President Janet - April 26

BPW NZ Newsletter article March 2026 President Janet

Tena koutou katoa

April has been a month full of interactions with strong women. I attended the show Helen Clark in Six Outfits at the Auckland Theatre Company.

A few of our BPW members and I joined a zoom meeting to hear from attendees to CSW70 (Commission on the Status of Women) this year in New York – an extremely insightful 90 minutes – thanks to Aotearoa Women’s Watch who facilitated it. BPW Aotearoa Individuals zoom meeting was well attended to hear from a new member of BPW Huntly & Districts – Eloise King – a financial adviser who works for Craig’s Investments. Finally, I found time to watch Prime Minister, Jacinda’s documentary, on Netflix. 

Overall, I am proud of our kiwi women who continue to stand up, speak up, and inspire us.

Helen Clark has led a big life. ‘From rural beginnings to progressive politicisation in the crucible of the University of Auckland of the early 1970s to the ninth floor of the Beehive and the top tier of the United Nations (UN), she has achieved success. That all came at a price as she endured gendered abuse that had nothing to do with her politics.’ (excerpts from the theatre programme) ‘Whatever we may each feel about Helen Clark, her brand of progressive politics and the decisions she took, what is undeniable are her achievements, her steely determination to see off the challengers and her effective use of the power she gained.’ 

At the UN, she was instrumental in the birth of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), Agenda 2030, and the UN Global Compact: The UN Global Compact is a voluntary initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies aligned with universal principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Agenda 2030 is the United Nations' universal plan for sustainable development, centered on 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet, and ensure prosperity for all by 2030.

I have members and non-members alike ask me if BPW is still relevant. There are many reasons why we are – and one main one is staring us in the face: Agenda 2030 – only 4 years away to achieve the SDGs – Gender equality, meeting the Climate change 1.5% maximum target, percentage of Women on Boards, Pay equity, Leaving No One Behind, Domestic violence and physical and mental abuse, and many more. We are not there yet, and we must keep pushing, prodding, and speaking up.

CSW70 Briefing – one of our overseas BPW members Sujata Tiwari is also a member of BPW NZ, spoke on Family Violence and Justice. (Link to her photos) Gael Pacheco, Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner had a Pay Equity focus and Anna Campbell Youth Advocate had a Sustainability and Pacific perspective. The session was facilitated by Saunoamaali’I Dr Karanina Sumeo. There were many pearls that came from this discussion, but one point stood out to me: “What’s the Price for not having Equal Pay for Equal Work?” If we can get this right we can make huge headway in many areas such as reduced poverty, affordable housing, reduction in domestic violence, more opportunities for women in decision making. The long-term benefits will outweigh the short-term value.

Eloise King spoke at the BPW Aotearoa session of her passion helping women build wealth, improve financial literacy, and feel confident about their money. If women have financial means and control, the gaps narrow in all areas.

Prime Minister documentary – a 35-year-old woman becoming Prime Minister of New Zealand, facing incredible unforeseen challenges along with the usual government issues. I defy you not to empathise with a leader who also encountered gendered abuse and to this day is praised by the world yet gets mixed reactions here in Aotearoa NZ.

Raising awareness is key to improving outcomes. BPW does this and needs to keep doing this. We are not there yet!

Ngā mihi nui President Janet