International Women’s Day – #investinwomen
Hosts: Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland Government Women’s Network
Venue: Auckland Transport Head Office and online
Date: 8th March 2024
Attendance: 250 in person and 300 online
MC: Joanna Maskell AGWN Chair
Key note: Dame Valerie Adams with Q&A faciltated by Sarah Leo, AGWN Komiti member
Panellists:
- Lillian Tahuri, Head of Māori Engagement, Auckland Transport
- Leilani Tamu, Policy Director MBIE
- Dr Claudia Wyss, Director of Customer & Community, Auckland Council
- Panel Facilitator: Rahera Wharerau, Māori Outcomes Advisor, Auckland Transport
Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki partnered with Auckland Transport, Te Rōpū Wāhine Auckland Council’s Women’s Network and the PSA Women’s Network to celebrate International Women’s Day.
Dame Valerie Adams, Olympic Gold Medalist, Coach, Chair of the World Athletics Commission and Sports New Zealand Board Member was the inspirational keynote speaker, interviewed Q&A style by AGWN komiti Member Sarah Leo. Dame Valerie was followed by a powerful panel discussion about how investing in Women can accelerate their progress in the Public service.
Key takeaways
- Dame Valerie’s message that women are the drivers of their own bus, and we need to carefully consider who is on the bus and whether they are slowing us down really resonated with those who attended.
- Leilani Tamu encouraged attendees to not be put in a box and defined by others’ views of what you should be.
- Dr Claudia Wyss spoke about the importance of sponsorship – promoting other women when they aren’t in the room.
Attendee feedback
- I registered and attended because of the guest speaker Dame Valerie Adams. What a phenomenal fit. Also enjoyed the panel guests and their inspiring informative inputs into building women at home, pay equity at workplaces and society's perspectives.
- Great session with a good mix of speakers and very motivational and inspiring.
- The speakers spoke in 'real' relatable ways, they were all excellent and uplifting.
