Introducing our new set of members for 2025—a large group of strong and empowering wāhine from unique sectors.
Learn and read more about them below.
Priyani de Silva-Currie
Technical Fellow, Beca
I am passionately committed to empowering our tamariki and mokopuna, nurturing their talent and vision to pave the way for an equitable future where they can thrive as leaders. Drawing strength from my family’s journey as refugees, I am driven to enact societal change and inspire ethnic women to overcome barriers, embrace their potential, and flourish. My mother’s wisdom taught me that leadership begins with us: ‘if not me, then who, if not now, then when?’
Achieving true empowerment requires a collective effort, encouraging women to use their voice, be visible, and reach their aspirations. My vision is for a system where equity for women is embedded in our policies, culture, societal norms, and organisational behaviours. I see a future where women seamlessly attain and retain leadership roles without unnecessary obstacles or constant proof of their worth. I am committed to amplifying women’s voices, telling stories of courage and authenticity, and ensuring my legacy inspires future leaders to ‘be the change they want to see.’
Rebecca Thorn
General Manager, Hotel Indigo Tokyo Shibuya
Throughout my career in the hospitality industry, there have been many challenges to overcome, including inequality and a lack of diversity, namely female, representation in leadership roles. My aspirations for the women of Aotearoa New Zealand are not only for them to have a great diverse representation in leadership, but to have no more barriers that have restricted or deterred women from success in the past.
The hospitality industry has many incredible career options, and I wish to see our wahine considered for, aware of and embracing these opportunities without hesitation.
Glenda Godfrey
Founder and Director, Bonfire Consulting
I aspire for our women to be equal, independent, confident and in control of their health and bodies. To see more women in leadership roles across various sectors and by giving them better access to education. I am a strong belier of having mentors to support women through their education and through each stage of their careers. This type of leadership and ‘sending the lift back down’ mentality was instrumental in giving me confidence and practical support in creating the career I have now and is essential for all women in all stages of their life.
I would like women to have a safe environment where they can live and work without fear. I support tougher laws for domestic violence, sexual harassment, and discrimination.
Building strong, supportive communities is essential for the empowerment of women. I hope to see initiatives that foster solidarity among women, providing networks of support and collaboration. Community programs that address specific needs and challenges faced by women can create a more inclusive and supportive society.
Julie Gill
CEO and Founder, Best Places to Work (BPTW)
I have always been guided by the belief that leadership is about empowering others – particularly women – to reach their full potential, and am focused on shaping a more inclusive future for New Zealand where women are represented in roles across all levels and sectors. The BPTW programme, I lead is dedicated to recognising and celebrating workplace excellence while prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion and I am deeply committed to catalysing progress for women, particularly in the workplace and in leadership.
My passion for diversity and inclusion extends beyond my professional work; it is a personal mission to create a more equitable society where women are given the opportunities and resources to succeed. I firmly believe that the future of New Zealand’s economy depends on the diverse talent we cultivate today, and that women play an integral role in our country’s enduring success and the next generation.
My long-term vision is to help New Zealand be recognised as a global leader in employee experience and for NZ to become recognised as the Best Place To Work in the world! Plus, inspire young people, especially women, to see New Zealand as a place where they can build successful careers and become leaders. By empowering people through education, mentorship, and community-building, I hope to continue to make a lasting impact on New Zealand’s workforce and its future leaders.
Tania Domett
Founder, Cogo
My aspiration for the Women of Aotearoa New Zealand is for us to have a society where access to social, political and economic power is not shaped by gender, ethnicity, sexuality, and disability.
This aspiration depends in part on a more equal, non-gendered sharing of parenting and earning responsibilities. When we start shifting the caregiver/breadwinner gender balance towards 50/50, then we will see the dial really move on pay and employment equity, and better gender representation in leadership and governance.
This requires a giant shift in gender norms and I applaud the many employers in Aotearoa who are beginning to offer paid partner leave provisions and normalise men’s roles as fathers and caregivers in the workplace. Imagine a world where “mothering” and “fathering” a child mean the same thing! It feels possible.
As for strategy? If we truly want to fast track gender equity in Aotearoa, we need to go to where the power is. Men still have the power and we need to recruit them into our mission. Above all, we need to be tactical about opportunities to make that happen. The emerging “Male Allyship” movement gets my full support because social change only ever comes about through partnership and collaboration. The patriarchy will not be dismantled by women alone.
Anna Scott
CEO, Smartshares Ltd
As a leader in the financial sector, I am deeply committed to creating a more inclusive, equitable, and financially empowered future for the women of Aotearoa New Zealand. Throughout my career in engineering, finance, and leadership, I have witnessed firsthand the power of education and support in helping women overcome barriers and succeed. My passion for improving financial literacy is driven by a belief that all New Zealanders—regardless of experience—deserve the tools to make informed investment and savings decisions.
I believe that empowering women—through financial education, leadership, and community engagement—creates ripples that will have a lasting impact on our workplaces and beyond. Through mentorship, speaking at events, and creating inclusive spaces for women to thrive, I hope to pave the way for the next generation of female leaders. Together, we can build a more balanced, inclusive future for women in New Zealand.
Lisa Te Morenga
Professor, Massey University
Professor Lisa Te Morenga (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Te Uri o Hau, Te Rarawa)
is a leader in the fields of nutrition, Māori health, and health equity. Lisa sits on the Riddett Institute Research Leadership Group and is Co Chair of Health Coalition Aoteraoa.
Lisa remains a principal investigator with Edgar Diabetes and Obesity Research at the University of Otago and an associate investigator with Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga – New Zealand’s Māori Centre of Research Excellence. Lisa Te Morenga is currently a Professor with Massey University’s Centre for Public Health Research in Wellington.
Cheyne Chalmers
Ex CEO, Ryman Health
Women are the backbone of Aotearoa. We are the ones who nurture the future and take care of the past, as well as carrying the burden of society’s poor decisions. My aspiration for women of Aotearoa is the take their rightful place as leaders, weavers and achievers. We are now facing an existential crisis and I believe that together as humans we will create a strong future for our mokopuna, and that woman will lead the way
Nicole Desonier-Agnew
Co-founder, Koru Communication Ltd
I think women can achieve anything! I have always believed we can make our dreams come true if we focus on our goals and quiet the negative chatter from ourselves and others.
If we have faith in a world where women empower each other, embrace our sisterhood, and act as ambassadors for each other – we are unstoppable.
By joining together, we can collectively protect our rights of today and build strong futures for our daughters of tomorrow.
Judy O’Brien
Head of Culture, Inclusion & Safeguarding, New Zealand Rugby
My aspirations for women are that all women – women of every shape, size and sexual orientation, culture, iwi and identity are able to live freely, to have equality of outcome, to thrive in a safe and civil society, to know that they are valuable just for being who they are, and have the freedom to grow through service to a greater good.
Catherine Jones
CEO, Creative HQ
Catherine’s aspiration for the women of Aotearoa is to foster environments where they can collaborate, lead, and thrive. She envisions a future where women are empowered to shape the entrepreneurial landscape and build impactful legacies. Through her work with Creative HQ and Global Women, Catherine is committed to creating equitable opportunities for women to succeed in business, innovation, and beyond.
Gerri Ward
Principal Consultant, Oxygen Consulting
I feel hugely privileged to have been born into this place and time, and am conscious – daily – of the opportunities that we have as wahine now that were not available to our tipuna, and aren’t available to so many women around the world still. In a world of growing divisiveness and ideological opposition, I am fiercely passionate about being a positive maverick, making the most of having a seat at the table, and showing the way for other young women coming after us.
There is nothing better than using our collective voices to show the way to a more inclusive, more sustainable world. We are lucky enough to have a voice; let’s make sure we use it to make this a better place for those who come after.
Jennifer Ross
Deputy Director Information Warfare Integration, Royal New Zealand Airforce
Embracing the diversity of thought of the youth of Aotearoa New Zealand who have fabulous and innovative ideas when it comes to managing sustainability and securing their futures. Whilst ensuring that Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its principles are securely woven in the fabric of our beautiful country.
Felicity Hill
Director, Cahill Accounting Limited
My aspiration for the Women of Aotearoa, New Zealand, is that they are fully supported, celebrated, and inspired to achieve their fullest potential. I hope that all leaders look to create opportunities for women at every stage of their careers, understanding that achieving gender equality is not only the right thing to do but also essential for progress, innovation, and a stronger future. I hope that as women leading the next generation, we emphasize that true success goes beyond financial and professional milestones and comes from leading fulfilling, balanced, and purpose-driven lives
Juhi Shareef
Founding Directot, Mission:Mārama
My aspiration is to contribute to the success of fellow wahine across Aotearoa through the lenses of sustainability and systems-change. I hope to leverage my experience as a global Executive and now start-up founder towards a more equitable and diverse Aotearoa. I am indebted to leading kuia who have shaped my thinking on decolonisation and the potential for regenerating our environment, society and economy for future generations, and I would like to offer something back to fellow wahine.
Karen Coutts
Principal, KCD & Assocs Ltd
As the first Western nation to give the right to vote to women, it is essential that Aotearoa New Zealand continues to lead the way. I want every female in this country to have the opportunity to contribute to our wellbeing and development in the best way possible for them. This means to continue to strive for a nation that recognises and deals to barriers to achievement whether they be gender, ethnicity, language, faith, class or other. Living in a safe society where every female child and adult achieves their potential is key to the success of our nation.
Kate McLellan
CEO, Auckland Radiation Oncology
Kate is a healthcare leader dedicated to improving cancer outcomes and fostering diversity in the workforce. As Chief Executive of Auckland Radiation Oncology, she leads a team delivering world-class cancer treatment, overseeing strategic growth, including the development of a new radiation therapy facility.
With a PhD in cancer immunotherapy and extensive leadership experience in pharmaceuticals, private hospitals, and oncology, Kate has influenced both healthcare strategy and service delivery. She has held governance roles, including Director positions and membership in the New Zealand Institute of Directors and the Radiation Oncology Working Group, advising on national service delivery and treatment standards.
Having held a diverse range of roles across the health and science sectors, Kate is a strong advocate for career development and progression. She actively mentors others, supporting career transitions and leadership growth. She has driven initiatives to enhance leadership pathways, strengthen parental leave policies, and expand flexible working arrangements—ensuring women can advance their careers while balancing family commitments.
Kate is passionate about shaping an inclusive future where women are empowered to lead in healthcare and beyond.
Amanda Sterling
Director, Dr Amanda Sterling
Amanda is principal Director of a consulting company dedicated to increasing gender diversity in leadership and closing gender pay gaps. She partners with organisations to identify their gender equity challenges and implement cultural changes that create inclusive workplaces where people and businesses thrive.
Her groundbreaking PhD research (completed in 2023) revealed critical insights into the experiences of mothers in leadership positions, challenging traditional leadership norms and highlighting opportunities for greater inclusion of women in leadership roles. The research findings garnered significant national attention, featuring in NewsHub, The Press, The Dominion Post, NewsTalkZB, RNZ’s The Panel, and was highlighted by Global Women and the University of Auckland.
Prior to her PhD, Amanda built a diverse career in corporate leadership development for global companies. She also founded an award-winning global community of people and culture professionals that challenged contemporary thinking around leadership and workplace culture. This work led to her book ‘The Humane Workplace: People, Community, Technology,’ which captured emerging perspectives on creating more inclusive workplaces.
During her doctorate, Amanda held key academic positions at the University of Auckland, including Professional Teaching Fellow in the Master’s programme and Lead Facilitator for the Dean’s Leadership Award – developing top-performing undergraduates into future leaders. She contributed to research spanning Environmental Leadership, Women in Entrepreneurship, and Hybrid Working, and maintains her affiliation with the Aotearoa Centre for Leadership and Governance at the Business School.
Amanda is originally from the Kaipara region but has called Tāmaki Makaurau | Auckland home for the last 20 years. She is also a proud parent to one son.
Nicki Raistrick
General Manager Digital Delivery, Vector
In today’s shifting landscape where commitment to diversity and inclusion faces new challenges, I remain firmly dedicated to championing women’s leadership and building truly inclusive workplaces across Aotearoa. Drawing from my experience across a wide range of sectors, I’ve witnessed how diverse perspectives drive innovation and create more resilient organisations, particularly where neurodiversity is understood and embraced.
I envision a New Zealand business community that advances rather than retreats—one that recognises gender balance and diverse representation as essential to our collective success. Through mentorship, advocacy and visible leadership, I commit to amplifying women’s voices, particularly in traditionally male-dominated industries. The future I’m working towards is one where diversity initiatives are fundamental business strategies, where the full spectrum of human talent is developed and empowered to lead. This isn’t about meeting quotas; it’s about building stronger, more innovative organisations that truly reflect and serve our diverse communities.
Kathie Irwin
Founder and CEO, Kathie Irwin and Associates
The nation that our tīpuna envisioned when they signed Te Tiriti o Waitangi is yet to be fully realised. The innovation that Te Tiriti speaks to has global as well as national significance. Te Tiriti can be described as: a strategic, visioning, thinking and planning document; a future proofing roadmap; a blueprint for nationhood; a compass, helping us to navigate our way; a model for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; and a framework for organizational and workforce development. We have barely scratched the surface of how we can maximise our understandings of the many ways in which Te Tiriti can enrich us as a nation.
I believe that women are natural leaders in this space – opening up the depth and breadth of vision that takes an integrated approach to development. Just as we pioneered Well-Being Budgets in this country, which took a broader view of wealth than solely economic wealth, we can be just as cutting edge in our work to create equitable pathways to the future which speak to a quadruple bottom line. Aotearoatanga will need us to weave new ways to build integrated wealth across social, economic, cultural and environmental indicators.
Māori leadership has ensured the continued existence of traditional systems of Māori education, health and tribal development which give us multiple pathways forward. These exemplars open the way for cultural diversity to be enhanced in authentic ways. Just as the model of te kōhanga reo was adopted by a range of cultures, the more we promote diverse, authentic models the greater is our chance to grow exponentially as a nation. No culture has a mandate on genius – exploring Te tiriti helps us to see how it can also be a model for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
In the recently released report on the Māori Womens Economy, Te Ōhanga Wāhine Māori, the contribution Māori women make to the economy was estimated at about $5 billion. When this was adjusted to include voluntary contributions that figure rose to over $12 billion. This is a dramatic increase, testimony of the critical roles Māori women hold in Aotearoatanga, the nation building project. Yet wāhine Māori are not always properly acknowledged for their considerable efforts.
My aspirations for women of Aotearoa New Zealand are that we will embrace kotahitanga, as women of diverse whakapapa, respecting and embracing our differences, as we work together to create the Aotearoa that Te Tiriti o Waitangi still promises us. To be included in some activities of early women’s activism Māori women had to make cultural sacrifices. For example, wāhine Māori had to sign a pledge that they would not take on Moko Kauae to join the Christian Women’s Temperance Union.
May we never again experience a time in which inclusion in any project of women’s development or empowerment requires women to sacrifice their cultural identity.
Diversity is our superpower as a nation if we harness it to futureproof our growth and well-being.
Josie FitzGerald
NZ Land and Water Leader, Aurecon
We have true gender equity in leadership, where women rise without feeling they have to conform to outdated traditional leadership models and where their strengths are valued and sought after. We have equality in the home and the workplace, where men hold as much emotional labour as women, and where our future generations of women become CEOs, trades people, Prime Ministers, doctors, Board Chairs, business owners and engineers as readily as the next person.
Lucie Drummond
Chief Sustainability Officer, Mercury NZ Limited
I aspire to see a step-change in women’s leadership across Aotearoa, built on true inclusiveness and greater representation. Critical sectors such as energy have lacked strong female leadership for too long, despite the immense value diverse perspectives bring. Elevating more women into these roles will drive better decision-making and a more sustainable future.
Beyond increasing representation, I want to see women from Aotearoa leading on the global stage—demonstrating what inclusive, values-driven leadership looks like. True progress means not just inviting women into leadership but changing the structures that have historically excluded them. If we get this right, we won’t just see more women in leadership—we’ll see better leadership.
Johanna Wood
President, NZ Football
Johanna’s aspiration for women is that women have equal opportunity but more importantly anything that she achieves will make it better for the women who come behind her, that is the door remains open for others to go on and achieve great things. Johanna continues to mentor women across many fields and believes this is a valuable contribution that she can make.
Alison Mau
Co-founder and Chief of Advocacy & Engagement, Tika
I aspire to a New Zealand where women are free from violence of all kinds, and where the shame associated with sexual and family violence has shifted to where it deserves to lie – with the perpetrators. Gendered harm, including conscious and unconscious bias, holds women back from achieving their full potential and adds to inequities like the gender pay gap, and too few roles for women in governance and leadership. We can and must do better as a country for our women and girls.
Ripeka Evans
Deputy Chair, TVNZ
“Ka mua, Ka muri” translates as “Ancient values, contemporary idiom.”
It’s a whakatauki/proverb that aligns with my purpose in life.
Respect is a great value and aspiration I have for Women of Aotearoa New Zealand. If we achieve ‘mana wahine’ we will have achieved respect for the dignity of our women. That will mean respect for humanity. To achieve that we must reach out as partners and take care of the unfinished business. We need to make Aotearoa New Zealand safe again to live, love, work and thrive in this place we call home.
Zoë Lawton
Co-Founder and Chief Legal Counsel, Tika
Zoë Lawton is Co-Founder and Chief Legal Counsel of Tika, an NGO providing a game-changing and empowering path to justice through collective reporting of sexual harassment and assault. Tika harnesses AI technology to connect people who have been harmed by the same perpetrator, initiating a free and guided legal process for collective action, with full support from start to finish.
As a social justice entrepreneur, Barrister and gender equity advocate Zoë has dedicated her career to promoting just and effective outcomes for women and men impacted by sexual violence. Prior to becoming a barrister, Zoë clerked for the Principal Family Court Judge and worked as a researcher for the Chief Victims Advisor to Government at the Ministry of Justice. She has led and implemented numerous advocacy initiatives to raise awareness of sexual harm and programmes to improve legal processes.
Meleane Burgess
Managing Director, Dynamic Advisory Limited
My aspirations for women of Aotearoa New Zealand are deeply rooted in my own personal journey and commitment to equity, empowerment and representation. I envision a society where women particularly Pacific women are given equal opportunities to excel in leadership, governance and business, recognising systemic barriers that have historically limited women’s participation in decision making roles. My fundamental belief that when women are empowered, families, communities and the entire nation thrive, and that the economic and social prosperity of our country is linked to the ability of women to participate fully and equally in leadership and governance. My long-term aspiration for women is to see greater representation of women, Pacific women in leadership and governance across all sectors of the economy and a future where women are not forced to fight for a seat at the table but are naturally included in leadership conversations and decision-making processes. The shift I believe is crucial in creating a more inclusive society that we can all thrive in. The true progress for women requires collective effort to drive systemic change and transform the culture of leadership by making it more inclusive, collaborative and representative of the diverse communities within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Laurissa Cooney
Director, Air NZ Board, Goodman, Rabobank NZAotearoa Circle
Laurissa is a Professional Director, a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants, and a Chartered Member of the Institute of Directors in New Zealand.
Her aspiration for women is that they can evolve into their fullest potential by breaking through personal belief limitations and transforming from the inside out. Genuine transformation commences from within, recognizing that mindset, emotions, overthinking, energy, language, and our actions are shaping our current reality. When one changes the foundations of their being, everything they do and the way they see the world shifts. Growing in this higher consciousness knowledge and remaining curious to this new awareness can bring about a life filled with joy, harmony, and inner peace.
Deborah Pead
Founder and Executive Chair, Pead PR
Deborah’s deep commitment to cultural understanding and nation-building through business is evident in her work integrating Te Ao Māori principles into Pead’s workplace and values. She believes in fostering a business landscape that is both commercially successful and culturally inclusive.
Her advocacy for women in business remains a defining feature of her career. Through her leadership, philanthropy, and entrepreneurial ventures, Deborah continues to champion a future where women play an integral role in shaping New Zealand’s business and cultural fabric.
“When I started Pead almost 25 years ago among the goals I wrote was to ‘create an environment that builds careers’. The training and mentorship provided at Pead have cultivated a remarkable generation of PR practitioners, with many alumni now leading agencies, founding businesses, and excelling in high-profile corporate roles. From self-starters who have launched successful consultancies to agency heads and corporate communications leaders across industries and continents, Pead has been a launchpad for talent. My early commitment to building careers is evident in the success stories of countless women who have honed their skills, gained confidence, and left equipped with world-class PR expertise. https://www.pead.co.nz/blog/creating-careers/
A key driver of this success has been Pead’s deliberate focus on fostering female leadership within the company. “Over the years, I have made it a priority to identify and support emerging women leaders, ensuring they have the opportunities, training and mentorship, and confidence to grow into senior roles. This has included tailored leadership development programs, one-on-one coaching, and ensuring women are given challenging projects that stretch their skills and prepare them for the next level.”
Beyond internal career progression, Pead has always supported women in balancing their professional ambitions with personal commitments. Whether through flexible working arrangements, return-to-work pathways for mothers, or creating a supportive environment where women can openly discuss their goals and challenges, the agency has been at the forefront of ensuring women can thrive in PR without compromise.
“I am proud of the role I have played in shaping careers, building leaders, and ultimately strengthening the industry as a whole, a true testament to the power of investing in people, particularly women.”
Aroha Campbell
Board Member, Kaitiaki Advisor, Tauhara North No.2 Trust, Taheke 8C, Upflow
Aroha Campbell has dedicated her professional life to achieving greater wellbeing outcomes for her people by being a driving force behind the successful realisation of the commercial geothermal aspirations of a large Māori Trust in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Aroha provides insight, support and advice for community and indigenous groups around the world looking to develop their own geothermal projects or wishing to collaborate with partners on geothermal developments. Additionally, Aroha is able to navigate the diverse realities of indigenous groups in a culturally appropriate way supporting and advising clients with respect to cultural considerations and when engaging with stakeholders and communicating research/commercial outcomes/plans.
Jacqueline Comer
Founder, Chief Product Officer, Areto Labs
My aspiration is for women and gender-diverse people to feel safe, empowered and heard in all public spaces—online and offline. Through my work at Areto Labs, I strive to create digital environments where people can engage in meaningful discourse without the threat of harassment or abuse silencing their voices.
A truly representative democracy requires equity, where diverse perspectives are not only included but valued in decision-making spaces. By leveraging technology to protect and amplify these voices, I hope to contribute to a world where public spaces—whether in politics, media or leadership—reflect the full diversity of the communities they serve.
Vicki Caisley
Chief People & Transformation Officer, New Zealand Automobile Association
Vicki is a transformational executive leader with over 30 years of experience in health, finance, and not-for-profit sectors. As Chief People and Transformation Officer at the New Zealand Automobile Association, and formerly Chief People & Strategy Officer at Southern Cross Health Society, she has led ambitious strategy, culture, and operating model transformations that have helped to shape some of Aotearoa’s most trusted not-for-profit organisations.
Vicki is recognised for her ability to align people and culture with long-term strategic goals. Her leadership spans governance, executive strategy, and organisation-wide performance uplift. At Southern Cross, she spearheaded the move to a scaled agile model, integrated strategy execution into the operating rhythm, and achieved top 10% employee engagement results nationally. She brings rigour and empathy in equal measure.
Tonille Crombie
General Manager, Talley’s Group Limited
Tonille has 20+ years of senior leadership experience in New Zealand export and manufacturing companies, mostly in the dairy industry. Most recently Tonille was CEO of Hall’s Refrigerated Transport and Storage, driving business turnaround and people capability development across the spectrum. Tonille has significant commercial experience, and has worked closely with people at all levels of organisations to create change and growth, both individually and as a company.
Tonille has previously held governance roles within sports organisations (canoeing), and currently Chairs the board of Manawatu Inland Port.