Rochelle O’Connor
Kia ora, ko Rochelle tōku ingoa. I whakapapa to Hong Kong and Otago and was born and raised in Tāmaki Makaurau. Spanish has been a passion of mine since I was 13, and I’m now fortunate to be studying it formally at university, as part of my Global Studies and Law degree. My love for Latin America comes from Latin music, the warmth and generosity of its peoples, and my interest in Indigenous and non-Western worldviews.
This will be my very first time in Latin America — and the first time I’ve ever travelled outside the Asia-Pacific! I can’t wait to soak up Chilean culture and history, challenge myself in speaking Spanish every day, and experience the beauty and diversity of the places I’ll visit. I’m also excited to explore how Aotearoa and Chile can connect and grow together, through business, trade, and sharing knowledge about caring for our people and planet.
I feel incredibly privileged to embark on this journey, and I look forward to sharing my experiences with you and my community back home.