Presidents Update June 2025
- secbpwnz
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
Tena koutou katoa
Matariki this year falls on 20 th June. It is a time to reflect, reconnect and look at the stars – Honouring the past, celebrating the future. Falling on Friday, 20 June, this special day is now recognised as a national public holiday, offering all New Zealanders a moment to pause, reflect, and reconnect with what truly matters. But Matariki is more than just a date on the calendar. Rooted in the ancient traditions of Māori astronomy and storytelling, it heralds the Māori New Year - a time to honour those who have passed, celebrate the present with whānau (family), and plant seeds of hope for the future. It’s a uniquely Kiwi celebration, rich in heritage and meaning, and increasingly embraced by people from all walks of life. In 2025, Matariki takes on new depth. As it becomes more woven into the national consciousness, families across the motu (country) are finding creative, meaningful, and fun ways to bring it into their homes, schools, and communities. From stargazing adventures and traditional kai (food) to children’s art projects and eco-friendly celebrations, Matariki is becoming a festival where the wisdom of the past meets the curiosity of the next generation.
(Info: www.matariki.co.nz)
It is for the next generation that we must continue to advocate for better treatment of women and girls. Submissions connected to our BPW policy in NZ or Internationally is a crucial part of our mahi.
We will be submitting on the Regulatory Standards Bill, and we are invited to make a submission to the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity. The People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity was established on 26 May to take submissions on and examine the recent Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 that was passed under urgency on 7 May 2025. The Committee is an extra-parliamentary committee made up of 10 former MPs from across the political spectrum in response to the absence of a select committee process on significant changes to the Equal Pay Act 1972, including the discontinuation of all existing pay equity claims. The Committee is calling for submissions from the public so that experts, organisations and affected employers and workers can give the evidence that should have been before Parliament when the legislation was voted on.
A recent conversation I had with Joan Ford – director of a play called Top Girls – being performed in Fielding with show opening 18 th July. It is a truly thought-provoking play: “Themes include women and work, Mothers, Daughters and Sisters. Churchill’s Play allows the opportunity to question outcomes for women and the ever-ongoing examination of their choices and restrictions regarding career and family. Whilst no men are physically present in this play, the shadows of fathers and particularly the patriarchy hang heavily over it. It is now 2025 – Do we have more opportunity and equality? How far have we come? Does anyone else have a feeling of de ja vu?”
SHOW DATES: EVENING SHOWS START AT 7.45PM - JULY 18,19,24,25,26 , AUGUST 1, 2.
$68 per person Evening Dinner and show
MATINEE Sunday 27 JULY 3PM - $38 per person show only
Those of you within a few hours’ drive might consider a road trip to the matinee. Details at
Nga mihi nui
Janet