Introducing our new members for October 2025 – a vibrant group of wāhine making their mark across sectors, disciplines, and communities. We are thrilled to welcome these inspiring leaders to the Global Women whānau. Each brings a compelling story of leadership, influence, and dedication to creating a more inclusive and prosperous future for Aotearoa.
Jess Morgan-French
Jess is an equity-focused health leader and CEO of Collaborative Aotearoa, driving transformation across Aotearoa’s primary care sector. She champions digitally enabled, culturally responsive, whānau-centred care and leads initiatives that improve access, equity, and workforce capability across general practice. Jess chairs the AI in Primary Care Working Group, guiding ethical AI integration, and has led national projects including telehealth, workforce development, and the Ngā Hononga Ora conference. She is a mentor and coach, building capability in emerging leaders and supporting wāhine across the health system. Jess’s leadership is grounded in Te Tiriti o Waitangi, relational collaboration, and a commitment to creating lasting, inclusive impact. Her reason for coming to work is to ensure communities, leaders, and teams thrive through equitable, innovative, and connected health services.
Davina Henderson
Davina Henderson is a respected leader in Aotearoa New Zealand’s commercial property sector, with extensive experience across commercial, industrial, and retail markets. As National Director of Strategic Business Development at Bayleys Real Estate, she drives growth and strategic initiatives across multiple service lines, while previously shaping nationwide expansion at Colliers and Precinct Properties. Her leadership spans both national and international impact, including cross-border collaboration through the Colliers APAC Task Force, and pioneering sustainability initiatives such as founding and chairing the Colliers New Zealand Sustainability Task Force. Davina is a passionate advocate for gender equity and inclusive leadership, mentoring emerging leaders and championing diversity in the sector. She combines strategic foresight with operational agility, using her influence to build high-performing teams, elevate industry standards, and foster a more sustainable and inclusive commercial property landscape in New Zealand.
Emma McLean
Emma McLean is a mother of three and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business helping organisations retain and grow their working parent talent. She partners with corporates to deliver self-leadership programmes, executive coaching, and keynote speaking, drawing on her extensive experience in corporate strategy in New Zealand and the UK. Emma is a passionate advocate for equity in the workplace and for normalising senior part-time roles, founding initiatives such as the NZ Part Time Power List and her podcast How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty. She is committed to creating workplaces where parents, particularly mothers, can thrive without compromising career progression. Emma’s work is grounded in integrity, collaboration, and a drive to open pathways for others to lead, succeed, and be recognised.
Denise Hartley-Wilkins
Denise Hartley-Wilkins is a seasoned leader in people development, organisational culture, and leadership capability, with extensive experience across commercial, government, and not-for-profit sectors. As founder of Shine People Consulting, she champions inclusive leadership, equity, and building high-performing teams, and has shaped national policy and international HR standards. Denise is a recognised mentor, speaker, and author, supporting hundreds of women and emerging leaders through coaching, training, and advocacy. Her work combines practical insight with a values-driven approach, creating workplaces where women and underrepresented groups can thrive and lead with confidence.
Colleen Upton ONZM
Colleen Upton ONZM is a trailblazer in plumbing and gasfitting, with over 30 years of leadership and impact. As GM and Director of Hutt Gas and Plumbing Systems Ltd, she champions diversity in trades, mentoring apprentices and employing one of the largest groups of female plumbers in the country. She has held key governance roles, including President of NAWIC and Chair of the Apprentice Reference Group, and has been honoured with the ONZM and NAWIC’s Helen Tippett Award. A passionate advocate for equity and inclusion, Colleen continues to create pathways for women in male-dominated industries.
Joey Rogers
Joey Rogers is a visionary leader in Māori education and cultural empowerment. She leads one of Aotearoa’s most influential kaupapa for wāhine, fostering identity, wellbeing, and academic excellence through a te ao Māori lens. A teacher, kapa haka expert, and cultural strategist for over three decades, Joey has shaped generations of wāhine Māori leaders. Her waiata and haka, performed nationally, reflect her artistry and commitment to indigenous culture. Joey’s leadership spans education, corporate, and community spaces, bringing relational, intergenerational, and unapologetically Māori guidance. She champions a future where wāhine Māori leadership is not the exception—but the expectation.
Fiona Bycroft
Fiona Bycroft is the Co-Founder and CEO of Naut, a pioneering cleantech company driving the transition to electric propulsion in the marine industry. With a career spanning heavy industry, international operations, and innovation, she combines deep technical expertise with bold, future-focused leadership. Beyond scaling Naut and delivering zero-emission marine systems, Fiona is a strong advocate for women in engineering and leadership, actively creating pathways and visibility for women in male-dominated sectors. From boardrooms to industry conferences, she is recognised as a trailblazer who challenges norms, drives culture change, and leads with both conviction and empathy.
Tessa Auelua
Tessa Auelua is General Manager of Containers and Engineering at Ports of Auckland, where she leads operations, planning, and engineering teams in a sector traditionally dominated by men. With a background that includes senior executive roles at Air New Zealand, she is recognised for her authentic, inclusive leadership and ability to drive large-scale transformation. A proud Pacific leader, Tessa is a visible role model and mentor, championing diversity and wāhine leadership across the supply chain and beyond.
Claire Waghorn
Claire Waghorn is Sustainable Transition Leader at Christchurch Airport, where she drives world-leading decarbonisation, biodiversity, and renewable energy initiatives, including the pioneering Kōwhai Park. A systems thinker with expertise spanning law, governance, and diplomacy, she has represented New Zealand on global sustainability stages from COP15 to COP28. Recognised internationally for her leadership in climate and aviation, Claire combines kaupapa Māori values with technical excellence to shape inclusive, future-focused solutions. A passionate mentor, she champions pathways for wāhine in sustainability, infrastructure, and governance.
Komal Mistry-Mehta
Komal Mistry-Mehta is Chief Innovation & Brand Officer at Fonterra, where she leads global innovation, brand, and digital functions. She is also a board director and serves on the Prime Minister’s Science, Innovation and Technology Advisory Council, helping to shape the future of food and sustainability. A strong advocate for women in STEM and equity in leadership, Komal is committed to building inclusive environments where diverse voices are empowered to lead and thrive.
Laina Raveendran-Greene
Laina Raveendran is a global leader in social entrepreneurship, inclusive finance, and systems change. As co-founder of Angels of Impact, she has championed women and Indigenous entrepreneurs in the “missing middle,” achieving rare success in mission-driven finance while mentoring wāhine and Pacific leaders here in Aotearoa. Her career spans CEO and board roles across tech, green energy, and telecommunications, alongside global influence in Internet governance, sustainable business networks, and impact investing. Recognised as an Edmund Hillary Fellow and award-winning compassionate leader, Laina brings a unique blend of international experience, equity-centred advocacy, and deep partnerships with tikanga-led Māori capital networks-making her a powerful advocate for women’s leadership and regenerative models of economic empowerment.
Penny Harrison
Penny is an experienced executive coach, leadership facilitator, and owner of Communicate Consultants, where she has partnered with leading organisations across Aotearoa for over 20 years. With a client base spanning corporate, public, and not-for-profit sectors-including long-standing relationships with Global Women partners such as Fletcher Building, BNZ, and PWC—she is known for her ability to support leaders at pivotal moments and design impactful leadership programmes. Alongside her professional mahi, Penny has contributed extensively to governance and community leadership, serving as board chair for both primary and secondary schools, volunteering in sport and youth mentoring, and championing pathways for wāhine leadership. Her warm, honest, and collaborative approach has made her a trusted partner for leaders navigating complex challenges and opportunities.
Lisa Oakley
Lisa Oakley is a people and culture leader with over 20 years’ experience in HR and Health & Safety across major organisations including Spark and Air New Zealand, alongside advisory work with not-for-profits and SMEs. As Founder of People Associates, she has pioneered a cooperative consultancy model that enables senior women professionals to work flexibly while delivering strategic impact for clients across Aotearoa and Australia. A coach, mediator, and respected advisor to boards and executives, Lisa is known for her principled, values-driven approach to leadership, equity, and workplace transformation. Passionate about creating inclusive, high-trust environments, she is committed to ensuring women’s leadership is not the exception but the expectation — and to building people systems that are both high-performing and human-centred.
Simonne Eldridge
Simonne Eldridge is a visionary environmental engineer with over 35 years’ global experience across New Zealand, Australia, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the UK. As Executive Advisor at Tonkin + Taylor and Technical Director, she has led multidisciplinary projects shaping sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience. A Fellow of Engineering New Zealand and the UK’s Institution of Civil Engineers, Simonne advises government, iwi, and industry on climate policy, circular economy frameworks, and engineering education. Renowned for inclusive, values-driven leadership, she champions diversity, sustainability, equity, and the integration of mātauranga Māori in engineering practice.
Alison (Ali) Adams
Ali Adams is a visionary executive leader with over 30 years’ global experience driving transformation across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. As Chief Executive of ChristchurchNZ, she has been instrumental in repositioning the city as one of Australasia’s most vibrant, liveable destinations-delivering catalytic projects, attracting significant investment, and championing regenerative tourism and climate-positive strategies. Previously Regional Director for Europe at New Zealand Trade & Enterprise and Consul General in Hamburg, Ali brings deep expertise in international trade, cultural diplomacy, and economic development. With a career spanning Unilever, New Zealand Cricket, and senior trade leadership, she is known for fearless vision, inclusive leadership, and an unwavering commitment to empowering wāhine, advancing equity in STEM, and building bold futures for Aotearoa’s communities and economy.
Kristy Redfern
Kristy Redfern is an experienced executive, lawyer, and director with more than 20 years’ leadership across the financial services sector in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and the Middle East. As former General Counsel at AIA, she led award-winning legal and regulatory teams recognised as both NZ Lawyer In-House Team of the Year and Australasian Legal Team of the Year. Kristy is known for her authentic, purpose-led leadership style-building high-performing teams, driving transformational change, and inspiring excellence across all levels of an organisation. A former international hockey player, she is passionate about health and wellbeing, and currently contributes her governance expertise as an Independent Director for Hockey New Zealand and Board Member of the Financial Services Council, where she also chairs the Diversity & Inclusion Committee.
Louise Green
Louise Green is a highly respected leader in executive recruitment and governance with over 30 years’ experience supporting organisations and leaders across New Zealand. As General Manager of Sheffield South Island and a Director on the Sheffield Group Board, she has built a reputation as one of the country’s most influential female recruitment leaders—championing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the highest levels. Louise has a long history of advocating for women in leadership, from her early years as a New Zealand volleyball representative and coach, through to her governance role at Christchurch Girls’ High School and her ongoing mentorship of emerging leaders. Under her leadership, Sheffield South Island has achieved remarkable progress in gender-balanced appointments, with half of executive placements and two-thirds of CEO/MD appointments going to women in the past year. A sought-after speaker, mentor, and connector, Louise continues to use her platform to influence change, build confidence in aspiring leaders, and create pathways for women to succeed in governance and executive roles.
Annie Wilson
Annie Wilson is the CEO and Director of Kāinga Maha, a charitable company redefining housing as a foundation for thriving communities and intergenerational equity. With over two decades of experience in residential development, including high-profile projects in London such as Canary Wharf and Battersea Power Station, Annie has quickly become a respected voice in Aotearoa’s housing sector. Under her leadership, Kāinga Maha is delivering innovative, values-led developments like Te Pākau Maru in Ōtautahi, setting new benchmarks for sustainability, cultural grounding, and community impact. Annie is a fearless advocate for affordable, healthy housing, and a champion for women in the development sector—mentoring emerging leaders, speaking on national stages, and serving as a board member of the Urban Development Institute of New Zealand. Her leadership is defined by clarity, courage, and a commitment to proving that commercial success and strong social outcomes can go hand in hand.
Emma Maddren
Emma Maddren is a senior executive with over 30 years’ experience in health and community services, currently serving as CEO of Mercy Hospice. She leads the organisation through revitalisation, rising demand, and funding challenges, ensuring free, high-quality palliative care for Aucklanders. With a career focus on equity and patient- and whānau-centred care, Emma has held senior roles at Starship Hospital, served on the Starship Foundation board, and contributed nationally through Children’s Healthcare Australasia and the Specialist Hospices of Auckland Alliance. She champions pay equity, cultural intelligence, and leadership development, driving system-level change, mentoring emerging leaders, and advancing equitable healthcare across Aotearoa.
Amber Taylor
Amber Taylor is a global technology and wellness leader with extensive experience driving innovation at some of the world’s most influential organisations, including Amazon, Nike, MuleSoft and now Les Mills International. As Chief Digital and Technology Officer at Les Mills, she leads product, engineering, and design teams delivering fitness experiences to people worldwide, from the LES MILLS+ streaming platform to extended reality training. Amber has filed patents in AI and digital engagement, launched mentorship programmes to support women in technology, and accelerated growth through community-led innovation. Passionate about women’s health, she invests her expertise and energy into initiatives that amplify underrepresented voices and build research equity, serving on the boards of Femmi and SMX. With a career that spans education, cutting-edge technology, and health and fitness, Amber is recognised for her ability to inspire high-performing teams, drive global impact, and champion diversity of thought to create healthier, more connected communities.
Marisa Lorigan
Marisa Lorigan is a trailblazing leader in the construction and property sector, dedicated to creating inclusive pathways for women. As Co-Owner and Director of INC Group and founder of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW), she champions equity, mentorship, and leadership development. Known for her authentic and action-oriented approach, Marisa inspires change across the industry, collaborating with peers, iwi, and emerging professionals to ensure diverse voices are heard and future generations of women are supported to thrive.
Caroline McDowall
Caroline McDowall is a visionary leader in New Zealand’s housing sector, serving as General Manager of Housing Delivery at Kāinga Ora. She is committed to building high-performing, diverse teams and driving innovative, efficient housing solutions that create real impact for communities. Caroline actively mentors women in construction, champions equity and inclusion, and inspires others through her focus on translating public purpose into meaningful, tangible outcomes that improve lives and shape a fairer Aotearoa.
Tina McCafferty
Tina McCafferty is a visionary leader in health and community services, serving as CEO of Tōtara Hospice. She champions equity, inclusion, and innovation in end-of-life care, creating services that reflect cultural diversity and meet the needs of all communities. Tina is widely respected for her values-driven leadership, mentoring emerging women leaders, building cross-sector partnerships, and influencing national and international health policy. Her focus on compassionate, strategic, and courageous leadership ensures lasting impact for whānau, staff, and the wider health sector.
Catherine Smith
Catherine Smith is an accomplished executive and nationally recognised leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. As Director of People & Organisation at Auckland Museum, she has driven systemic change through initiatives in pay equity, flexible working, Māori workforce development, and rainbow inclusion, setting national benchmarks. Catherine is a respected thought leader, mentor, and advocate for wāhine, Māori, and rainbow communities, using her influence to advance equity across sectors while embedding cultural competence and partnership in her work.
Dr. Hend Zaki
Dr. Hend Zaki is a respected leader and advocate for diversity, inclusion, and female leadership. As Experience Lead at Te Whatu Ora and founder of Women of Colour networks, she drives initiatives that foster inclusive workplaces, mentor emerging leaders, and create equitable opportunities for women in the public sector. Hend combines global experience with local insight to empower others, build connection, and champion systemic change, ensuring workplaces value identity, belonging, and intersectionality.
Karina Kaufusi
Karina Kaufusi is a visionary leader and advocate for Pasifika representation in New Zealand’s infrastructure sector. Grounded in integrity, authenticity, and the Tongan value of Tauhi vā—nurturing relationships—she has dedicated her career to creating pathways for underrepresented talent, from mentoring interns through the Toloa programme to co-founding and chairing the Beca Pasifika Network. Recognised with the Building Nations Next Generation Leader Award, Karina inspires change through her leadership on major projects, national STEM initiatives, and diversity advocacy, ensuring that future workforces are not only diverse but empowered to lead with confidence.
Judene Edgar
Judene Edgar is a distinguished governance leader with extensive experience across public, private, philanthropic, and community sectors. She combines strategic insight, practical governance expertise, and a strong commitment to equity, sustainability, and community outcomes. Judene has led boards, influenced national policy, and driven systemic change while mentoring and supporting others into leadership. Her work bridges local and global perspectives, translating complex issues into actionable solutions, and she is recognised for shaping governance practice, strengthening organisations, and fostering long-term public value.
Ainsley McLaren
Ainsley McLaren is a values-driven, people-focused leader with extensive experience in finance, investment, and governance. She combines strategic insight with a servant-leader approach, fostering high-performing teams, mentoring others, and breaking down barriers for women and underrepresented groups. Passionate about equity, inclusion, and social justice, Ainsley drives meaningful change through board service, industry initiatives, and community engagement. Her leadership is defined by pragmatism, integrity, and a commitment to creating opportunities, empowering others, and delivering lasting impact across both professional and social spheres.
Suzy Maddox
Suzy Maddox is a visionary leader in New Zealand publishing, combining over 15 years of strategic and operational expertise at Hachette Aotearoa with a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. She champions wāhine, nurturing talent, challenging unconscious bias, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. Through her roles in the Publishers Association of New Zealand and involvement with national awards, Suzy shapes an inclusive publishing landscape that reflects Aotearoa’s diverse voices. Her leadership, mentorship, and advocacy make her an exceptional candidate to join Global Women, advancing opportunities and recognition for women across industries.
Tayyaba Khan
Tayyaba Khan is a New Zealand-based social impact and community leadership executive, renowned for her work in refugee resettlement, ethnic communities, and faith-led inclusion. Founder of the Khadija Leadership Network, she champions Muslim women’s leadership while amplifying diverse voices across Aotearoa. As CEO of Counselling Services Centre and Chair of Belong Aotearoa, Tayyaba combines executive management, governance, and advocacy to drive systemic change, improve access to vital services, and create leadership pathways for underrepresented communities. A respected thought leader and media commentator, she influences public discourse nationally and internationally, inspiring equity, inclusion, and social cohesion.
Pippa Grey
Pippa Grey is an accomplished leader with over 20 years’ experience in management, governance, and business development across professional services, finance, construction, and consulting. As Business Development Director at Dentons Kensington Swan, she drives growth strategy, leads high-performing teams, and connects New Zealand with global expertise. Pippa also serves on the Board of North Harbour Rugby Union and contributes to Chapter Zero New Zealand, influencing both community sport and climate governance. Known for mentoring and empowering others, she is passionate about advancing women in leadership and creating pathways for diverse talent to thrive across sectors.
Simone Labady
Simone Labady is a seasoned CEO and transformative leader in the financial services sector, with a career spanning finance, insurance, statistics, and technology across Australia and New Zealand. As CEO of Aioi Nissay Dowa Management NZ, she has led extraordinary growth – quadrupling the business and increasing profitability tenfold in just five years – all while championing a people-focused, inclusive culture. Recognised among the Top 100 Global Insurance Leaders and Insurance Business’s Hot List 2025, Simone is passionate about creating pathways for women and underrepresented groups, mentoring emerging leaders, and fostering diverse, empowered teams. A strong advocate for women in STEM, she is also pursuing a Master’s in Applied Artificial Intelligence, using her platform to inspire others and drive innovation that delivers meaningful impact for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Susan Jones
Susan Jones is the Country Managing Partner for EY New Zealand and the only female leader of a Big Four firm in the country. With over two decades of leadership experience across professional services, assurance, and governance in New Zealand and Oceania, Susan brings a sharp commercial mind, a collaborative people-first approach, and a strong focus on innovation and digital enablement. She is committed to building inclusive workplaces, mentoring future leaders, and championing gender and cultural diversity. Guided by the Māori proverb “Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari te toa takitini” – my strength is not that of mine alone, but that of the collective – Susan’s leadership is grounded in empathy, integrity, and empowerment. She is passionate about creating lasting impact, supporting colleagues, clients, and communities, and driving EY New Zealand’s purpose-led initiatives.