Leading from the front
In Ōtautahi, a new movement is taking shape – one designed to uplift the next generation of wāhine leaders across Te Waipounamu.
The 03 Leadership Collective, founded by Mackenzie Wills and Ruby Love-Smith, was created to inspire, empower, and enable young wāhine to step confidently into leadership. At its core, the organisation focuses on equipping young women with the tools they need to lead – both in their communities and in their own lives.
“It’s about giving women the education and the skills that they need to be leaders in their community,” says Ruby.
The idea for The 03 Leadership Collective came after the pair noticed a gap. Many leadership opportunities for young women were centred in the North Island, leaving those in the South Island underserved. “We had a mindset of, we may as well fill it, rather than waiting for someone else to come along and fill it,” says Mackenzie.
The name reflects that purpose. “03” refers to the calling code for Ōtautahi Christchurch and the wider South Island, anchoring the initiative firmly in the mainland.
As a youth-led feminist organisation, the collective focuses on advancing leadership and civic participation for rangatahi wāhine aged 13 to 21. Through workshops, mentorship, advocacy, and community initiatives, the group aims to create meaningful pathways for young women to thrive.
Importantly, the work recognises that barriers to leadership are not one-size-fits-all. Young wāhine in rural communities, small towns, and urban centres often face different challenges, shaped by both gender and geography.
This year marks an exciting step forward, with the launch of their podcast, The Power in Us. Designed to spark honest, down-to-earth conversations, it explores leadership, confidence, identity, and the real-life challenges young women face today.
Alongside this, the team is preparing for a launch event that will bring together young leaders, changemakers, and community advocates from across sectors, creating space for connection, conversation, and collaboration.
The pair are also taking their work into schools through Lead Like Her – a targeted leadership initiative supporting young women across the South Island. Through interactive workshops, events, and online programmes, the project aims to build confidence, strengthen leadership capability, and create a supportive network for young wāhine stepping into leadership on their own terms.