Zoe McElrea — Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts — University of Otago

Zoe is an asexual woman, who is passionate about working towards positive change for the communities around her. To her, representation and recognition of the voice of these groups that traditionally aren’t recognised is very important. This is most clear through her involvement in the 2022 Youth Parliament, where she represented queer youth in rural areas, particularly emphasising the need for access to better mental health care.

Zoe is also involved in her local community, serving last year as Academic Prefect, the Student Representative on her School’s Board of Trustees, and as a Panelist on the Otago Community Trust Otepoti Youth-Led Fund. Through these, she aims to create access to every possible opportunity for others.

Zoe also participates in a wide range of extracurriculars, including dance, netball umpiring, and debating, where last year she helped captain her school team to victory in their local competition. Zoe and her brother are also National Champions in the Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition. In her limited free time Zoe loves getting outdoors, tramping and swimming, but can also be found reading avidly, expressing her creative streak through watercolours, or spending time with those that she loves