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Event details

Get ready for an inspiring weekend of connection, leadership, and personal growth at the BPW New Zealand AGM & Conference 2025.

 

🌟 Day 1: AGM (Members Only)

On Saturday, 3rd May, BPW New Zealand members will come together for our Annual General Meeting, where we’ll reflect on our progress, discuss key initiatives, and shape the future of our organisation through resolutions. This is an opportunity for members to engage in discussion, celebrate achievements, and plan for the year ahead.

 

🌟 Day 2: Business & Personal Development (Open to all women)

On Sunday, 4th May, we open the doors to all women across New Zealand for a jam-packed personal development day. You can expect four amazing Keynote speakers, nine breakout sessions to choose from, and two passionate panel discussions covering everything that matters to women in business today—leadership, marketing, finance, mindset, networking, and more! Keep your eyes peeled for updates on the day's schedule.

✅ Connect with like-minded, ambitious women.

✅ Learn from industry experts and hear from inspiration women.

✅ Gain strategies to elevate your business and career.

✅ Walk away feeling confident and ready to thrive.

 

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, a rising professional, or looking for inspiration to take the next step in your life journey, this event is designed for you.

THANK YOU TO OUR AMAZING SPONSORS

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day 2 schedule

Day 2 of the BPW New Zealand Conference on May 4th is packed with insightful keynotes, interactive breakout sessions, and thought-provoking panel discussions. You'll hear from inspiring speakers, gain practical strategies to elevate your business and career, and connect with like-minded women. Whether you're looking to grow, lead, or make an impact, this day is designed to equip and empower you.

Keynote speakers

breakout sessions

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venue

As part of the Novotel & Ibis Auckland Ellerslie Conference package we have access to exclusive room rates. Please use the link below to make your room reservations. 

panel sessions

From Challenges to Champions - Women Who Rise!

Five incredible women, five powerful stories of resilience, ambition, and success. This panel brings together inspiring speakers who have faced challenges head-on, broken barriers, and carved their own paths in business, leadership, and life. Join us for an empowering conversation on overcoming obstacles, embracing growth, and rising to the top!

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Director, Creative Jam

Laura Feavearyear

I have 11+ years of experience in the creative industry, working for corporates, agencies, and as a freelancer. I’m a mum to a beautiful five-year-old boy. I’m known for standing in front of supermarket shelves for hours, thinking about packaging—and for buying products just because they look pretty. Storyteller, concept creator, copywriter, designer, and photographer.

I was born with a rare eye condition that left me short-sighted, but it has never stopped me from chasing my dream of being a creative professional. I believe my “disability” gives me a unique perspective on the world, allowing me to tap into my other senses to find empathy and emotion for my clients and their customers. I believe we are all capable of achieving great things through determination and by finding solutions that suit our capabilities.

This is my dream, and every single day, I take immense pride in the brands I have been fortunate to be on a journey with.

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Founder, fu/nis EMS training

Catrina Kuehler

Catrina Kuehler is a pioneering entrepreneur and marketing strategist with a global perspective on fitness innovation. Originally from Germany, she built her career developing international marketing strategies for brands like Elastoplast and Nike. After moving to Auckland and working at ASB, she saw a gap in the fitness industry—efficient workouts for busy lifestyles. 

 

Inspired by the rapid rise of EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) training in Europe, yet its absence in New Zealand, Catrina took a bold leap. She not only launched her own brand, fu/nis EMS Training, but also introduced EMS as a completely new fitness category to the country. In just 20 minutes per session, EMS delivers the benefits of an intense, full-body workout—helping people stay fit without spending hours in the gym. 

 

Eight years on, Catrina remains passionate about helping Kiwis live healthier, more balanced lives. fu/nis EMS Training now has three studios—Takapuna, Newmarket, and City—with plans for further expansion.

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Founder, Dear Community

Hannah Koumakis

Hannah Koumakis is a storyteller and entrepreneur who loves sharing her life experiences and practical tips with the world.

 

She's also the creative force behind Dear The Series, a series of guided journals that help people explore themselves through thoughtful prompts.

 

Hannah's entrepreneurial spirit doesn't stop there—she's also founded Dear Community, a non profit organisation that is designed to bringing women together across New Zealand, Dear Brides, New Zealand’s first wedding content creation service and Seven Content Studio, a digital marketing agency. Hannah is also an actor, with a dream to work on TV productions and film sets.

 

Despite juggling multiple things, Hannah loves being surrounded by friends, journaling, writing and being with her family. 

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CEO, Ask Alice

Alice Kibble

With five years of experience, Alice has helped over 300 businesses and organizations enhance their online presence, build communities, and drive consistent sales through social media.

Alice is passionate about creating opportunities for women to connect, learn, and grow. She organized Empower You - Women’s Experience, which welcomed over 500 attendees across its first two years.

Alice takes pride in her extensive voluntary contributions to the community. For her work, she has been recognized as a nominee for Young New Zealander of the Year 2017, is a Kiwibank Local Hero, and a four-time recipient of the Gisborne Volunteer Centre Youth Award.

Since suffering a life-changing injury in 2018, Alice’s "why" became to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders, showing that with resilience and confidence, anyone can create their own version of success.

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Founder, Hend Zaki Consulting

Dr. Hend Zaki

Dr. Hend Zaki, founder of WOCPSN and Hend Zaki Consulting, has over 15 years of experience in government, regional, and international organisations. Passionate about creating inclusive environments, Hend has founded Hend Zaki Consulting and developed programmes to support leaders and women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. She holds a PhD in Politics and International Relations from the University of Auckland and specialises in intersectionality, identity, and belonging.

Her experiences as an international student, researcher, employee, and migrant provide her with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by women from diverse backgrounds, migrants, and Muslims in New Zealand and abroad. Hend is dedicated to supporting and uplifting women from diverse ethnic backgrounds. She founded  the Women of Colour in the Public Sector Network (WOCPSN) and Rahma Sisters to help women connect, support one another, and thrive together.

Originally from Egypt, she moved to New Zealand in 2015 with her family and has previously lived in the UK and the US. She speaks Arabic and English.

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Gender Equality in the Workplace (‘WEPS’) Panel


Are Women's Rights in the Workplace Declining?
Upholding the Women’s Empowerment Principles While Countering Pushback on DEI Policies

As diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives face increasing scrutiny, what does this mean for women’s rights in the workplace? This panel will explore the current landscape of gender equality in professional environments, examining the challenges posed by shifting policies and societal attitudes.

Our expert speakers will discuss the importance of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPS) in fostering inclusive workplaces, strategies for maintaining progress in gender equity, and ways to navigate resistance to DEI efforts. Attendees will gain valuable insights on how businesses, leaders, and individuals can uphold women’s rights and continue driving meaningful change in the face of emerging challenges.

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Kaihautū Ōritenga Mahi | Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, 
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata | New Zealand Human Rights Commission

Professor Gail Pacheco

Professor Gail Pacheco has been a Professor of Economics and Director of the NZ Policy Research Institute at AUT, and a former Commissioner at the NZ Productivity Commission. Gail has written and researched widely on
numerous social policy issues, while leading large-scale funded projects
involving both academic and public sector collaborations.


Gail was a recipient of the NZIER Economics Award in 2018 for outstanding contributions to the advancement of economics and its applications in New Zealand; and awarded the 2019 AUT Medal in recognition of her research,
scholarship, and application of integrated data to inform social policy and wellbeing.

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Past President, BPW New Zealand

Vicky mee

Vicky has a wealth of experience in advocacy for women. She is a Past President of BPW NZ and a Past Chair of the NZ WEPs Committee – seven empowerment principles.

 

She recently received an award from BPW International for her work and is a strong advocate for equity and inclusion.

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    Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator, BPW International

    Dr Herlin Chien

    Herlin is the Regional Co-ordinator for BPW International Asia Pacific. She is a Professor at the National Pingtung University of Science and Technology.

     

    Her research Interests are social-ecological system, ecosystem services, ICT-enabled urban commons, adaptive governance, resilience, blue-green infrastructure, citizen engagement.

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    President, BPW Central Hawkes Bay

    Teresa Mee

    Teresa is legal counsel for a New Zealand based global company who embraces DEI throughout its culture.

     

    She has firsthand experience of the benefits of this within this company.

     

    Teresa is the current President of BPW CHB and Chair of BPW NZ Issues Taskforce.

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    President, Strathfield Club BPW Australia

    Sweta Gupta

    Sweta Gupta is a seasoned Software Engineer with nearly 20 years of experience in the tech industry.

     

    As Head of Operations (Software) at a multinational corporation, she is known for her leadership and technical expertise. Recognized among the top 150 female project managers globally, she is passionate about continuous learning and women’s empowerment.

    Sweta serves as President of BPWS Strathfield and has represented Australia at the United Nations CSW sessions. Featured in multiple publications, she also mentors emerging professionals.

     

    Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, family time, and cinema.

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    THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR SUPPORTERS

    grab your ticket now

    BPWNZ AGM & Conference
    BPWNZ AGM & Conference
    3 DAYS TO THE EVENT
    03 May 2025, 9:00 am – 04 May 2025, 3:30 pm
    Novotel & Ibis Auckland Ellerslie,
    72/112 Green Lane East, Ellerslie, Auckland 1051, New Zealand

    additional event

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    Come together for a night of recognition, networking, and fine dining as we celebrate the achievements of our outstanding award winners.

     

    Enjoy a delicious two-course alternate drop dinner in the company of fellow members and guests plus we are privileged to be joined by Sarah Manley, CEO of the Sir John Kiwan Foundation who will be our keynote speaker for the evening.

     

    Whether you're reconnecting with familiar faces or making new connections, this is an evening to honor excellence, foster community, and toast to future success.

     

    Don't miss this opportunity to be part of a memorable celebration!

     

    The dress code is formal attire.

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    conference manual

    If you wish to order a hard copy of the conference manual please checkout below.

    Use the code 'FREE' at checkout if you are a BPWNZ Life Member, BPWNZ Past President or BPWNZ Executive Member and the cost will be reduced to nil.

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