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The search for New Zealand’s most empowering, hard-working and inspiring wāhine has begun, with nominations opening today for the 2021 Women of Influence Awards.
This is the ninth year of the prestigious awards that recognise women who are driving change, excelling in their field and leading by example, from community through to international level.
Presented by Stuff and Westpac NZ, the Women of Influence Awards feature 10 categories across business, philanthropy, innovation, diversity and more. This year’s programme includes two new categories: Environment and Primary Industries.
Nominations close at midnight on August 16, and will be assessed by a high-calibre judging panel that’s once again led by former Governor-General Dame Silvia Cartwright, with one new member, tech expert Te Aroha Grace. The winners will be crowned at the annual gala dinner in Auckland on October 21.
The popular Women of Influence Speaker Series returns in July and August. Held in Tauranga, Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, the series will give audiences the chance to hear from a range of influential New Zealanders in a relaxed and interactive format.
Stuff CEO Sinead Boucher wants every New Zealander to ask themselves whether they know a Kiwi woman making a positive difference in the world.
“Every day our Stuff journalists are out in the community, meeting and reporting on inspiring women who are making a real impact – whether at the local level or on the global stage. There is so much passion and talent in Aotearoa and Women of Influence Awards is a wonderful way for us to celebrate it.”
Last year’s Awards winners included well-known New Zealanders such as science communicator Siouxsie Wiles, and international performer and choreographer Parris Goebel. The programme also celebrates the work of grassroots figures such as domestic violence campaigner Jackie Clark (2018 Supreme winner) and environmentalist Annika Andresen (2019 Young Leader winner). A full list of past winners can be found here.
The new Environment Award was introduced to recognise women who are fighting climate change or protecting our natural environment. Westpac NZ Chief Executive David McLean says he’s encouraged by the ingenuity of environmental work being undertaken, from a community through to corporate level.
“There is extraordinary work happening around New Zealand to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment. This award is about acknowledging the people spearheading this work, and encouraging businesses, communities, and individuals to join us in making bold commitments to a cleaner and healthier New Zealand,” Mr McLean says.
To nominate a woman of influencer or for more information about 2021 Women of Influence Awards and the nomination process, as well as this year’s Speaker Series, visit www.womenofinfluence.co.nz. Follow Women of Influence on Facebook and Instagram for programme news and updates.
ENDS
Key dates for the 2021 Women of Influence Awards:
- June 2 - Nominations open
- August 16 – Nominations close
- September 19 - Finalists announced
- October 21 - Gala celebration
2021 Women of Influence Categories
- Arts & Culture
- Board & Management
- Business Enterprise
- Community Hero
- Diversity
- Environment
- Innovation, Science & Health
- Public Policy
- Primary Industries
- Young Leader
Key dates for the Women of Influence Speaker Series:
- July 28 – Tauranga
- August 5 – Auckland
- August 10 – Wellington
- August 12 – Christchurch
2021 Women of Influence Partners
Stuff and Westpac are grateful for the support of the following partners:
- AUT – Young Leader
- Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand - Diversity
- DLA Piper - Board & Management
- Ministry for the Environment - Environment
- Ministry for Women – Public Policy
- Zespri – Primary Industries
- Auckland Live – Event Supporter
About Stuff
Stuff connects with 2.4 million Kiwis per week across its platforms, including New Zealand’s largest news site Stuff.co.nz, Neighbourly, Stuff Events and a range of much-loved newspapers and magazines.
Proudly New Zealand-owned, Stuff leverages its high levels of trust and scale to deliver quality news, content and experiences that help make Aotearoa a better place. Stuff looks for opportunities to diversify into new categories and revenue streams to ensure it continues to deliver its award-winning, independent journalism. Find out more at about.stuff.co.nz.
About Westpac
Westpac NZ has been serving New Zealanders since 1861 and is today one of the country’s largest full service banks with more than 1.3 million customers. We provide a full range of retail and commercial financial services including home and business lending, and are the Government’s main banking partner. We are committed to improving the social, environmental and economic wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Our purpose is to help our customers financially to grow a better New Zealand.