Celebrating 10 Years of GWN - at Parliament

Hosts: Government Women's Network Steering Committee

Venue: New Zealand Parliament, Legislative Council Chamber

Attendance: Approximately 145

Date: 25 March 2025

Master of Ceremony: Sio Kihe La'a Talakai-'Alatini and Lyn Meredeth (GWN Committee Members)

Panel Facilitator: Nina Russell (Co-Chair GWN)

Speakers: The Honourable Nicola Grigg (Minister for Women), the Honourable Judith Collins KC (Minister for the Public Service), Peter Mersi (Co-Sponsor), Naomi Ferguson (GWN Past Sponsor)

Panellists: DCE Ruth Shinoda (past GWN Steering Committee Chair), Anita Edwards (Past GWN Steering Committee Chair), Carin Sundstedt (Past GWN/ELN Programme Director), Liz Chin (Past Director GWN) 

Celebrating 10 years of GWN at Parliament

On the 25 of March 2025, the Government Women’s Network (GWN) Steering Committee hosted a special event at Parliament to celebrate the network's 10 Year Anniversary. The event attracted a strong turnout, including many Chief Executives, agency network representatives and past and present GWN leaders and key contributors to a decade of progress. It was a fantastic celebration of how far GWN has come, and a reminder of the exciting mahi (work) ahead as GWN continues to grow and build their regional footprint. You can watch a recording of the event here. The event also saw the launch of committee’s latest biannual report (2023-2024) which you can view here.

 

Key takeaways 

  • GWN marked its 10-year anniversary with a celebration at Parliament and the launch of its biannual report. 

  • The event was hosted by the Minister for Women and included remarks from the Minister for the Public Service. 

  • Strong turnout from CEs, Te Kawa Mataaho, agency networks, and past and present GWN leaders/ members. 

  • Positive feedback highlighted the value of the event and the network’s impact over the past decade. 

  • The celebration reinforced the importance of expanding GWN’s regional presence and continuing to support women across the public sector. 

 

Feedback from attendees 

  •     “A truly inspiring celebration, great to see the impact GWN has made over the last 10 years.” 

    • “Loved the mix of reflection and forward thinking, excited to see where the network goes next.” 

    • “Fantastic to see such strong representation from across the public service, including CEs and agency networks.” 

    • “The energy in the room was amazing, great to reconnect with past and present members.” 

    • “Really appreciated the focus on regional growth and the challenge set for the next 10 years.” 

    • “The event felt inclusive, empowering, and well organised, huge kudos to the Steering Committee!” 

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