Women of Influence Awards nominations open

A national celebration of New Zealand’s most inspiring women begins today, with nominations now open for the annual Women of Influence Awards.

Presented by Stuff and Westpac, the renowned event returns for its seventh year to recognise Kiwi women who make a difference, from a global level to their own backyards.

In addition to the gala awards dinner on Thursday October 24, this year’s programme features an all-new Speaker Series, with five events held across the country in August.

World-renowned fashion designer Karen Walker will headline the Auckland event, while guests will also hear from a diverse and thought-provoking line-up of speakers in Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

Stuff Chief Executive Sinead Boucher says: “We’re so excited to be able to bring an extension of the prestigious and anticipated Women of Influence awards to more people, with events in multiple regions this year.

“The Speaker Series enables the events’ core essence of celebrating women and providing a platform to connect, share and celebrate inspirational stories and achievements to transcend further, and hopefully encourage more empowerment and inspiration than ever before.
“We’re also fortunate to welcome the former governor-general and pioneering jurist, Dame Silvia Cartwright, as the new head of the judging panel.”
Westpac NZ Chief Executive David McLean says the bank is proud to support the Women of Influence programme, including the Speaker Series, which is aimed at bringing Women of Influence to a wider audience across the country.

“The theme of this year’s series is ‘From Grassroots to Global’. It showcases the stories and ideas of women who are making their mark not just nationally and internationally, but in their own communities and regions,” Mr McLean says.

“It also provides a great opportunity for women from across the spectrum to connect and build their networks.

“A woman of influence is anyone who creates real change and forges a path for others, at any level. I encourage everyone to consider nominating someone, whether it’s a friend, colleague or a long-time acquaintance.

“From the farm gate to the fashion houses of Europe, each and every one of us knows women who have inspired us through their words and deeds. These awards are your chance to give them the recognition and accolades they deserve.”

The ten awards categories include: Arts and Culture, Board and Management, Business Enterprise, Community/not-for-profit, Diversity, Global, Innovation and Science, Public Policy, Rural, and Young Leader.

For more information about Women of Influence and this year’s Speaker Series, as well as past winners, how to nominate and how to purchase tickets, visit: www.womenofinfluence.co.nz

Key dates for the 2019 Women of Influence Awards:

Wednesday 22 May - Nominations open
Monday 15 July - Nominations close
Friday 2 – Wednesday 28 August - Women of Influence Speaker Series, five venues nationwide
Sunday 1 September - Awards finalists announced
Thursday 24 October - Awards dinner, SKYCITY Auckland

2019 Women of Influence Partners
Stuff and Westpac are grateful for the support of the following partners:
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand – sponsor of Diversity category
DLA Piper – sponsor of Board and Management category
Massey University – sponsor of Global category
Mastercard – sponsor of Innovation and Science category
Ministry for Women – sponsor of Public Policy category
Zespri – sponsor of Rural category
SKYCITY – sponsor of Community Hero category

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