President's Update

Tena koutou katoa.

There has been so much happening since the last newsletter - International Women’s Day, BPW International Leaders Forum in New York, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) underway at the United Nations, BPW NZ Taskforce meetings, Resolutions being worked through for the AGM and the planning of the conference in Ellerslie, Auckland in May.

In amongst all that, BPW NZ released a media response to the statement by Minister Peters

on DEI – Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. See our response here.....

New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill that they say will ensure employment

decisions in the public service are based on merit and not on forced woke ‘DEI’ targets. It

follows similar moves by US President Donald Trump. There are differing political views on

this approach. BPW is an A-political organisation and we work for the equality and empowerment of all women and girls. Our goals are to obtain for women: equality, education, economic empowerment, personal development and political awareness.

Our view based on decades of policy is to embrace diversity and inclusion. This leads to better decisions, better understanding between cultures and people, greater economic

empowerment and representation in decisions that better reflect the make-up of our

communities. We agree merit is a component but it should be assessed along with diversity,

equity and inclusion.

I am so excited to have the opportunity on Sunday 4th May to hear from the many amazing

speakers lined up for conference: Key note speaker, Loren Tomlinson – Founder and Lead

Digital Marketing Strategist of The Social Collective; Breakout speaker Isabell Zitzelsberger –

WildChixNZ talking about women’s path to outdoor confidence and finding comfort in your

discomfort; Key note speaker Michelle Keating of Dreamers Collective – Make time for your

big dreams; Breakout speaker Keri Ball-Guymer – Owner and Private Investment Advisor

speaking on financial security. These are just a few of the speakers. We also have a great

panel lined up to discuss gender equality in the workplace.

I encourage you to bring along your women friends, family and work colleagues for day two

of the conference. They will be inspired. BPW New Zealand register through this link.

Nga mihi nui

Janet Gibb

President

BPWNZ