President's Update

It is a pleasure to report that our Leadership Forum ‘Inspire Inclusion’ was a huge success.

You could have heard a pin drop when listening to our keynote speaker, Saunoamaali’I Dr Karanina Sumeo. An inspiring woman who lives and breathes Human Rights, fairness and equality through her role as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner and Acting

Human Right’s Commissioner. We appreciate the time she took to be with us and facilitate

our panel – Getting Real on Inclusivity & Diversity - lived experiences of members discussing

challenges in this space. Dr Karanina, left to fly out to Geneva to attend the CEDAW reporting (Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women held 7 – 25

October in Geneva, Switzerland).

Gals with Goals panel facilitated by IPP Christine, Leadership Personalities led by PP Angela

and ‘Through the digital looking glass: Navigating the ‘Wonderland’ of healthcare – a session on how digital solutions can enable women to have more control of their own (and their family’s) healthcare’ presented by Individual member Carey Campbell all added value for the attendees – both members and non-members. The afternoon session was built on BPW NZ business and sustainability.

Our 85th birthday was celebrated with cutting of the cake by PPs Angela, Vicky and Christine. Trophies were presented to winners, long service certificates topped off with special 85th branded chocolate bars and bookmarks and pens for participants.

Your executive met several times across this weekend for planning into our future. It is always a bonus to be face to face to work through strategy and celebrate our successes. We

loved being with our members, working alongside each other and organically gaining ideas

and motivation from each and every participant.

I will continue to deliver my highest value through compelling influence.

Janet Gibb

President