As the host city for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, Hamilton Kirikiriroa recently launched its Girls with Goals campaign to showcase the strengths and achievements of local Waikato waahine, including a couple of Whaaingaroa stars.
The aim of the campaign is to promote gender equality, diversity and inclusion with the hope of inspiring others to create and smash their goals.
Raglan surfer Brie Bennett and surf photographer Leonie Anholts share the limelight with nine other inspirational women have been chosen to celebrate the community by capturing their stories and goals and include:
An influential and inspirational figure in the Waikato surfing community, Brie’s surfing life began at age 10 when she joined the Raglan Area School surf programme.
More than a just successful competitor, her leadership potential was recognised at school, where she encouraged and supported younger students and was head girl in her final year. She has continued this role by mentoring and supporting keen young women surfers, instilling confidence and providing guidance both in and out of the water.
Her dream is to see more girls at home in the waves, challenging the male-dominated nature of the sport.
Having had success at both national and international competitions, Brie is chasing her goal to represent New Zealand at the 2028 Olympic Games.
Originally from the Netherlands, Leonie Anholts fell in love with Raglan and decided to make it her home as well as a source to feed her passion for surf photography.
Leonie’s work is making a positive difference in the Waikato community and beyond, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging everyone to embrace their own connections with the ocean.
The achievements of these women will be shared through public displays of empowerment with a city-wide dressing leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
The full line up of Girls with Goals can be found at girlswithgoals.co.nz. The 11 women featured here are only a few of many who have positively impacted and inspired our community.
