International Women's Day Event 2025

Women Who Lead, Lift, and Inspire – Aoraki Women’s Fund IWD Event

The power of a room full of women supporting women is something special - and on Saturday, 8th March, that energy was in full force at the Aoraki Women’s Fund International Women’s Day event in Timaru.

Laughter, storytelling, and a shared passion for accelerating action filled the night as we celebrated the women who lead, lift, and inspire those around them.

Honouring Our Woman of the Year – Roselyn Fauth

This year, we were proud to present the Aoraki Women’s Fund Woman of the Year Award to Roselyn Fauth - a woman whose work in arts, heritage, and community spaces has left a lasting impact across South Canterbury. Whether through C-Play, WuHoo Timaru, or her dedication to local history and creative projects, Roselyn has given people new ways to connect with their community, their environment, and each other.

You can read more about Roselyn in these two articles courtesy of The Timaru Herald and The Timaru Courier.

Stories of Strength and Resilience

The night’s speakers took us on two very different journeys - but both shared a common thread: courage in the face of challenge.

Kaitlyn Tucker, an international Muay Thai champion, kicked things off with a raw and real account of her fight career. She shared what it takes to step into the ring - not just physically, but mentally - and how she now coaches and mentors others to find their inner strength, both in sport and in life.

Then came Margie Foster former Silver Fern, elite coach, and mentor. With a mix of humour, wisdom, and heartfelt honesty, she spoke about her breast cancer diagnosis and how it shaped her outlook on leadership and resilience. She reminded us that challenges, whether on the court or in life, don’t define us - how we respond to them does.

Our MC, Felicity Collier, tied everything together beautifully, keeping the room engaged, entertained, and inspired.

A Community That Shows Up

Beyond the powerful stories shared, the event was a testament to the generosity and heart within our region. The raffle was overflowing with donations from incredible local businesses, and new and familiar faces filled the room - proof that our network of support continues to grow.

A huge thank you to our sponsors, supporters, and everyone who attended. Your belief in the Women’s Fund and the power of uplifting women makes events like this possible.

As we reflect on this evening, let’s carry the message forward: step up, take action, and continue to create opportunities for women to thrive.

We look forward to coming together again at the Women’s Fund Impact event later in the year.

– The Aoraki Women’s Fund Team