Women of Influence Awards nominations open with all-new Speaker Series.

A national celebration of New Zealand’s most inspiring women begins today, with nominations now open for the annual Women of Influence Awards.

Presented by Stuff and Westpac, the renowned event returns for its seventh year to recognise Kiwi women who make a difference, from a global level to their own backyards.

In addition to the gala awards dinner on Thursday October 24, this year’s programme features an all-new Speaker Series, with five events held across the country in August.

World-renowned fashion designer Karen Walker will headline the Auckland event, while guests will also hear from a diverse and thought-provoking line-up of speakers in Tauranga, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch.

Stuff Chief Executive Sinead Boucher says: “We’re so excited to be able to bring an extension of the prestigious and anticipated Women of Influence awards to more people, with events in multiple regions this year.

“The Speaker Series enables the events’ core essence of celebrating women and providing a platform to connect, share and celebrate inspirational stories and achievements to transcend further, and hopefully encourage more empowerment and inspiration than ever before.

“We’re also fortunate to welcome the former governor-general and pioneering jurist, Dame Silvia Cartwright, as the new head of the judging panel.”

Westpac NZ Chief Executive David McLean says the bank is proud to support the Women of Influence programme, including the Speaker Series, which is aimed at bringing Women of Influence to a wider audience across the country.

“The theme of this year’s series is ‘From Grassroots to Global’. It showcases the stories and ideas of women who are making their mark not just nationally and internationally, but in their own communities and regions,” Mr McLean says.

“It also provides a great opportunity for women from across the spectrum to connect and build their networks.

“A woman of influence is anyone who creates real change and forges a path for others, at any level. I encourage everyone to consider nominating someone, whether it’s a friend, colleague or a long-time acquaintance.

“From the farm gate to the fashion houses of Europe, each and every one of us knows women who have inspired us through their words and deeds. These awards are your chance to give them the recognition and accolades they deserve.”

The ten awards categories include: Arts and Culture, Board and Management, Business Enterprise, Community/not-for-profit, Diversity, Global, Innovation and Science, Public Policy, Rural, and Young Leader.

For more information about Women of Influence and this year’s Speaker Series, as well as past winners, how to nominate and how to purchase tickets, visit: www.womenofinfluence.co.nz

Key dates for the 2019 Women of Influence Awards:

• Wednesday 22 May - Nominations open
• Monday 15 July - Nominations close
• Friday 2 – Wednesday 28 August - Women of Influence Speaker Series, five venues nationwide
• Sunday 1 September - Awards finalists announced
• Thursday 24 October - Awards dinner, SKYCITY Auckland

2019 Women of Influence Partners

Stuff and Westpac are grateful for the support of the following partners:

• Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand – sponsor of Diversity category
• DLA Piper – sponsor of Board and Management category
• Massey University – sponsor of Global category
• Mastercard – sponsor of Innovation and Science category
• Ministry for Women – sponsor of Public Policy category
• Zespri – sponsor of Rural category
• SKYCITY – sponsor of Community Hero category

About Stuff Events
Stuff is a collection of digital-first products and services, connecting Kiwis to the stuff that matters, the stuff they love and each other. Stuff’s full-service events and sponsorship function touches over half a million Kiwis every year. Committed to running environmentally-friendly events and with event categories across Sport, Agriculture, Food, Lifestyle, Travel and Business, Stuff manages some of New Zealand’s most iconic events, including Auckland’s Ports of Auckland Round the Bays, the Central Districts Field Days, Women of Influence Awards and the Night Noodle Markets.

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.