Join us for the 12th Annual Dame Dorothy Fraser Lecture, an evening celebrating the contributions of women to public life, leadership, education and social change.

TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE FOR $34.05 each ($30.00 + $4.05 fees)

Hosted by Ingrid Leary MP, this year’s lecture features acclaimed author and educator Pauline Vaeluaga Smith, in conversation with Hon Carmel Sepuloni.

Pauline Vaeluaga Smith is an author and educationalist of Samoan, Tuvaluan, Scottish and Irish heritage. After training as a teacher in Dunedin and later lecturing at the University of Otago, she has dedicated her career to education and community development. She is currently Director of the Murihiku Māori and Pasifika Cultural Trust in Invercargill.

Pauline is the author of the award-winning My New Zealand Story: Dawn Raid (2018), which was a finalist in the New Zealand Book Awards for Children and Young Adults and received the Best First Book Award. In June 2026, she released the highly anticipated sequel, My New Zealand Story: Dawn Raid – The Apology, continuing the powerful story of one of New Zealand’s most significant social and political chapters.

The evening will explore Pauline’s work as an author, educator and advocate, and reflect on themes of identity, belonging, justice, resilience and the importance of preserving and sharing our histories.

Programme
Doors open: 4.30 pm
Wine, fruit juice and canapés (included in ticket price)
Guests seated by: 4.55 pm
Lecture begins: 5.00 pm