Now is the time to do away with shyness, close the door on tall poppy syndrome, and celebrate those inspiring women you know who are actively shaping a brighter and more diverse future for New Zealand.
Nominations are now open for the fourth annual Fairfax and Westpac Women of Influence Awards.
The awards celebrate the most influential women shaping New Zealand’s future across 10 categories: Board and Management, Public Policy, Innovation and Science, Business Enterprise, Diversity, Young Leader, Community/Not for Profit, Arts and Culture, Rural and Global.
Candidates will be judged on their demonstrated vision, leadership, innovation and action in and beyond their field, as well as on their impact and how it was achieved. They will be women who are batting for change – be it in their workplace, their community or among their peers.
You can nominate either yourself or those women you consider to be inspiring and game-changing leaders.
Global Women member Joan Withers received the Supreme Award in 2015, recognised for her work championing board diversity and striving to close the gender gap in business. She is a strong advocate for getting more women into board of director positions and is part of the 25 Percent Group, which aims to see female membership on boards at 25 per cent by 2015.
Three other Global Women members picked up category awards in 2015 – Linda Jenkinson for Business Enterprise; Frances Valintine for Innovation and Vicky Robertson for Public Policy.
Fairfax Media Managing Director, Simon Tong says the Awards are dedicated to highlighting women who have committed their time and energy to help shape New Zealand.
“With the growing success and popularity of the Awards, we’re looking forward to seeing the calibre of entries in 2016. We’ve met many incredible women over the past three years, and I hope New Zealanders will get on board and nominate the women in their lives who deserve the recognition.”
Westpac NZ Chief Executive, David McLean adds: “We’re delighted to add a lecture and again include the forum in the Awards programme. There are now even more opportunities to hear from a number of Women of Influence alumni and be inspired by incredibly strong, motivated and passionate women.”
To nominate a Women of Influence, and for further information – including details of the judging panel visit womenofinfluence.co.nz.
Nominations close on 15 July 2016. Finalists will be announced on 22 August, with the awards gala dinner to be held on 12 October.