President Janet - Aug 2026

Tena koutou katoa

BPW Day is on 26^th August – it is BPW’s 96^th birthday. Founded in 1930 by Dr Lena Madison Phillips, encouraging women around the world to establish federations in their countries. New Zealand followed suit in 1939, with founding BPW NZ President Miss Margery L. Toulson.

Dr Lena said “Cooperation among all people cannot remain a dream, but something that must become actuality if our civilization is to survive. We cannot afford to wait long in this changing and changed world. It is now – not in the next century or even in the next generation. But now – that we and the men and women of all nations, must recognize that no man live unto himself, no country can live unto itself”.

We have made good strides in many spaces; however, I wonder what both Dr Lena and our founding president Margery would think of what our federation, our country and the world looks like today. I fear they would be disappointed.

Let us look with our half cup full mindset and celebrate what we have achieved and the 96 years of progress. Dress in yellow or BPW scarves and colours at your next meeting and send us some photos.

For BPW NZ to continue our work we need to be sustainable and that means increasing resources and funds. I’m reigniting ‘Friends of BPW NZ’ program. We appreciate times are tough and only bring up with you to consider who you donate to. Many of us spare some discretionary funds to give to organisations like the Cancer Society, the Heart Foundation, Kids Can, local sports clubs etc. Maybe consider adding BPW NZ to your list. We are your organisation advocating for women, mentoring members, upskilling in governance and making a difference. Consider following my lead and set up a regular payment to help fund the work your executive and members do. Become a FRIEND of BPW NZ – set up a regular payment to our account:

New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women; 03 0474 0492908 00; Reference: Your Name; Code: Friend; Particulars: of BPWNZ

Another way to help:

Consider Legacy Giving. You may have already decided to leave instructions in your will for donations to charities close to your heart. I am assuming that BPW is close to your heart since you are a member and believe in our aims and goals.

I look forward to visiting some clubs before the end of 2026. Then we have an exciting build up to our conference and AGM in Gisborne on 1^st and 2^nd May 2027. Bring along friends and family – the speaker line up is amazing and we can showcase what BPW NZ does for women and girls in our communities.

Ngā mihi nui

President Janet 

president@bpwnz.org.nz 

027 475 3397