parliament to celebrate International Women's Day. Year 13 student, Sofia Johnson, gives us her take on the inspiring day where she was joined by Ellie Cowley, Emily Blackadder and Ms Hofsteede.

Start of day

International Women’s Day 2024 began with a chorus of yawns from Year 13 students. Following a wake up time of 4am, the three UHC representatives piled into Ms. Hofsteede’s car and made their way into the Capital. 

Darkness still coated the empty streets of Wellington as the group made their way to the Beehive while revelling in the unique nature of this opportunity. 

March 8th is International Women's Day and to celebrate this year, Parliament partnered with the wonderful Zonta group to host a breakfast. Zonta is a group dedicated to improving gender equality and their theme for this event was to “Inspire inclusivity”. As our representatives found their seat in the Grand Hall, spirits were high in anticipation for the experience to come.

In Parliament

Once at Parliament, our representatives found some hot drinks, a few tea bags and were presented with a warm vegetarian breakfast. The meal itself was delicious, with Sofia ending up with mushrooms and tomatoes from all over the table, however, this was nothing compared to the speakers themselves. 

The first speaker of the morning was Louise Upton. As the Minister of Women, Upton was able to inspire our representatives urging them to be the leaders of tomorrow. 

Next was Dame Farah Palmer. Palmer used haka to guide us through her rugby journey, inspiring all those who listened to make space for women voices wherever you go. 

After Palmer's inspirational speech, the “Chia Sisters” Chloe and Florence Van Dyke graced the stage. They explained all the trials and tribulations they have encountered as women running a sustainable organic drinks business. With a sample of one of their drinks, our representatives can confirm that their efforts resulted in excellence. 

To finish the women's breakfast “Coach to the Stars” Dame Miranda Harcourt made her entrance. Harcourt not only used her “rizz” on the Mayor of Wellington, but entertained with stories of Zonta's impact on her youth and her colourful career.

What we learned/took away from the experience:

This was a very valuable experience that we all feel very lucky to have been chosen for. The speakers were very inspirational and successful in their own fields. It was an enlightening experience and we all found ourselves inspired to be the best we can be. We were all very grateful that we were provided with the opportunity to go to such an amazing event.