welcome to
individual membership
Welcome to BPW New Zealand. We’re so glad to have you as an Individual Member!
This page is your go-to guide for everything you need to know about our organisation, from who we are and what we stand for, to how you can make the most of your membership. Whether you're here to connect, grow, learn, or lead, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved, stay informed, and make an impact.
We encourage you to explore, ask questions, and take advantage of the many ways you can contribute to and benefit from being part of BPW.
Welcome, we can’t wait to see what you’ll bring to the table!
what we are about
BPW New Zealand (Business and Professional Women) is an all-volunteer, non-profit organisation that advocates for gender equality and supports the development of women in business, leadership, and public life.
As part of an international federation, BPW works to influence policy, create change, and empower women through education, advocacy, and collaboration.
We provide a platform for women to connect, grow their skills, and use their voices to drive progress – locally, nationally, and globally. Whether you're an entrepreneur, employee, at home, a community leader, or just starting your journey, BPW offers a place to belong, be heard, and make a difference.
Meet the executive
President
janet gibb
Janet is a BPW NZ President and Council Member, advocating equity for over 15 years and representing New Zealand internationally on women's and disability pay equity. She has represented her district as a Council member for four terms.
Executive Secretary
Helen Baucke
Helen has worked across education, farming, tech, and coaching. Now with Hato Hone St John, she advocates for rural issues, mental health, and women’s affairs—and thrives on fresh perspectives and meaningful conversations.
Immediate Past President
Christine Berridge
With a rural background in Northland, Christine has served on the BPW NZ Executive for almost ten years and holds a role with the international federation. She is a business administrator and H&S manager for a farming group and is committed to gender equality.
VP Membership
Rebecca Treeby
Rebecca is People and Culture Manager at a 100-strong veterinary practice, bringing 20+ years’ experience in leadership, HR, and client service. She’s a superstar with a practical, people-focused approach and a passion for developing others.
Treasurer
Siobhan Dilly
Siobhan is a management consultant with 15+ years in business and executive leadership, passionate about strong governance, inclusive leadership, and gender equality to drive strategic outcomes and lasting social impact.
Membership & Individual Members Convenor
Alice Kibble
With five years’ experience, Alice helps businesses build online communities and drive sales through Ask Alice. She co-founded Empower You - Women’s Experience, volunteers extensively, and inspires others with her resilience after a life-changing injury.
VP Issues
Sherryll Markie-BRookes
With 40 years in early childhood education, child protection, and training, she champions women’s advocacy, helping them work, build confidence, and own their skills. Through BPW NZ, she’s learned to lobby, write submissions, and grow internationally.
Young BPW
Mel Jones
Melissa brings broad experience—from radio production to union advocacy and customer service. She’s committed to fostering a supportive, collaborative environment for YoungBPW members aged 35 and under.
Issues Taskforce Chair
Teresa Mee
Teresa, legal counsel for a global NZ company, specializes in workplace culture and diversity. She actively supports Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), witnessing its positive impact on team dynamics and performance.
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How Can I get ENGAGed?
Networking
Our membership includes women in a variety of workplaces – from small and medium businesses to large corporations; from the private, public and non-profit sectors, as well as women no longer in paid work.
We connect women through our online networking and speaker sessions (BPW Aotearoa) and national events.
Our members include influential women leaders, young career women and savvy entrepreneurs running their own show.
How to get engaged:
Share about your business and/or background and we can send it out to other Individual Members - send to VP Membership.
DEVELOPMENT
Our members build unwavering self-confidence, finding both encouragement and inspiration in a supportive, safe environment.
This transformation is nurtured through our structured personal and professional development programme, My BPW: Keys to Achievement, along with empowering peer-to-peer mentoring, and the invaluable insights shared by guest speakers and expert panels at our regional and national events.
How to get engaged:
Contact VP Membership for more information about KTAs and check out upcoming BPW Aotearoa and other national events below.
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ADVOCACY
Thanks to BPW NZ, the voices of our members are heard loud and clear by policy-makers in Parliament, local councils, and across government ministries and commissions.
Member stories and experiences shape the work being done and bring the real, pressing challenges faced by women in Aotearoa to the forefront.
We also amplify these challenges publicly, raising awareness and empowering our members and allies to stand together, informed and united in action.
How to get engaged:
Join the Issues Taskforce, we meet approximately monthly online, in the evenings, contact VP Issues.
collaborations
women's empowerment principles(WEPs)
BPW NZ Contact:
Immediate Past President
The Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) are a set of Principles offering guidance to business on how to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in the workplace, marketplace and community.
BPW NZ is part of the New Zealand WEPs Committee, supporting organisations to take up the benefit that the Principles can offer.
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW)
BPW NZ Contact: VP Issues
The Commission on the Status of Women is a global policy-making body within the United Nations Economic and Social Council dedicated to gender equality and advancement of women.
BPW NZ advocates on behalf of New Zealand women on challenges we experience.
CONVENTION ON THE ELIMINATION OF ALL FORMS OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST WOMEN (cedaw)
BPW NZ Contact: VP Issues
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), adopted in 1979 by the United Nations General Assembly, is often described as an international bill of rights for women.
CEDAW defines what constitutes discrimination against women and sets up an agenda for national action to end such discrimination.
A CEDAW UN Committee reviews countries periodically, providing recommendations for the government to improve on progress; BPW NZ has a voice in providing a civil society lens to the Committee and holding the government accountable.
upcoming meetings
Together We Rise - Women in Business ConferenceSat, 01 MayLawson Field Theatre, Gisborne
A conversation with Nadia Lim - BPWNZ Awards DinnerSat, 01 MayLawson Field Theatre, Gisborne
individual members
Below are profiles of more than 20 individual members from across New Zealand who are part of BPW outside of a local club. They come from a wide range of backgrounds, professions, and regions, and each brings their own perspective and experience to the organisation. This space highlights who they are, where they're from, and the roles they play within BPW.
WORK IN PROGRESS
With five years of experience, Alice has helped over 300 businesses and organizations enhance their online presence, build communities, and drive consistent sales through her business Ask Alice.
Alice is passionate about creating opportunities for women to connect, learn, and grow. She co-founded the Empower You - Women’s Experience, which welcomed over 500 women from around New Zealand in its first two years to share a day of workshops, speakers and local business stalls.
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.
With a 40-year career spanning early childhood education, child protection, facilitation, and training, I developed a deep awareness of the challenges women face. My advocacy work with children and families reinforced the critical need to better support women as they navigate the evolving demands of parenthood and professional life. I became passionate about empowering women to pursue leadership roles, build confidence, and recognize the value of their diverse skills.
BPW New Zealand has been instrumental in this journey. Through learning how to lobby effectively, co-authoring submissions, and gaining international insights, I have developed the tools to make a lasting impact.
Together, through persistent advocacy and a shared commitment to equality, we can create meaningful change.
Empower women – Empower humanity!
Member since 1988
Anita Devcich
Retired
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Living in Rotorua, I’m currently retired after a diverse career as a property developer, farmer, retailer, and small business consultant.
I joined BPW in 1988 and have been a member of several clubs, including Warkworth, Te Puke, and Taupō. I served as BPW New Zealand President from 2003 to 2005 and have attended six BPW International Congresses and Conferences across the Asia-Pacific.
I originally joined to meet other businesswomen but quickly found passion in BPW’s advocacy, mentoring, and networking. What I love most are the organisation’s achievements, the inspiring women I’ve met, and the lifelong friendships formed. I’m proud of my Croatian heritage and my role as a sole parent and grandmother of two.
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