This International Women’s Day let's celebrate the diversity and accomplishments of women from all walks of life. Together, let's inspire inclusion by championing equality, amplifying diverse voices, and creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered. By embracing our differences, we can build a more inclusive world where every woman has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. #InspireInclusion

Please let us know if you can longer attend the event, so the tickets can go to someone else who's interested in attending.

Your hosts:
Mark Averill, PwC CEO and Theresa Gattung, Global Women Chair

Storytellers:

Juliet Tainui-Hernandez - Non-Executive Director on Ngāi Tahu Holdings and Assistant Governor and General Manager of Transformation and People at Te Pūtea Matua, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Juliet Tainui-Hernandez, Ngāi Tahu, Te Whakatohea, qualified as a Barrister and Solicitor in Aotearoa in 1999. Whilst studying she worked for Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu during their negotiations with the Crown. On her graduation from University, she went to work as a lawyer in Wellington.

In 2001 she took her legal career internationally, first to Australia and then to Hong Kong and the United Kingdom. She began her two decades offshore working in Dispute Resolution, but then moved into risk management, regulation and compliance ultimately becoming a partner of a large international law firm and their Chief Compliance Officer (CCO) with responsibility for Europe, UK, Middle East, Asia and Brazil.

In her last few years overseas Juliet moved into Law Firm Management, with responsibility for Business Transformation. Her work included strategic change and transformation reviews, governance, oversight and implementation of business projects, digitalisation, outsourcing/northshoring, and other management initiatives. In October 2020, Juliet returned home to Aotearoa to take up her current roles as a Non-Executive Director on Ngāi Tahu Holdings and Assistant Governor and General Manager of Transformation and People at Te Pūtea Matua, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand.

Mea Motu - International Boxer

Mea Motu, born and raised in Pukepoto, Te Tai Tokerau, is a shining example of resilience and triumph. From discovering her passion for boxing at the tender age of 13 to clinching the prestigious IBO Super Bantamweight World championship in April 2023, her journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. With an impressive professional record boasting 18 wins, including 6 knockouts, Mea has etched her name in the history books of boxing. However, her ascent to greatness was marked by profound challenges, including surviving domestic abuse, a battle she fought with unwavering determination. Mea attributes her success to the transformative power of boxing and her unwavering support system. As an ambassador for "I Am Hope," she passionately advocates for mental health awareness, using her own story as a beacon of hope for others. Mea's life story serves as a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and emerge victorious.

Dr Marcia Walker - General Practice Doctor

Ko Makeo tõku maunga, Ko Waiaua tõku awa, Ko Mataatua tõku waka, Ko Whakatõhea toku iwi, Ko Ngati Patu Moana tõku hapū. Ko Waiaua tõku marāe, Nõ Õpõtiki ahau, engari i tipu ake au ki Tamaki Makaurau, Ko Marcia Walker tõku Ingoa

Marcia Walker attended Medical School at the University of Auckland, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery degree in 2005. Specialising in General Practice in 2013, Marcia has since owned her own practice and worked extensively across high-needs practices in Auckland. Recently, she established General Practitioners Aotearoa (GPA), the first association representing GPs in New Zealand, addressing critical issues in the field amid a challenging landscape. In 2021, Marcia was appointed to the board of Vitura Health Ltd, an Australian company specialising in medicinal cannabis and mental health treatment, while also serving as a medical director for the Cosmetic Clinic NZ, contributing to its expansion and supporting the nursing workforce. Balancing these roles with her commitment to family and personal interests like fishing, Marcia's next goal is to open a GP clinic in Auckland with her partner, focusing on high-quality, patient-centered care.

Carmen Doren - CE0, Helius Therapeutics

Carmen is contagiously passionate about Empowering Leadership and driving an environment of Continuous Improvement. A background in Biomedical Engineering, a career in Pharmaceutical Operations, a Lean-Six-Sigma Black Belt and a number of real-life experiences all contribute to Carmen's hunger for pursuing excellence in areas impactful to the world around us.

A curiosity about cultural aspects of life and an openness to new opportunities has lead to Carmen living in six countries (NZ, England, Singapore, Switzerland, Scotland, Malta) and travelling, professionally and personally, to over 50.

Helius Therapeutics purpose is to unleash the potential of medicinal cannabis to improve quality of life for millions of people around the world. Helius is based in Auckland with a 8,800sqm EU-GMP and GACP certified facility and a strong focus on developing novel therapeutics that are safe and efficacious.

Judy O'Brien - NZ Rugby

Judy O’Brien is a culture change professional with a strong focus on gender equity and a diverse career in entertainment, education and advocacy. A recognised expert in sexual harassment prevention and a passionate advocate for Rainbow inclusion, she heads the Culture, Diversity & Inclusion team at New Zealand Rugby, weaving together inclusion strategies for women, Māori, Pasifika and Rainbow communities in rugby from grassroots to governance. She led the organisation to win the Supreme Award at the 2022 NZ Rainbow Excellence Awards and to secure a spot as finalist in the 2023 Diversity Awards Inclusive Workplace Category.

Victoria Baldwin - Food Photographer and Women's Works Collective Founder

Victoria is an Auckland-based photographer originally from Sydney, whose artistic journey intertwines her love for food and photography. Raised in a family deeply rooted in food production, her fascination with gastronomy blossomed early, eventually converging with her passion for capturing moments through the lens. With a background in theatre, she developed a discerning eye for composition and narrative, traits that permeate her work today. Victoria's leadership extends beyond her artistic pursuits; as Vice President of the Advertising and Illustrative Photographers Association and founder of the Women’s Work Collective, she advocates for inclusivity and equality within the industry. Through her bold and optimistic imagery, Victoria not only showcases her structured approach to photography but also underscores her commitment to creating a better world, one frame at a time.