Zoë
“There is something inspiring about every woman I have met.”
Zoë goes out of her way to make others feel comfortable and cared for. She is a loyal and reliable friend who is always there - whether it be for an adventure, a wine, a place to stay or a shoulder to cry on. Meet Zoë. This is her story.
Zoë on a sunny day (her happy place)
P: Please introduce yourself
Z: My name is Zoë and I’m 24 years old. I’m currently living in Wellington, New Zealand but I was raised a few hours away in Whanganui.
P: How do you spend most of your days?
Z: I am a physio in Wellington city. I’ve been doing this for 2 years now, and I love it. I’m really passionate about helping people reduce their pain and rehabilitate after injuries. It’s also amazing to make connections with so many people.
I absolutely love where I live. Outside of work I spend a lot of time with my friends. I’ve been so lucky to make such an amazing group of friends in Wellington. We have lots of fun together and I always feel supported. We love doing short hikes, going to cafes, gigs, and often just enjoy being in each other’s company at our flats. I’m also really lucky to live with 2 lovely girls and have a beautiful view of Welly from our lounge. I like keeping fit by going to the gym, running, and playing netball. I’m trying to spend more time reading. Last year I started regularly meditating and I’ll be focusing on this again this year.
P: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that has defined you or made you stronger?
Z: I grew up in Whanganui, NZ in a family of 5. I have an older sister, Anna, and a younger brother, Jacob. My mum Maree is a caregiver for toddlers and my dad Doug is a taxi driver. As a teenager I found my first passion - swimming. I was up early 5 mornings a week and competed at nationals. Swimming challenged me both physically and mentally, and I feel it has helped shape me in to who I am today. I became determined, self-motivated, and resilient. We had a little swimming family and made so many good memories together out of the pool too.
When I was in my final year of high school I became an Aunty to the beautiful Ruby. My sister had moved home and I spent many afternoons with baby Ruby. Being an Aunty is one of my favourite things.
I left Whanganui after high school to go and study physio. I chose this because I really wanted a career where I could help people and I was interested in how the body works. I moved to Auckland for 3 years. In my final year of Uni, I moved home to Whanganui to complete my clinical placements. After graduating, I decided to follow my dream of moving to Wellington.
I secured a job and dad helped me move into a flat with people I didn’t know. Although I thought I would be happier than I’d ever been living my dream in the big city, this was not the case. I fell into a depression and had to reach out for help. Things got better and I’m proud of myself for making it through that time. Probably the best part of 2019 was that my nephew Cooper was born. He is such a fun, gorgeous little boy and I love going home to spend time with him and the rest of my family.
P: What advice would you give to your younger self?
Z: Stop trying to fit in. Be yourself. The people who are important will love you for who you are and it will be effortless. You don’t have to be liked by everyone to be happy.
P: What matters to you most?
Z: My family definitely matters the most. They are always there for me and I would do anything for them. I call my mum when I am happy, sad, stressed and so on, and know she will always have something wise to say. I’ve always had a strong calling to become a mother too.
I also really value my friendships and helping people.
P: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
Z: She probably doesn’t even realise it but I really admire my beautiful sister. She is a strong, driven, independent woman. She is the best mum to my niece and nephew.
I can message her anytime and know she will have something reassuring yet practical to say. If she was sitting next to me right now I would tell her how proud I am of her and I’d give her a big hug.
P: What does being a woman mean to you?
Z: Being a woman is so many things. Women are strong, brave, kind-hearted and deeply empathetic. Women support and encourage each other. There is something inspiring about every woman I have met.
Women spread love around the world. My favourite Māori proverb is “He aha te mea nui o te ao. He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata”- “what is the most important thing? It is the people, it is the people, it is the people”