An accomplished actor, puppeteer, playwright and set designer, Talia has built an impressive career in the arts since graduating from Dio. After completing a Bachelor of Creative Technologies at AUT, she co-founded Hand Pulled Collective, an independent theatre company dedicated to bringing community stories to life through visual theatre. Her award-winning production Pork & Poll Taxes, which evolved from a Year 13 drama monologue she wrote while at Dio, premiered at The Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, in 2021. More recently, Talia appeared as Mei-Ling in the acclaimed New Zealand feature film Tinā.
Speaking to students at the awards assembly, Talia encouraged them to embrace opportunities and trust the process of discovering their path.
“Just start doing. Give things a go,” she said. “A career is a journey that changes and evolves as you learn more about yourself, and the only way to do that is to try things out.”
Track cycling champion Prudence Fowler has combined sporting excellence with outstanding academic achievement. A member of the New Zealand Women’s Endurance Squad, Prue has competed on the international stage, earning medals at World Cup and World Championship level. She has recently been named in the New Zealand team for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Alongside her sporting success, Prue holds a Bachelor of Business and a Bachelor of Health Science from AUT, was named on the Dean’s Honours Roll, received the AUT Sports Scholar Award, and is currently completing a master’s degree in psychology at Massey University.
Reflecting on her journey, Prue spoke candidly about resilience and embracing uncertainty.
“Resilience can look like just accepting help from the next person who offers it to you,” she said.
She also encouraged students to take time to appreciate their achievements. “Don’t rush the exhale. Give yourself a minute to refocus.”
Reflecting on her varied experiences, Prue added, “I have been on a wild goose chase of a journey. It’s okay to change direction, and to not know where the path ahead will lead.”
Established in 2002 by the Diocesan School Heritage Foundation, the Women2Watch Awards recognise alumnae who are making an exceptional start in their chosen fields while demonstrating leadership, character and service. Presented annually at a school assembly, the awards give students the opportunity to hear firsthand from inspiring young alumnae and learn from their experiences. Through their achievements and willingness to share their journeys, Talia and Prue exemplify the purpose of the awards and demonstrate the many pathways a Dio education can make possible.
