Congratulations to former student Naisi Chen, Westlake Girls Class of 2011, who has become a list MP for Labour in the 2020 election. She enters parliament as one of the youngest new MPs, at just 26 years of age. Naisi came to NZ from China when she was 5.

Through her Westlake years, Naisi was very involved in cultural activities, including Symphony and Chamber Orchestras and Concert Band, and was active on the Cultural and Chinese committees.

Since completing a BA/LLB at the University of Auckland, she has gained experience in the public, private, philanthropy, community and creative sectors, sitting on various boards, such as Foundation North and Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra. She is the director of a business consultancy firm and is  Vice President of the youth wing of the NZ Labour Party.

In 2017, she was a recipient of the 2017 ANZ Community Spirit Award.

Reflecting on her time at Westlake, Naisi said:

”I am very grateful for the dedicated teachers and staff who made high school such a wonderful experience for me. It was a crucial five years that shaped me into who I am today. I received a very wholesome education from Westlake and will work to ensure that girls after me will receive those same opportunities as I continue to fight for fair opportunities for all.”