Bold Moves. Bolder (Women) Founders

Have you ever wondered what it takes to make that bold move? Hear from founders who have made bold moves in traditional industries and created impressive start-ups.

What does it take to make that bold move? The move that others didn’t expect or think possible. We talk with founders who have made bold moves in traditional industries to create amazing companies. Hear from bold women using an entrepreneurial mindset and a global outlook. Join us for this fireside chat.

Meet the Panellists

Zoe Reece – Founder & CEO of Ora Pharm

Zoe Reece is an engineer‑turned‑entrepreneur and the Founder & CEO of Ora Pharm. In the U.S., she served as Curaleaf’s Director of Engineering, leading the design, build and launch of 80+ facilities in two years. Back in Aotearoa, Zoe founded Ora Pharm, becoming the first cashflow‑positive medicinal cannabis company in NZ, securing a Callaghan Innovation R&D grant, and expanding offshore. She thrives on turning complexity into momentum—building teams, shipping product, and scaling regulated businesses with discipline and heart.

Charis Tutaki – Founder, MAAIA

Since the age of 17, Charis has worked in corporate with a focus on Māori and rangatahi initiatives. In 2024, after welcoming her first pēpi, Charis embraced life as a stay-at-home mum and ventured into self-employment. Shortly after, MAAIA Boots, a Māori-owned gumboot brand, was born. As a young Māori wāhine in business, Charis is passionate about empowering others through storytelling, innovation, and kaupapa-led design, leading with vision and heart while navigating the challenges of being a wāhine entrepreneur in Aotearoa.