2020: A message from GWN's Chair
As 2020 comes to a close, I wanted to share a message with GWN members and some news about the year ahead.
There's no denying it’s been a bumpy year of unexpected challenges, but thankfully there have also been opportunities. This year we've had three GWN Programme Directors see the network through some unprecedented changes to how we work, and on behalf of the Steering Committee I offer my sincere thanks to Liz, Rebecca and Carin for their leadership and adaptability during these unusual times. GWN started the year strongly with the launch of our five year strategy which was very well received by public service Chief Executives who continue to show support for our work.
As the year progressed, despite the difficulties of the pandemic, GWN was able to make the most of our new online expertise and offer a range of popular events and meetups to keep our work programme moving forward. Ngā mihi mahana to Network Reps from GWN and other ELNs for keeping us connected and sharing their insights to help us deliver meaningful opportunities and resources to our members. This same willingness to expand our horizons led to GWN's first ever Women in Public Sector Virtual Summit, which, thanks to our dedicated and enthusiastic membership, was a big success and gives us confidence for the potential for future virtual Summits.
In September, we also welcomed four talented new wāhine to the Steering Committee whose enthusiastic insights and contributions are already making a positive impact.
I'm pleased to say GWN will be ending this year strongly, too, with one of our biggest changes yet – GWN’s host agency will change in the new year from Inland Revenue to Te Kawa Mataaho. As GWN moves to be included in Te Kawa Mataaho's Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion Group, we're excited to be able to amplify GWN’s work programme through alignment with their work. We’re also pleased that Naomi Ferguson will remain GWN's sponsor throughout this change.
Ka rawe to all GWN members for your hard mahi, manaakitanga, and dedication this year. We have all earned a very relaxing break. We look forward to sharing details of our 2021 work programme in the new year.
— Ruth Shinoda, Chair, GWN Steering Committee
GWN Chair Ruth Shinoda, Programme Director Carin Sundstedt and Te Kawa Mataaho Deputy Commissioner Leadership, Diversity and Inclusion, Heather Baggott next to GWN's holiday pod decorating entry.