Date: Friday, 6 March 2026
Time: 7-9 am
Venue: Hastings Community Arts Centre, 106 Russell Street South

Join us for a meaningful International Women’s Day Breakfast as the Heretaunga Women’s Centre launches its 2026 Give to Gain campaign. Proudly supported by Hastings City Business Association.

The event will bring together community leaders, supporters, partners, and advocates to explore a simple yet powerful idea: when we support women, we all gain.

The morning includes breakfast networking, a facilitated panel discussion, and an opportunity to be part of a year-long movement for collective gain. The event is open to both men and women.

Meet the Panel

MC Korrin Barrett – Life Unlimited Resilience Expert

Korrin Barrett is a motivational speaker, resilience expert, and founder of Life Unlimited. After surviving sepsis and becoming a quad amputee, Korrin rebuilt her life with courage, humour, and unwavering perspective and now helps others do the same. Through storytelling and lived experience, she inspires individuals, leaders, and communities to embrace resilience, redefine what’s possible, and lead with heart. As a passionate advocate for women’s empowerment and inclusive communities, Korrin believes that when we invest in women’s wellbeing and strength, the ripple effect is limitless. She is honoured to facilitate this year’s panel discussion at the International Women’s Day breakfast, helping bring the Heretaunga Women’s Centre’s Give to Gain campaign to life.

Guest Speaker Bios:

Emma McLean – CEO & Founder, Works for Everyone

Emma McLean is the CEO and founder of Works for Everyone, a professional development business partnering with some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leading organisations to retain, support, and grow working parent talent. A mum of three, Emma founded her business in 2019 after a 20-year career in corporate strategy, during which she experienced firsthand the challenges of balancing career progression with family life. Recognised as New Zealand’s leading Working Parent expert, Emma works with organisations including ANZ, BNZ, Mercury Energy, One NZ, Fonterra, Department of Conservation and the NZ Defence Force through leadership programmes, executive coaching, and keynote speaking. An impatient optimist when it comes to system change, Emma launched the podcast How to Smash the Motherhood Penalty in 2023 and, in 2024, created the first NZ Part-Time Power List to spotlight those building meaningful careers through part-time work.

Wendy Griffin – Educator & Volunteer Connector

Wendy Griffin has spent the past 30 years working with humanitarian organisations supporting women and children before, during, and after natural and man-made disasters. A proud Kiwi of migrant parents, Wendy originally trained as a New Zealand primary school teacher before beginning her international journey with Volunteer Service Abroad in Bhutan. There, she introduced activity-based learning to young children in remote Himalayan communities. Over the following 26 years, Wendy worked as a consultant with organisations including UNICEF and local NGOs across Asia, the Pacific, and beyond. Her work focused on empowering women as first teachers through workshops, village outreach, and home visits—promoting reading, play, and learning in communities affected by poverty, conflict, and disaster. Wendy describes her career as deeply humbling and rewarding, shaped by extraordinary people and places. She remains passionate about kindness, adaptability, and supporting communities to rebuild and flourish through education and connection.

Raukura Huata – Cultural Advocate, Sommelier & Content Creator

Raukura Huata is a passionate advocate for celebrating Māori culture and its deep connections worldwide. She brings together her love of food, beverage, and cultural heritage by showcasing Māori cuisine across her platforms, with a strong focus on local, seasonal ingredients and storytelling through kai. As a trained sommelier, Raukura weaves her knowledge of wine and flavour into her culinary work, creating experiences that honour both tradition and innovation. A committed promoter of Te Reo Māori, Raukura is dedicated to learning, speaking, and encouraging others to embrace the language as a living, thriving part of Aotearoa’s identity. She also explores the intersection of fashion, skincare, and cultural expression, empowering wāhine to celebrate their individuality and heritage. Through all her mahi, Raukura is driven by a commitment to uplift Māori culture and amplify stories of connection, identity, and pride.

What to expect:

Light breakfast to enjoy as you mingle with others

Networking opportunities with inspiring community members

Powerful speakers sharing their insights and stories on women’s empowerment

Tickets: $50.00

Proceeds will go to the Heretaunga Women’s Centre, which provides a warm, welcoming space where wāhine come together to support, inspire, and empower one another.

Join us as these incredible panellists share their journeys and insights, offering unique perspectives on community, food, volunteering overseas, parenting, leadership, and cultural storytelling, all while exploring the themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience.

Don’t miss out, this event is just around the corner! Get your tickets today! 💜

Contact the host of HWC International Women's Day 2026

There were 0 errors found in the information you submitted: