Many Pathways to Leadership & Governance

Join this free Ministry for Women webinar, delivered in collaboration with Whaikaha, for an insightful panel discussion with Ronelle Baker ONZM and Anne Hawker ONZM. They will share practical advice on navigating pathways to leadership, including how to pursue board opportunities, and building confidence in your contribution.  

"The worst thing a woman can do is try to be a man on a board" – Anne Hawker 

Time: 12-1:00pm  

Date: Friday, 25 September 

Location: Online (zoom)

About our panellists:
 

Ronelle Baker ONZM (Ngāti Porou, Ngāti Apakura, Ngāpuhi) is an executive leader with experience across the health, disability, non-profit and government sectors.  She has served as a Commissioner and Board Member of Mana Mokopuna – Children and Young People’s Commission, Chair of Spectrum Care, Trustee of Te Roopu Waiora Trust, and Chief Executive of the Muscular Dystrophy Association of New Zealand.

Currently Kaihautū Chief Advisor Māori at Ministry of Disabled People – Whaikaha, Ronelle brings an intersectional lens to her strategic leadership role.  She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2026 for services to children and people living with disabilities.

Anne Hawker ONZM, QSM is a disability rights leader whose advocacy journey began with the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre and continued through leadership roles with Multiple Sclerosis New Zealand, where she became the first person with multiple sclerosis to serve on the Society’s Board. She later served as President of Disabled Persons Assembly New Zealand and was elected as the first female President of Rehabilitation International, championing disability rights, accessibility and inclusion in New Zealand and globally.

Anne has continued to influence disability policy through her work as Principal Disability Advisor at the Ministry of Social Development. She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2021 for services to people with disabilities.

In this session, you will hear our panel discuss: 

• expectations of serving on a board

• the barriers and enablers they experienced navigating their careers

• things women might consider while developing their own careers into senior leadership/ governance roles.  

You will gain tips and tricks about:  

• how to pursue an interest in governance and leadership roles

• serving on a board with confidence

• how to invest in yourself as a valued contributor. 

Register to hear from Ronelle and Anne as they reflect on their experiences in leadership and governance.  

The Ministry for Women will make every effort to ensure this webinar is accessible.  If you have any access requirements to attend this webinar then please contact event@women.govt.nz by 18 September 2026.  If you let us know after this date we will endeavour to provide support but are not able to guarantee it