President's Update

Tena koutou katoa

What a fantastic opportunity our Conference 2025 was to build our network and share ideas!  I am very proud of your Exec who put together a highly professional event and to all the Club delegates who ably advocated for Resolutions that were passed at the AGM.  Once again, the Resolutions Chair did a great job of working with movers to collate a set of resolutions that were passed with clarity and a little discussion. In doing so we have added to our resource of Policy that gives a great opportunity to advocate about issues of interest to women, and your Executive have met for a strategic discussion on what the rest of 2025 may bring.  We are very excited to put into action some of our learnings from our amazing speakers on day two..

We are grateful to our speakers and other sponsors who gave generously so we could host this event, and encourage you to use their services should a suitable opportunity arise.

Saturday night saw Awards presented to members and clubs who have so clearly warranted recognition in the year to date.  

Past President Carolyn Savage - Badge of Honour in recognition of her long and continuing service to BPW NZ and BPW International.  Carolyn is a treasured member and currently serves as International Executive Secretary. 

BPW Kaitaia - Alix Hayward trophy for communications including regular newsletter.

BPW CHB - Brooker Marketing award for planning and executing an event to raise awareness of BPW in the community and leading to new members.

BPW Hawera - Community Achievement Award for bringing attention and community support to breast cancer awareness and raising funds for a local friend of BPW who had been diagnosed.

Toni Hunt - President's Award - Under Toni’s presidency, BPW Hāwera has had another active and lively year. They actively engaged with their community, club members, and BPW NZ and international networks to achieve BPW's aims in 2024. 

BPW Doubtless Bay: Harrison - Lee Membership Award

We heard from Sarah Manly (CEO of Mitey with Sir John Kirwan Foundation) and Auckland's Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson, both great examples of women in leadership and very appreciative of being included in our celebrations.

As a rolling stone gathers no moss your Executive are hitting the ground running to continue with this momentum and our advocacy has been tested already with the Bill limiting Pay Equity legislation in Aotearoa NZ.  

We were honoured to hear from BPW Asia Pacific Regional Convenor Dr Herlin Chien, BPW Australian President Gillian Lewis, joined by BPW American Samoa Merrilee May hosted by President Janet and BPW International Executive Secretary Carolyn Savage.