Personal story: Maisy Bentley

Maisy Bently was the planned keynote speaker for the 2021 HSR conference, which was replaced with a smaller awards event due to COVID-19. We sat down with Maisy and she shared her personal story and message of inspiration for health and safety representatives.

Described as a ‘trailblazer’, Maisy has been concerned with social justice from a young age and has taken a particular interest in women, young people and mental health. Now working as an Executive Officer for the United Nations Association of New Zealand, Maisy has already made great strides in inspiring others.

Whilst studying towards her Bachelor of Laws and a Bachelor of Arts degree at Victoria University, Maisy was awarded the Outstanding Youth Champion award and the Most Inspirational Young Person of the Year for her work in youth development, mental health, and women's empowerment.

Maisy has faced chronic illness, bullying and mental health issues, but uses these experiences to empower others through multiple writing platforms and professional public speaking. Maisy’s talk is relevant for health and safety representatives as she helps us to see the importance of the rep role in speaking up, empowering others, and making a difference for good.