Aotearoa, our awesome little slice of paradise, has a seriously epic history filled with equally as awesome wāhine toa who have left their mark on the world.
To celebrate the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 heading to our shores this month Eyes on NZ have gathered a list of 23 epic New Zealand women who have smashed some seriously impressive firsts, both on and off the sports field.
These incredible wāhine are a powerful reminder of our nation's unstoppable drive to break new ground and lead the way, no matter what.
PARRIS GOEBEL
A force to be reckoned with in the world of dance. Starting out in her aunt's garage in South Auckland, she has risen to unimaginable heights, even directing the legendary Superbowl Halftime Show earlier this year. This dance maestro has won the World Hip Hop Championship not once, not twice, but three times!
MERATA MITA
A true trailblazer in the world of filmmaking. This talented woman wore multiple hats as a filmmaker, producer, writer, and key figure in the Māori screen industry. With eight siblings and seven kids of her own, she used her lens to tell the stories of her people and decolonize the screen. Oh, and she was also the first indigenous woman in Aotearoa to write and direct a drama feature.
SOURCE: Eyes on NZ
LYDIA KO
At the age of 17, Lydia claimed the title of the world's best golfer, all while still being under 18. Yep, she was already dominating the professional golf scene while most of us were still in high school. Way to show 'em how it's done!
HELEN THAYER
A gutsy explorer who fearlessly took on some of the planet's most extreme environments. She even climbed alongside the legendary Sir Edmund Hillary! From frozen tundras to scorching deserts, Helen challenged herself and became the first woman to solo trek to the magnetic North Pole on foot. Now that's what we call a true adventurer!
SOURCE: Eyes on NZ
The awesomeness doesn't stop there. This squad of 23 wāhine toa is just getting started.
Also in the list, you’ll find the world's first registered nurse, an astronomer who cracked the code on how galaxies evolve over time and fearless women setting world records in flying, sailing, and mountain climbing.
So let's raise our voices, cheer on these incredible wāhine, and show the world why Aotearoa is the place where history is made. Check out all 23 wāhine firsts HERE.
