As another International Women’s Day rolls around, we pause to appreciate some of the wise words spoken by local females leading the charge in their respective industries.
New Zealand brims with unshakable talent, strong individuality and a unique sense of pride. From actresses and bloggers to designers, authors and poets, read on to discover the new generation of creative young Kiwi women representing our nation on the global stage—there really is no place like home.
Scroll to read their sentiments on life, love, career and connection to Aotearoa below:
On life in New Zealand:
“When I come back here I decompress and exhale. There’s room around me to catch my breath.”
—Rose McIver, actor.
On diversity in New Zealand media:
“Back home I see more and more Maori and Polynesian people on screens and behind the cameras and it’s empowering. I hope to see more in the future.”
—Frankie Adams, actor.
On New Zealand stories:
“The world seems hungry for native stories, but not for the native history. We have more to offer than stories.”
—Darneen Christian, actor.
On love:
“Love is often sold as this fluffy, silly thing, but it’s not. It’s the most important thing in your life. It really determines your life.”
—Lang Leav, author and poet.
On expression:
“There have been many before me who worked hard to allow me, a self-reflective, sensitive Pisces, to unleash my pretty mild comedy on the world.”
—Rose Matafeo, comedian.
On being a New Zealander:
“I love being from New Zealand and supporting New Zealand designers and brands. We have such talent, I just want the world to see.”
—Jaime Ridge, fashion creative and stylist.
On Kiwi pride:
“The responsibility of showing the world that Kiwis work hard and are filled with humility, and having other Kiwis be proud you’re representing them makes my heart warm.”
—Xana Tang, actor.
On Kiwi ingenuity:
“We have a lot of innovators here that are breaking stereotypes and not just in fashion but across all industries.”
—Gosia Piatek (left), founder of Kowtow.
“Being based here has its obvious difficulties in terms of being so geographically isolated, however I think it’s our strength as well. It gives us a unique perspective. ”
– Maggie Hewitt (right), owner of Maggie Marilyn.
To learn more about each creatives’ journey and how they’re making a positive change in the world, pick up a copy of Fashion Quarterly Issue 1, 2019.
