Leadership Network member fighting for a fairer future

Teresa (right) in front of the scultpure The Knotted Gun, or Non-Violence, at the United Nations headquarters in New York

Teresa took part in the United Nations’ 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

“It was a chaotic and sobering time to talk about this, given all of the global socio-economic and political changes,” Teresa says.

“What stuck in my mind were some sessions about displacement, digital gender-based violence, unpaid care work, and global pushback against women’s rights and participation. I went to one about Afghanistan, where the Taliban is in power, rolling back women's rights and trying to erase them from public life.

“In 2023, there were 170 armed conflicts and 612 million women and girls in conflict zones. A quote that I heard was: ‘None of us are free until all of us are free’.”

Teresa was at the UN representing the YWCA Tāmaki Makaurau, featuring in the organisation’s NGO Parallel Event co-hosted with the Māori Women’s Welfare League and PACIFICA Inc.

The event brought together a panel of young indigenous wāhine to speak on harnessing Aotearoa’s youth leadership to address gender equity barriers — drawing strength from the rich legacy of peaceful resistance and collective action across cultures.

Teresa: "It was a chaotic and sobering time to talk about this, given all of the global socio-economic and political changes."

In Aotearoa, Teresa supports the YWCA’s ‘Gender at Work ’ programme, designed to support Kiwi businesses to work towards intersectional gender equality and drive change in the workplace.

“We currently work with 45 members across various industries – companies including Air New Zealand, Russell McVeagh, Southern Cross Healthcare, Fonterra and Tonkin+Taylor - and we’re always looking to grow our community.”

She is also responsible for administering the ‘Gender Tick’ accreditation.

“I help assess if a company is meeting criteria around reporting their gender and ethnic pay gaps, sexual harassment policies, paid parental leave for both partners, period products and having a guide for people experiencing menopause at work,” she says.

Earlier in the year, Teresa ventured to Anakiwa, a remote spot in the Marlborough Sounds at the eastern tip of the South Island.

There, she attended a 21-day Outward Bound course, which she describes as “epic”.

“It was a once-in-a-lifetime, transformative experience. I think many people who come back from Outward Bound would say that,” she says.

“The course really challenges you in all the ways that it can - physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually.

“It was also a great reset because you don’t have your phone, books or music. You even spend three days camping under a tarp by yourself and getting surprise visits from possum friends.”

Teresa: "It was a once-in-a-lifetime, transformative experience. I think many people who come back from Outward Bound would say that."

Her course intake was a special one. Known as the ‘Southern Cross’ course, it was developed in conjunction with the Human Rights Commission and runs once a year to purposely bring together young people from diverse backgrounds.

Teresa found herself running, sailing, rock climbing, tramping and tackling other outdoor adventures alongside 12 other watch members, many of them from refugee or migrant backgrounds.

There was opportunity to share personal stories, and the watch became like a close-knit family.

“Some of the people in our group had only come to New Zealand in the last few years,” she says.

“Everyone in the group volunteers in their communities, trying to make things better and contribute to their home in Aotearoa."

It was a reminder for her that people bring different stories and perspectives to the table, and there is strength in that diversity.

It also helped her prioritise what matters to her looking forward.

“It reminded me of what’s important to me and what I care about - to honour people’s unique strengths and play my part in creating a just world,” she says.

Teresa: "The [Outward Bound] course really challenges you in all the ways that it can - physically, mentally, socially, and spiritually."

Teresa’s passion is also influenced by her family’s own immigration story.

“My family are Hakka people from Guangdong in China. They immigrated to New Zealand a bit before I was born.”

While she jokingly describes herself as a “JAFA”, the experience of being a Chinese New Zealander has shaped her worldview.

“I feel very grateful that my family sacrificed everything they knew to bring me here,” she says.

“We know that New Zealand is only becoming more diverse. I want to contribute to creating a multiculturally inclusive place where everyone can celebrate their own culture and bring those values to what they do.”

Teresa learned early that fairness can’t be taken for granted. She’s always had an instinct to stand up for what’s right and believes in the importance of respecting everyone’s rights and voices.

“When I was growing up, my mum used to tell me, ‘You’re going to have to work 10 times as hard as everybody else to get to the same place because you are a Chinese girl. Things may not be as easy for you because of how you look and how people might stereotype you’.”

Teresa reflects on key people who supported her at different stages of her leadership journey, opening doors to opportunities and showing compassion and belief in her.

As an adult, she works to continue dismantling those same systemic barriers.

She sees her membership with the Leadership Network as a chance to work alongside other passionate young people to help shape a fairer future.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation Leadership Network equips the next generation of Kiwi leaders to thrive in Asia. We provide members with the connections, knowledge and confidence to lead New Zealand’s future relationship with the region.