Southern GWN Stories & Profiles

SGWN Profile: Trinity McMahon

Trinity McMahon is a Director for Regional Public Services and is based in Murihiku, Southland. Passionate about her community she has held a variety of roles with the Ministry of Social Development for over 15 years supporting whānau to be safe, strong and independent.

SGWN Profile: Amanda Henman

Amanda is currently on secondment as the Senior Advisor Women’s Development and Diversity for Canterbury Police. Her focus is the long-term development and sustainability of women and diverse employees, supporting them into leadership roles

SGWN Profile: Alica Barwell

A Police Dispatcher and Communicator for nearly 17 years, Alica’s primary focus is supporting women through perimenopause and menopause.

SGWN Profile: Kathy Connolly

Kathy is an experienced leader who loves supporting women to be their best. She is a career statistician who is passionate about data and the difference it can make to peoples lives through supporting good decision making.

SGWN Profile: Alexandra Neems

Based in Ōtepoti Dunedin, Alexandra is an experienced intelligence practitioner, entering the workforce in the New Zealand Intelligence Community following the completion of her Master’s in International security and Intelligence.

SGWN Profile: Catherine Pearson

Catherine joined the Public Sector in the housing space and now assists in finding homes for the homeless working with Te Manatu Whakahiato Ora, Ministry of Social Development based in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

SGWN Committee Co-chair: Karen Mora

SGWN Committee Chair: Kirsty Paterson

Kirsty Paterson has been an SGWN Committee member since 2018 and is the current Committee Chair. She is the Chief Quarantine Officer for the Ministry for Primary Industries.

SGWN farewell Chair Jennifer Leahy

Te Aka Wāhine o Te Waipounamu recently marked a momentous event as Jennifer Leahy, Chair of the Southern Government Women’s Network (SGWN) bid farewell after two impactful years at the helm.

SGWN Profile: Diane McDermott