Women in Public Service Summit – Te Waipounamu Southern
Hosts: Te Aka Wāhine o te Waipounamu Southern Government Women's Network
Venue: Christchurch Town Hall and online
Date: 14th August 2024
Presenters: Peter Mersi, Hon. Nicola Grigg, Prudence Walker, Assoc Prof Annabel Ahuriri-Driscoll, Anne Jordan, Stephanie Voight, Diane McDermott, Jenna Guest, Saane Havea, Bronwyn Hayward, Franziska Doser
MC: Michele A’Court
The Women in Public Service Summit, hosted by SGWN, was a resounding success, bringing together trailblazing women leaders from various government agencies.
Attendees were inspired by dynamic panel discussions, and inspirational speakers who shared how to be in the best health to lead, how to give sight to those who follow, exploration of power imbalances, and much more!
Participants left energized, and armed with new strategies to overcome personal, work, and environmental challenges. GWN continues to champion the advancement of women in all areas of public life. See some photos from the day in the photo gallery.
Key takeaways
- Gain confidence by seeing yourself do something hard – Franzi Doser
- Women can thrive when empowered and supported – Hon Nicola Grigg
- Continue to try. With successes comes confidence – Prudence Walker
- When you feel you’re not enough ... have good mentors, and hold onto being a work in progress – Anabel Aruriri-Driscoll
- 1:12 women Leave their job due to Menopause. Eat rainbow food, don’t wear sunglasses in the morning, and the best exercise is something you enjoy – Anne Jordan
- Find bridges to help people make a difference – Bronwyn Hayward
- Mentoring is a two way streak, you can learn from them as well. Diane McDermott
- The Public Sector is a wide space, look across rather than just what’s in front of you for succession planning – Diane McDermott
Feedback
- I've been singing "I am woman" to myself ever since. It's a great anthem for all of us.
- Thank you for a wonderful event. Michelle was a fabulous MC. I hope you are able to continue to run these for years to come. Very valuable use of my time.
- I absolutely loved this event and was so glad to finally be accepted to come. I left feeling inspired and empowered.
- It was such a privilege to attend, I feel so empowered as a woman in leadership, as a woman with a voice and to have the right to work to my values and embrace my authentic self. Can not thank you all enough for this opportunity!
- It's so hard to have one person who stood out, they were all exceptional in their rights, such a great event
- Wonderful event. I left feeling energised, inspired, and curious to learn more about what I'd heard. The online platform was good and I'm keen to come along to the next event.
- Thanks, this was my first attendance and it was online and was great. Also, the MC was FABULOUS!