From next year, students at the Otago Girls' High School will be allowed to wear pants, thanks to the efforts of Year 13 student Hannah King.
OGHS students Hannah King (17) and Sabrina Swerdloff (17) Photo: Supplied
Hannah developed a presentation which was delivered to the school board – and last week her request was granted.
She talks to Jesse Mulligan about how she made it happen.
Hannah won't get to the wear the pants herself as she will finish school at the end of the year, but she says it's cool seeing the positive reactions from current students.
"Everyone was so into it… for the same reasons as me. Being able to feel warm in winter and get active and maybe walk to school or bike to school instead of taking the bus."
Currently, the only other South Island high schools giving girls the option of pants are the Dunedin coed school Logan Park and Nelson College for Girls, Hannah says.
She's hopeful other schools will now follow suit.
"Pants are just practical. I would feel a lot more comfortable in class and in winter I'd feel warmer."
Hannah's message to other school students who want the option of pants is simple – just ask.
"I wish I'd put this proposal together last year. There's nothing stopping you. If you really want it and you have the reasons you can easily put together a proposal."
Hannah recommends listing the top three reasons for the change in your proposal – in her case, they were that pants are more practical, more inclusive and more suited to an active lifestyle – and also including supporting statements from other students.
