Global Women is honoured to be hosted at Government House Auckland by Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Cindy Kiro, GNZM, QSO, Governor-General of New Zealand, for a distinguished celebration recognising the extraordinary wāhine being acknowledged as Life Members and Honorary Life Members in 2025.
This ceremony pays tribute to leaders whose vision, courage, and transformative influence have shaped Aotearoa – and who continue to strengthen the kaupapa and future of Global Women.
This year’s inductees join a legacy that includes trailblazers such as the Rt Hon Dame Silvia Cartwright, Dame Jenny Shipley, Mai Chen, Dame Patsy Reddy, and Professor Marilyn Waring.
Together, they represent the powerful collective impact of women whose leadership has shifted the dial for equity and opportunity.
2025 Life and Honorary Life Members
Dame Theresa Gattung
Celebrated business leader and philanthropist whose leadership and advocacy have opened doors for women across Aotearoa’s commercial landscape.
Dame Ranjna Patel
Pioneering health-sector and community leader whose culturally informed and compassionate innovations have changed lives across the motu.
Right Hon. Helen Clark
Former Prime Minister and global changemaker, recognised internationally for her leadership in sustainable development, public service, and gender equity.
Hon Margaret Wilson
Constitutional reformer, former Attorney-General, and influential architect of New Zealand’s contemporary legal and political framework.
These four remarkable wāhine represent leadership that is principled, courageous, and deeply impactful – in boardrooms, government, communities, and on the global stage.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Time: 10:30am (arrival between 9.45am-10.15am)
Venue: Government House, Auckland
RSVP: By Friday 30 January 2026
About the Celebration
This gathering brings our community together to honour and celebrate the profound achievements of our newest Life and Honorary Life Members, and to reflect on their legacies which continue to influence Aotearoa’s leadership landscape.
We warmly invite you to join us for this significant and uplifting occasion, as we acknowledge wāhine whose leadership inspires, endures, and strengthens the future of Global Women.