Graduate Women Otago

22/03/2026

We are proud to share the following reflection from our member, Anna Campbell, and to celebrate her recent engagement with the international stage at the United Nations in New York. Anna’s contribution at the 70th Session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women is a remarkable achievement, and we are delighted to recognise and support her work.

A very special International Women’s Day at the UN Commission on the Status of Women 70th Session in New York.

As an NGO representative with ECOSOC accreditation we provided comment for the Agreed Conclusions on the theme of access to justice. I urged the negotiators to include climate, education, and sustainable action as a means for justice in the draft.

Thrilled this was added and passed this week. Now our role is to hold governments to account - peace and equal pay for equal value being top of the list.

In joining National Council of Women as a teenager I signed on to uphold Kate Shepherd’s legacy in gaining the women’s right to vote. It’s because of many fairy godmothers over the past decade I got to not only attend this occasion, but a seat at the table, and a voice.

Thanks for the support to travel for this moment Graduate Women Otago 💗

1. NGO Session
2. Malala
3. Ms. Sima Bahaus
4. Princess of Genovia

21/03/2026

✨ Music of the Night ✨

Two of our Young Members, Phoebe Rose Osborne and 2025 Travel Award recipient Rong Zhang, will be performing at Olveston Historic Home on the 10th and 11th of April.

The evening will be a medley of Opera, Art Song and Musical Theatre. With only limited seats available, this is a great opportunity to support our Young Members with an unforgettable night of music.

Bookings at: https://www.olveston.co.nz/visiting-olveston/events-calendar

Olveston @ Six - Music of the Night

Friday 10 & Saturday 11 April 2026
Olveston Drawing Room
Doors Open: 5:45pm | Performance: 6:00pm
$50 per person
Only 40 tickets available!

Three gifted classical singers will perform a selection of beautiful Opera, Art Song and Musical Theatre pieces over two evenings. Rong (Alicia) Zhang is an Otago PhD student studying under Tessa Romano and Terence Dennis. Kieran Kelly and Phoebe Rose Osborne have recently completed their BMus at Otago University. Our singers are accomplished performers, award winners and finalists in major vocal competitions. Rong Zhang placed 2nd in the recent Nicholas Tarling Competition, Kieran Kelly is a PACANZ Winner and Phoebe Rose Osborne was a finalist in the Southern Aria Competition 2025. Our wonderful singers will be joined by the esteemed and accomplished pianist Sanaz Rezai.

Come along and enjoy a magical evening the 'Music of the Night' at the beautiful Olveston Historic Home.

Limited seats—book now and be part of this unforgettable musical experience!
Bookings at: https://www.olveston.co.nz/visiting-olveston/events-calendar

18/02/2026

🌸 International Women’s Day Breakfast – 6 March 🌸

Graduate Women Otago is delighted to partner with the Staff Women’s Caucus (SWC), who are hosting this year’s International Women’s Day Breakfast at Perc Plaza Café from 7:30–9:00am on Friday 6 March.

Aligned with the 2026 theme, Give to Gain, we’re looking forward to hearing from Jackie Bannon (The Bowling Club), who will share reflections on community, generosity, and the impact of giving in practical, everyday ways.

🎟 Cost: $28 (includes light breakfast, juice, and tea; barista coffee available to purchase)

🗓 Register by 5pm Friday 27 February using this form: https://forms.office.com/r/e2nW6rw4nW

Join us as we celebrate, connect, and continue the conversation around women’s leadership and empowerment.

21/01/2026

This weekend, Graduate Women International is hosting an online event for Young Members, and we are delighted to take this opportunity to celebrate one of our very own. Our GWO member Menna will be taking centre stage as a speaker on this international stage.

Menna brings nearly a decade of experience across academia, higher education, and information technology, with a strong focus on sustainability and women’s empowerment. In this talk, she will share insights from her research on electric vehicle adoption and reflect on her research journey and her applied systems work in information technology, highlighting why people-centred, inclusive leadership matters for sustainable change.

24/12/2025

🎄 Christmas Eve wishes from Graduate Women Otago 🎄

This Christmas Eve, we wish all our members a very warm and happy Christmas. Thank you for your support and commitment throughout the year — it has been truly appreciated.

We hope the festive season brings you rest, joy, and special time with loved ones, and for those travelling over the holidays, we wish you safe and happy journeys.

With warm wishes from Nadja Baker, President, and the Graduate Women Otago Committee ✨

21/11/2025

Congratulations to our new GWO President Nadja Smith and her GWO Committee. Nadja has served as GWO Vice President and Co-convenor of the Youth Committee 2024 - 2025 and we look forward to an exciting 2026 year with Nadja and her team:

Vice President: Barbara Benson

Membership Treasurer: Julia Lawrence

Membership Co-ordinator: Phoebe Rose Osborne

Young Members Coordinators: Phoebe Rose Osborne and Julia Camilli

Committee members: Margaret Bahr, Shirley Gillett, Jules Gross, and Linda Robertson, Academic Dress Accountant: Christine Clegg

Charitable Trust Accountant: Christine Clegg

We also welcome aboard our newest Committee Member Julia Camilli. Julia introduces herself here - 'I’m originally from Brazil, but after spending a semester of my undergraduate degree at the University of Otago, I knew it was the right decision to return to beautiful New Zealand to pursue my PhD. I hold a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy and am currently working on targeted therapies for colorectal cancer treatment.
Outside of science, I try to stay active and enjoy the sunshine whenever it’s around. Since moving to Dunedin, I’ve taken up surfing and usually catch waves in Brighton or Aramoana (safely away from St Clair big waves and its pro surfers!) When the water gets too cold, I switch to playing basketball with the Andy Bay Falcons team (B/C grade).
I’m very excited to be part of the Graduate Women Otago Branch and look forward to the year ahead!'

(Photos include Nadja, Barbara, Phoebe Rose, Julia, Shirley, Linda and a group photo)

31/10/2025

31/10/2025

Last night was my final meeting as President Graduate Women Otago. It has been an honor and a pleasure working with our GWO committee. Significant milestones include substantial increases in young graduate membership growth, the build of the new GWO website, and over $100k distributed in travel scholarships, community grants and funding awards. Congratulations to our incoming Graduate Women Otago President Nadja Elizabeth Smith, Vice President Barbara Benson also the Graduate Women New Zealand - GWNZ Charitable Trust Chair, to Dr Shirley Gillett Vice President Education and a GWO Committee member, and to Linda Robertson Advocacy, Jules Gross Gowning Manager, Julia Lawrence Membership Finance, Margaret Bahr Speakers Coordinator, Phoebe Rose Osborne Membership and GWO Young Member's Co-Convener, Christine Clegg GWO Treasurer and welcome to our newest GWO Young Member Co-Covenor Julia Constantino Camilli.

A special 'thank you' to our wonderful guest speakers over the year, including Jane Malthus, our AGM Guest Speaker last night, for her excellent presentation. Jane is passionate about her work, she captivated our members with her interesting insights into the world of fashion and glimpses into the fascinating character and life of Eden H**e.

Thank you to our members for your continued support. Please stay engaged and connected. Exciting things are happening!

Tofa Soifua, Otila Osborne

28/10/2025

Important! Rescheduled AGM this Thursday 30th October 7.30pm Benham Seminar Room. Jane Malthus Guest Speaker & Supper provided. We look forward to seeing you there👏 Graduate Women Otago committee

23/10/2025

Hi Everyone! URGENT MESSAGE FOR TONIGHTS AGM:

Tonight’s AGM for GWO is postponed due to the weather in Dunedin, and the advice from the University of Otago for people to remain inside. Exams for this afternoon have been cancelled. We will advise of a new date for the AGM.

Hope everyone is keeping safe!

08/10/2025

Check out our GWO website to follow the Graduate Women International - GWI news updates - https://www.gwotago.co.nz/news/events