At just 17 years old, Christchurch Girl’s High Head Girl Bethany Crossan has challenged and inspired leaders in the education system around New Zealand.

Her goal is to lift rangatahi Māori, providing opportunities and ensuring their voices are fairly represented.

Girlboss New Zealand recognised this kaupapa, as she received the Inclusion Award, sponsored by LPC.

Girlboss Awards are about identifying young trailblazing women, with 10 awards across various categories.

Bethany was chosen by LPC’s Chief People and Culture Officer, Lesley Fleming who says she stood out because of the remarkable results she has achieved.

“The effort she has put in is inspiring and she has a clear talent to influence those around her. She is incredibly humble too, and I am proud to acknowledge her journey with this award.

Bethany is not afraid to speak up about the issues she has faced, presenting at the Aotearoa New Zealand Histories panel hosted by the Ministry of Education.

“As the rangatahi voice, I highlighted how the curriculum is vital for our generation to understand the past to move forward,” says Bethany.

“I was then invited to speak at a Canterbury Primary Principals’ Association conference with my fellow school leaders. I challenged principals to consider how their kura was honouring Te Tiriti and the detrimental impacts of generalising Māori.”

“At this stage in time, people value rangitahi voices; I think it gets the message across when they hear what has happened in our lives and that we want change.

“It’s powerful to speak at these events and challenge these principals. I hope that they take these ideas back to their schools.

While Bethany tackles issues nationally, she also believes that on-the-ground work is just as important, creating Te Reo resources for staff, students and the community, such as a kupu of the week.

Bethany is also looking to grow rangatiratanga in the next generation.

“I volunteer as an assistant kapa haka tutor at my previous primary school, growing the tamariki’s poi skills. I also mentor their Kaiārahi Māori group to help the tamariki become confident speakers and Māori leaders,” says Bethany.

The journey has also involved some tough conversations, with not everyone wanting to get on board.

“Often negative comments can come from a lack of understanding of the history of Aotearoa, Ti Tiriti and how that still impacts today,” says Bethany.

“Sometimes, those comments hurt, so I’m lucky to have a lot of amazing role models who are Māori and Pacifica leaders. It is helpful to watch them navigate that space, learn from them, and get their support. There are lots of mana wahine in our corner.”

Next year, Bethany plans to study at university, combining her passion for commerce and Māori.

“I took economics in year 9 for fun, and ever since, I have loved it. You can see economics reflected in everything around you. The Government’s decisions have such big impacts on us – it’s real life,” says Bethany.

She would eventually like to work in the public policy space to help influence government policy to keep advocating for Māori.

“This drive has been a big part of my life over the last three years, and I think it will continue to be in the future,” says Bethany.