Manatū Wāhine, Ministry for Women, New Zealand

23/06/2026

For many women, the path into board roles can still feel unclear.

Today, we co-hosted a webinar with the Institute of Directors drawing on research with more than 100 directors exploring what helps women step into governance – from mentoring and sponsorship to building confidence, capability and visibility ⭐💡

Some of the themes reflected a broader, sustained effort across the public sector to strengthen governance pathways. The 2025 stocktake of gender and ethnic diversity on public sector boards, released today, shows women’s representation on boards has held at 50% for the sixth consecutive year, with continued gains in chair roles (now 43.8%) ⚖️

This progress reflects deliberate action, from appointment practices to building the pipeline of future directors. Balanced boards support better decision-making and stronger outcomes, but maintaining this progress depends on continuing to build capability, create opportunities and open up pathways into governance.

Initiatives like BoardConnector, the Ministry’s refreshed governance database, are helping ensure more women are ready, visible and supported to step forward 🚀

➡️ Sign up to BoardConnector and explore what a governance pathway could look like for you today! https://www.women.govt.nz/women-leadership


➡️ If you want to learn more about the gender and ethnic diversity on public sector boards and committee, visit our website https://www.women.govt.nz/library/2025-stocktake-gender-and-ethnic-diversity-public-sector-boards-and-committees-2026

22/06/2026

Starting today, nzherald.co.nz is releasing a 6-part series called 'Under the Influence' that explores the broader impact of social media on young people, highlighting how it’s affecting girls and women across Aotearoa New Zealand 🎥

This series follows themes of our Long-term Insights Briefing (LTIB) 2026: Free to Lead: Tackling the effects of online harm on the pipeline of future women leaders, centring the powerful voices of young women and how their experiences are influencing participation and choices around leadership and public life.

Online harm is a growing issue in this digital age and an important ongoing conversation that we need to continue to have now more than ever💜

Make sure to tune into the series today! https://www.nzherald.co.nz/topic/under-the-influence/

For more information about the report, head to our website! https://www.women.govt.nz/news/free-lead-ltib-now-published

17/06/2026

If you’ve ever thought “this space isn’t for me” - this is your reminder that Pacific women and voices belong in the boardroom.

Watch this webinar on how Associate Professor Yvonne Crichton-Hill forged her own path - first as a recognised expert in social work, and later as a governance leader.

Find out how Yvonne
⭐overcame imposter syndrome
⭐found her confidence to leap into a governance role
⭐uses her voice and lived experiences to amplify Pacific voices at board tables.

If you’re interested in governance, tune in to this webinar on our website! https://www.women.govt.nz/women-leadership/leadership-learning-hub/service-through-governance-leadership-pacific-world-view

10/06/2026

For many women, stepping into governance can feel unclear, shaped by networks and unspoken expectations.

Yet governance capability is built through learning, experience and opportunity!

Join this free joint webinar with the Institute of Directors in New Zealand to explore how women can grow governance confidence, visibility and capability, with insights from Judene Edgar MNZM CMInstD.

Whether you are exploring your first board role or looking to grow your governance experience, this webinar will provide practical insights, tools and encouragement to support your next step into governance 🔧💡

➡️ Register today! https://www.iod.org.nz/all-events/diversity-events/women-directors-network-stepping-into-governance #/

10/06/2026

We’re at Electrify Aotearoa 2026! 🚀

Our kaimahi have been connecting with some incredible wāhine entrepreneurs who are leading the way in their industries.

We're stoked to be catching up with Alice Lee, founder of Romene skincare based in Invercargill, who is one of the 8 women we've sponsored to attend the summit.

If you’re at the summit today, come by our stand to say hi, have a kōrero, and find out more about our work supporting wāhine 💜 💜

09/06/2026

Big congratulations to Kylie Dorr from Southern Reproductive!

Kylie has taken out the Emerging Enterprise Award at the NZI Rural Women Business Awards, an incredible achievement, and one that will be formally celebrated alongside other finalists at the gala awards evening on 23 July.

We’re proud to support these awards and celebrate the inspiring wāhine driving innovation across rural Aotearoa New Zealand.

As Business Director at Southern Cattle Services Ltd, Kylie is leading innovation in agricultural and veterinary technology, delivering on-farm reproductive services and training from Tapanui, Otago.

Ka mau te wehi, Kylie! What an outstanding recognition of leadership and innovation in our rural communities.

02/06/2026

'Ia manuia le Vaiaso o le Gagana Sāmoa!

Happy Samoan Language Week!🇼🇸🌸

It's Samoa Language Week!
Join the celebrations with language guides, graphics, posters and more resources on our website: https://bit.ly/4jwdKhR
This year's Vaiaso o le Gagana Samoa theme, chosen by our community, is: ‘E afua mai i mauga tetele manuia o le 'nu'u
From the high mountains are the blessings of the village ⛰️ ❤️

28/05/2026

For many women, stalking isn’t one moment, it’s constant.

Stalking and harassment is now a crime, and a new law recognises what many women have long known: stalking is real, harmful, and not something to minimise or ignore. It validates the fear, distress, and disruption that victim-survivors experience and ensures stronger protections are in place.

Women from a range of backgrounds and communities experience stalking and its impacts differently – for example the disability community and rainbow community.

If someone’s behaviour is making you feel unsafe, trust your instinct. You are not overreacting. You are not alone.

This law is about standing alongside women and girls, acknowledging your experiences, strengthening your protection, and helping ensure you can live your life with confidence and freedom.

If you need support, reach out. If you are in immediate danger, call 111. For non-urgent concerns, contact Police on 105 or online.

27/05/2026

Women and girls deserve to feel safe from stalking and harassment.

Stalking and harassment is now clearly defined as a crime in Aotearoa New Zealand, recognising it as a pattern of harmful, unwanted behaviour not just a one-off incident.

This includes the persistent behaviours many women experience, from unwanted contact and being followed, to online harassment and digital abuse.

Stalking disproportionately affects women and girls.

The law focuses on patterns of behaviour, helping authorities act earlier to prevent harm. It also gives Police and the courts stronger tools to respond and protect victims.

Swipe to see what’s covered in the legislation ➡️

26/05/2026

Stalking and harassment is serious - and from today, it is a crime.

Women are overrepresented as victim-survivors of stalking - and women from a range of communities experience stalking differently.

Stalking and harassment intrudes on women’s lives and can seriously undermine their sense of safety, stability, and wellbeing. It creates fear, distress and disruption to daily life.

The new law provides victim-survivors of stalking and harassment with strengthened protections.

Stalking and harassment is defined as a pattern of behaviour where a person carries out any specified act towards another person on at least two separate occasions within two years, knowing their behaviour is likely to cause fear or distress.

The law recognises modern stalking methods, like digital tracking, and it covers a wide range of scenarios.

Reaching out for help📱

If you are in immediate danger, call Police on 111. For non‑urgent concerns, contact Police on 105 or online.

If you are being stalked or harassed, it is not your fault. Trust your instincts - if someone’s behaviour is making you feel unsafe, reach out for help. Talk to someone you trust, such as a family member, friend, colleague, or support service.

➡️ Slide across for advice from advocates and experts. More information is available on our website https://www.women.govt.nz/Protection-from-stalking-and-harassment