Round off your day by joining in on enriching conversations and connection with fellow wāhine toa. Our series of fireside discussions in the Bay of Plenty continues this year, featuring inspiring figures - Andy Blair and Fiona McTavish. Delve into their leadership experiences and explore ways to cultivate a more equitable and thriving Aotearoa New Zealand together.

Note: Please let us know if you can no longer attend, so we can reallocate your seat.

Andy Blair - Co-Founder & Director, Upflow

Andy is the co-founder and Director of Business & Innovation at Upflow, a geothermal innovation company that builds expert science and engineering teams to provide intelligent solutions to global industry. Andy is the Immediate Past President of the International Geothermal Association (Netherlands), and Co-founder (2013) of Women in Geothermal (WING), 3500 members in 86 countries, a global movement for the empowerment and advancement of women within the industry.

Andy received the Kings honour of Officer for the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2024 for services to the Geothermal Industry and Women and was one of five global winners (first NZ winner) of the United Nations 2023 WE Empower Award which showcases women entrepreneurs whose businesses support the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The nexus between science, business and community is where Andy’s expertise sits. She has a deep understanding of the drivers relating to the business of science, and a proven ability to turn scientific ideas into economic and societal gains.

Fiona McTavish - CEO, Toi Moana (Bay of Plenty Regional Council)

Fiona’s work and life experience start with seeing people meet their potential. Her Master’s thesis looked at how people with disabilities have their needs met through the public policy process. From there, she has worked in and out of central government in roles that are encouraging organisational and workforce development. Fiona has been responsible for membership development for the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants as well as for the Ministry of Education. Today, Fiona is chief executive of Toi Moana (Bay of Plenty Regional Council) and is leading this organisation to be known as a great organisation that works for the environment and people as well as a place where spirit of service shines and staff can thrive. Since becoming the CEO three years ago, there has been a focus on gender diversity with a 40:40:20 balance now within the organisation. Fiona is leading out work with her staff focussed on improving leadership including Mātauranga Māori knowledge and expertise, building an inclusive culture and being fit for purpose now and in the future. Fiona was recently named a finalist in the 2021 Women of Influence awards for her leadership in public policy.