A national celebration of New Zealand’s most inspiring women begins, with nominations now open for the annual Women of Influence Awards.
Presented by Stuff and Westpac, the renowned event returns for its seventh year to recognise Kiwi women who make a difference, from a global level to their own backyards.
In addition to the gala awards dinner on Thursday October 24 2019, 2019’s programme features an all-new Speaker Series, with five events held across the country in August 2019.
World-renowned fashion designer Karen Walker will headline the Auckland event, while guests will also hear from a diverse and thought-provoking line-up of speakers in Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.
August 2 2019
Tauranga
Zespri Head Office
5:30 – 7:30pm
August 8 2019
Nelson
The Boathouse
5:30 – 7:30pm
August 19 2019
Christchurch
Town Hall
7 – 9am
August 22 2019
Auckland
Mercury Theatre
7 – 9am
August 28 2019
Wellington
Te Papa Museum
7 – 9am
Stuff Chief Executive Sinead Boucher says: “We’re so excited to be able to bring an extension of the prestigious and anticipated Women of Influence awards to more people, with events in multiple regions this year (2019).
“The Speaker Series enables the events’ core essence of celebrating women and providing a platform to connect, share and celebrate inspirational stories and achievements to transcend further, and hopefully encourage more empowerment and inspiration than ever before.
“We’re also fortunate to welcome the former governor-general and pioneering jurist, Dame Silvia Cartwright, as the new head of the judging panel.”
Westpac NZ Chief Executive David McLean says the bank is proud to support the Women of Influence programme, including the Speaker Series, which is aimed at bringing Women of Influence to a wider audience across the country.
“The theme of this year’s (2019) series is ‘From Grassroots to Global’. It showcases the stories and ideas of women who are making their mark not just nationally and internationally, but in their own communities and regions,” Mr McLean says.
“It also provides a great opportunity for women from across the spectrum to connect and build their networks.
“A woman of influence is anyone who creates real change and forges a path for others, at any level. I encourage everyone to consider nominating someone, whether it’s a friend, colleague or a long-time acquaintance.
“From the farm gate to the fashion houses of Europe, each and every one of us knows women who have inspired us through their words and deeds. These awards are your chance to give them the recognition and accolades they deserve.”
The ten awards categories include: Arts and Culture, Board and Management, Business Enterprise, Community/not-for-profit, Diversity, Global, Innovation and Science, Public Policy, Rural, and Young Leader.
For more information about Women of Influence and this year’s (2019) Speaker Series, as well as past winners, how to nominate and how to purchase tickets, visit: www.womenofinfluence.co.nz
Key dates for the 2019 Women of Influence Awards:
- Wednesday 22 May 2019 – Nominations open
- Monday 15 July 2019 – Nominations close
- Friday 2 – Wednesday 28 August 2019 – Women of Influence Speaker Series, five venues nationwide
- Sunday 1 September 2019 – Awards finalists announced
- Thursday 24 October 2019 – Awards dinner, SKYCITY Auckland
2019 Women of Influence Partners
Stuff and Westpac are grateful for the support of the following partners:
- Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand – sponsor of Diversity category
- DLA Piper – sponsor of Board and Management category
- Massey University – sponsor of Global category
- Mastercard – sponsor of Innovation and Science category
- Ministry for Women – sponsor of Public Policy category
- Zespri – sponsor of Rural category
- SKYCITY – sponsor of Community Hero category
Source: Westpac NZ
