Dr. Audrey Aumua is passionate about her new role as the first Pacific woman CEO of the Fred Hollows Foundation NZ. She was appointed in 2021, the same year that she joined Global Women. She keenly anticipates combining her love of the strategic process service to the Pacific region and supporting women on their journeys to success in both organizations.
Audrey was born in New Zealand and has returned to our shores after a celebrated 17-year career in the Pacific region with her last role with SPC where she developed and embedded strategies to support technical and public health outcomes, including women’s’ health and development. “Breast cancer and especially cervical cancer are the biggest causes of mortality in the region for women. There is limited opportunity often for routine screening and treatment which was heightened during the onset of COVID due to health systems shifting many of their resources to COVID response. In addition, COVID has exacerbated mental health issues and loss of income.”
Audrey continues: “I’m a brown girl (of Fijian descent) and I’ve always looked to large networks as sources of support. Global Women is ideal for me because I’m drawn to women with international experience in an inter-generational mix. I was fortunate that Dr. Marilyn Waring was one of my first mentors – she guided me through my first master’s degree in Public Policy – which led to my public policy career and tenure with WHO and ultimately serving as Country Representative for the Solomon Islands. I want to provide wisdom and support for other women.”
Dr. Aumua envisages a new normal in the year ahead. “What we have learnt during COVID we mustn’t lose. The caring for and safety of others has made us recognize the humanness and vulnerability of others. We must continue to support our Pacific neighbours. Women especially must have good restoration of sight as economies are building back, because women play such critical roles in community livelihoods for their nations. Eye care is believed to provide the largest return on investment of any health intervention. The Fred Hollows Foundation NZ will continue to build on its 20 years of eye health support in the region with the generous funding of the everyday New Zealander.”
We are delighted to welcome Dr. Audrey Aumua to our membership! Click here to read more on some of Audrey’s works.
On 8 February 2022, Auckland International Airport welcomed a new Chief Executive.
Carrie Hurihanganui will be the first female to lead the company in its 55-year history. Vibrant and enthusiastic about her new role, Carrie is looking forward to putting her stamp on New Zealand’s key gateway. “People are drawn to connecting and it’s our responsibility during COVID to provide a seamless journey while keeping everyone safe. Auckland airport was the first airport in NZ to achieve the Airports Council International’s Health Accreditation and be designated a Quarantine-free Travel Airport through proactively meeting the key health requirements.”
Carrie hails from Chicago. 32 years ago, she came to New Zealand on a vacation where she met her husband, Steve. In 1999, Carrie became a flight attendant with Air New Zealand, where she rose through the ranks to become Chief Operating Officer. “Air New Zealand was a great training ground for my new role. They do a good job of investing in leaders while keeping customers as their prime focus.”
Carrie joined Global Women in 2019. She was drawn to our organization by the opportunity to influence, and to learn from the network of incredibly talented women. “We need to break down the silos and systems that hold women back. Our numbers are disproportionate; 30% on boards, 25% in senior leadership. It’s important that young women have role models to inspire them to fill principal roles.”
What does Carrie aspire to for Auckland International Airport? “The organization’s 30-year master plan will play a role in New Zealand’s recovery in trade and tourism. There needs to be economic and aviation revitalization. Fortunately, the airport has an incredibly passionate and capable team. However, COVID has forced us all to adapt and flex to the new environment; business continuity is challenged, HR systems are not designed for contraction, digital technology must lead the way. And we’ve all been impacted personally. How do we find the balance?”
Watch this space! Carrie Hurihanganui’ s professional drive and determination will renew and change the gateway to Aotearoa New Zealand.
Dr. Hinemoa Elder, MNZM, is a thoughtful, intelligent trailblazer in diverse arenas who views the world and particularly Aotearoa NZ, through a perceptive lens, especially during COVID. “Even within whānau, parents’ experiences are different from their rangatahi, and their kaumātua. Economics, women and children’s issues, health inequalities, and stress have all been heightened in this pandemic. In our Global Women membership, there are a great many high achieving women who expect to get on with things; we have been through hardships and we feel resilient. However, research is showing that resilient people can crash with changes that feel out of control. I urge you to really look after your own health and wellbeing.”
Hinemoa is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, specialising in youth forensic and neuropsychiatry of traumatic brain injury as well as being the former Māori strategic leader for Brain Research New Zealand. Her whakapapa is Te Aupōuri, Ngāti Kurī, Te Rarawa and Ngāpuhi. She is deeply committed to te ao Māori. “We need time and resources to reclaim our language because we delve into intergenerational grief, and a lot of issues around that. There remain a range of perspectives and experiences for tangata whenua, and key areas that continue to keep Māori in an inequitable status. As members of Global Women we can explore the meaning of support. I would love to see GW take an increasing lead on the mixed processes that delay Māori getting access to meeting our needs.”
Hinemoa has a new book being published in October 2022. It’s a companion to her beautiful publication of whakataukī and whakatauākī, Aroha, that serves to remind us all of our connection to the planet, and to the past. “Aroha reflects on ancient and contemporary wisdom through the eyes of our people, and their observations of the natural world. And, there’s a caution here; a boot up the backside for our role as guardians! I would love to contribute to Global Women’s conversations in this arena, as we have a unique position in New Zealand where we can lead and influence.”
In closing, a whakataukī for us all: “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini” My success is not mine alone, it is the success of the collective.”
All interviews and stories written by our Editor in Residence, Jenni Prisk (Global Women Member)