Giao Ngoc Tran

Giao started her New Zealand education at an early age, arriving from Vietnam with her family and settling in the Hawke's Bay. She remembers with warmth the families who first welcomed them into the community.

"My most influential years were at high school in Napier. I got on really well with my teachers - I made magnificent friendships. I was so unsure at 13, aware of being of a different race and wanting to be like everyone else. Lesley, my clothing teacher, saw qualities in me and nurtured me into who I am now - not just with clothing skills, but also life skills. She taught me respect for myself, for my parents, and to understand my situation. This education, including support to enter competitions, is what gave me a good foundation and a strong belief in my self."

Giao went on to complete the Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design and Technology at the Wellington Polytechnic. Now, self-employed as a fashion designer, she owns her own business - Giao - designing formal, work and casual women and menswear, situated in the heart of New Zealand's capital city, Wellington.

With her international background, Giao loves the quality of lifestyle that New Zealand offers. "Here I can own my own business. I play volleyball twice a week. I can be active, breathe in fresh air, go out for hot chocolates, drive my own car to where I'm going and get a park - this is all such a natural part of the New Zealand way of life."

Giao would love to work internationally in the fashion industry, but hesitates to leave New Zealand. "I do like the quality of life here - I have a flat with my own large room, I can buy luxury foods. Fruit is so sweet and full of taste. Every morning I wake up and see the sea."