Kia ora, I’m currently studying towards my Diploma of Landscape Design, and this award will support me through the remainder of my studies at WINTEC. I’m deeply honoured to be the recipient of the GWNZ Susan Byrne Memorial Award, which supports women changing careers.
As a mother of two young children living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty, this award gives me the ability to focus fully on my studies and the opportunities ahead.
My earlier career path began with a Bachelor of Visual Arts, which led me into the gallery sector in both New Zealand and Australia. I held leadership, exhibition, and project management roles, as well as positions in creative development, where I was privileged to support both emerging and established artists, particularly craft-based makers, during my time in Australia.
These experiences have given me valuable skills in creativity, leadership, and community engagement, which I now bring into a new design environment. My training in landscape design enables me to build on this foundation, enabling me to deliver site-specific, creative, and practical approaches to design.
There is a growing movement of women entering trades and design, with a strong focus on supporting and uplifting one another. I hope to contribute to this community by encouraging others, sharing knowledge, and leading by example.