The Financial Services Federation’s (FSF) annual Women in Finance charity lunch has raised $26,825 for Good Shepherd NZ, supporting its work with women, girls and families experiencing harm and financial hardship. The last event raised $18,000.

Now in its 10th year, the Women in Finance event has grown from a small networking lunch of 20 senior women into a sell-out industry gathering of more than 200 professionals from across the financial services sector.

FSF executive director, Lyn McMorran, says the event reflects both the growth of women in the industry and the Federation’s long-standing commitment to financial wellbeing.

“What began as a simple idea - creating a space for senior women to connect during business hours - has evolved into one of the most anticipated events on our calendar,” McMorran says.

“Good Shepherd’s mission, and the vital work they do addressing economic harm and financial hardship, is a natural fit for our sector. Many of the women they support have experienced situations that directly impact their financial wellbeing.

“Our members are incredibly proud to contribute in a meaningful way to an organisation doing so much good for women and families across Aotearoa.”

This year’s event, held in Auckland on Thursday, February 26, featured an inspirational panel discussion with Samantha Barrass, chief executive of the Financial Markets Authority, and Janine Grainger, founder of Easy Crypto, hosted by Petra Bagust.

They were joined by Sister Teresa and Sister Mary, now both in their 80s, who joined Good Shepherd 60 years ago.

The event was made possible thanks to support from Platinum Sponsor Equifax along with Gold Sponsors Alfa Financial Solutions, DebtManagers, Finzsoft and Nissan.

Federation members and several NZ businesses also donated over $10,000 of auction prizes, helping lift the total funds raised.

Good Shepherd NZ chief executive, Tania Pouwhare, says the financial services community’s generosity will make a tangible difference.

“Women’s financial wellbeing is at the core of our work. Too many families in New Zealand are doing it tough. They don’t have enough money for the basics, have no savings to fall back on, and are burdened by debt that is unmanageable or unjust. That harms people and limits their ability to live full lives,” Pouwhare says.

“Support like this allows us to provide practical assistance that strengthens financial security, stops economic harm and enables women to be physically safe. There is never enough to meet the need, but we will make the very best use of what has been raised.”

Funds raised from this year’s event will go directly towards ensuring women can be safe, well and connected, she said.

The Federation has strengthened its relationship with Good Shepherd through the development of its Economic Harm Code of Practice, which recognises that customers experiencing economic abuse may not be aware of debts incurred in their name.

The Code outlines member responsibilities to prevent and reduce economic harm, while helping keep both customers and staff safe.

© Scoop Media