In an affirmation of progress and purpose, Global Women welcomes four extraordinary leaders into its esteemed ranks as Life and Honorary Lifetime Members.
The announcement recognises Dame Theresa Gattung and Dame Ranjna Patel as Life Members, and the Rt Hon Helen Clark and Hon Margaret Wilson as Honorary Life Members, celebrating their outstanding service to gender equity and inclusive leadership.
Each of these women have transformed the landscape in their respective fields, whether in the boardroom, in government, or within the heart of our communities. Their legacies continue to empower the next generation of leaders and inspire positive change across Aotearoa and beyond.
By joining the distinguished cohort of Global Women Life Members – including the Rt Hon Dame Silvia Cartwright, Dame Jenny Shipley, Mai Chen, Dame Patsy Reddy, and Professor Marilyn Waring – these leaders further strengthen a legacy of collective impact. Their recognition honours not only their past achievements but also the powerful impact they continue to make – shaping Aotearoa’s future.
Global Women CEO Katie Bhreatnach, says, “These four remarkable women have each shifted the dial in their own spheres — be it business, politics, law, philanthropy, or community leadership. Their courage and commitment have opened doors for countless others. We are honoured to recognise their legacies and their ongoing contributions to our mission.”
Global Women board member, Julia Raue, agrees: “It is a huge privilege to recognise and honour the contributions that each of these women has made in leadership and excellence; in breaking glass ceilings; and in inspiring, supporting and encouraging others to reach their true potential. Paving the way for others takes significant time and commitment, and we thank each of them for their ongoing support to our Global Women kaupapa.”
The four new Life Members will be honoured at an investiture ceremony at government house in 2026.
For more information on the announcement, click here to see the full feature on Capsule NZ.
Four women shifting the dial in leadership:
Dame Theresa Gattung, one of New Zealand’s most influential business leaders, made history as the first female CEO of a large NZX-listed company, leading Telecom New Zealand during a transformative era. Since then, her influencer has extended into philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and advocacy for gender equity in business.
“I am honoured to become a Lifetime Member of Global Women. It is very special to be recognised in this way. Throughout my life I have been driven to support other women achieve their aspirations, especially younger women.” – Dame Theresa Gattung
Dame Ranjna Patel is a pioneer in both the business and community sectors. As a founder of Tāmaki Health and a staunch advocate for culturally informed services, she has shown how innovative leadership can change lives. Her groundbreaking work in community wellbeing and restorative justice is internationally recognised and deeply rooted in compassion and inclusion.
“Being made an Honorary Lifetime Member of Global Women is both a humbling experience and a profound privilege. I am honoured to have contributed to the early vision of an organisation that has become a powerful voice for equity and leadership for women in Aotearoa.” – Dame Ranjna Patel
The Rt Hon Helen Clark, New Zealand’s 37th Prime Minister, continues to lead on the global stage. From her time at the UN to her relentless advocacy for sustainable development and gender equity, she remains a symbol of principled leadership and systematic change.
“I am honoured to become an Honorary Lifetime Member of Global Women. During my life I have worked to overcome personal challenges to my leadership as a woman, and to support other women in their quest to reach high positions and enjoy equal opportunity overall.” – The Rt Hon Helen Clark.
Hon Margaret Wilson, a constitutional trailblazer and the country’s first female Speaker of the House, has profoundly influenced New Zealand’s legal and political framework. Her contributions as Attorney-General and her work in education and human rights have had a lasting impact on the nation’s democratic institutions.
“Global Women is important because it provides support and the opportunity for women to share their experiences with each other while sharing their experience with younger women. It is through this process of sharing that women’s equality can be advanced.” – Hon Margaret Wilson.