GWN Announces New Chair, Co-Chair and Steering Committee for 2026
GWN Announces New Chair, Co-Chair and Steering Committee for 2026
GWN is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chair, Co-Chair and Steering Committee, marking an important leadership transition for the network.
From December 2025, Coyla Cameron (Ministry of Justice) took on the role of Chair, with Lyn Meredith (Inland Revenue) appointed as Co-Chair. Together, they will lead GWN into its next phase, with a continued focus on strengthening governance capability, connection and leadership confidence for women across the public sector.
Reflecting on the future direction of GWN, Coyla says:
“As the incoming chair, I am committed to supporting the growth of the network and empowering wāhine across the public sector to realise their potential. The whakataukī Whiria te taura here tāngata – Bind together the strands of humanity talks of encouraging unity and the gathering of different perspectives to form a stronger collective voice. I look forward to working with Lyn, my co-chair, to walk alongside an amazing and dedicated group of wāhine, to strengthen connection, build capability, and amplify the voices of women throughout the public sector”.
Lyn adds:
“I am excited to working alongside Coyla and a new committee. We want to ensure GWN remains practical, inclusive and responsive, supporting women at all stages of their careers, while strengthening the collective leadership that sits at the heart of this network.”
GWN would like to acknowledge and sincerely thank Nicola Johns (Outgoing Chair) and Nina Russell (Outgoing Co-Chair) for their leadership and commitment over the past two years.
During their tenure, Nicola and Nina provided steady stewardship through a period of growth and change, strengthening GWN’s strategic focus, partnerships and reach across the public sector. Their leadership has helped position GWN as a trusted and connected network, and their contribution has laid a strong foundation for the next phase of the network’s work.
He mihi nui ki a kōrua — thank you both for your service to GWN.
GWN also extends its sincere thanks to the outgoing members of the Steering Committee for their time, expertise and commitment:
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Karyn Thompson
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Tofilau Iris Webster
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Briar Wyatt
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Heather Guthrie
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Marie Schmidt
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Zoe Ogilvie Burns
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Emma Saunders
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Della Averina
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Kirsty Paterson, (Outgoing SGWN Chair)
Their collective mahi has played an important role in shaping GWN’s direction and strengthening the network’s impact.
Welcoming Our New Steering Committee
GWN is pleased to welcome 5 new wāhine toa to the Steering Committee, bringing fresh new perspectives from their different backgrounds and experiences.
We also acknowledge the ongoing connection and collaboration with our regional networks, including:
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Cupy Dee, Chair, Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland GWN, Te Mana Arai o Aotearoa NZ Customs
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Saana Judd, Co-Chair, Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki Auckland GWN, Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland Council
- Megan van den Hondel, Chair, Te Aka Wāhine o Te Waipounamu Southern GWN, Te Tari Taake Inland Revenue
These connections support a collective approach to leadership and governance development across Aotearoa. You can see the full list of the Committee members under Our Structure.
Looking Ahead
As GWN enters this next chapter, the Chair, Co-Chair and Steering Committee remain committed to supporting women to build governance capability, confidence and connection, now and into the future.
He waka eke noa — we are all in this together.