Maisy Bentley

Biography

Maisy has significant achievements under her belt both academically and in practice, including being named “Outstanding Youth Champion” by the New Zealand Minister for Youth, “Most Inspirational Young Person of the Year” by the Pride Award Trust and “Young Leader of the Year” by the World Federation of United Nations Associations. She, however, likes to introduce herself as a young woman trying to change the world and have fun doing it. Maisy is changing the world through her work in public international law, socio-legal research, not-for-profit governance and advocacy. Maisy’s most recent work in public international law is as an intern at UNHCR’s Multi-Country Office for Australia New Zealand and the Pacific. Her previous work includes participating in several sessions of the UN’s Commission on the Status of Women and being the Executive Officer of the United Nations Association of New Zealand. Inside the classroom, Maisy has excelled at her studies, completing a Bachelor of Laws (First Class Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts (Majoring in Development Studies and Minoring in Māori Studies). She received the Thomson Reuters Prize for the Top Student in Contract Law. Outside of the classroom, research Maisy contributed to has been covered in the media, published in academic journals, and engaged with by the New Zealand Parliament’s Regulations Review Committee. Maisy’s not-for-profit experience has ranged from sitting on the national board of the YWCA, one of the oldest women’s organisations in the world to volunteering with the Wellington Community Justice Project, providing advocacy and legal information to prisoners. Maisy often shares her knowledge and experience whether it be through a Ted X Talk, keynote speeches at large conferences, small speeches at local schools or charity events, or delivering guest lectures. When it comes to fun, Maisy enjoys being active, especially outdoors and spending time hiking, kayaking or at the beach. She also enjoys connecting with friends and family over good food and coffee and treasures creative outlets like drawing, knitting, jewellery making and cross-stitching.