Congratulations to Josie Butcher, recipient of a grant from the Yvonne A. M. Smith Charitable Trust to pursue postgraduate study in law.

Growing up in rural New Zealand and as the first in her family to finish high school and attend university, Josie once saw a legal career as out of reach. Now working in the legal field, she views the law as a powerful tool for positive change, particularly for the communities that raised her.

Josie hopes to pursue a Master of Laws or Bachelor of Civil Law at the tertiary institution of her choice, where she can build her advocacy skills, deepen her understanding of international law, and bring that knowledge back home. Her work so far has focused on structural issues in New Zealand’s criminal justice system, indigenous rights, and access to justice for rural communities.

Inspired by the wāhine toa in her own family, Josie is driven to continue their legacy of service—equipped with the skills and qualifications to help drive meaningful change in Aotearoa.