What a fantastic day!
Organised by the Government Women’s Network, MC’d brilliantly by Michelle A’Court and held at the fabulous Tākina Wellington Convention Centre, the Women in Public Sector Summit was a wonderful celebration of the talent, contribution, leadership and collective power of women across our public service.
I was incredibly grateful to be invited to open the conference as the 9.30am keynote speaker. My kōrero was centred on becoming kaitiaki for the next generation of women leaders – the responsibility we have to create opportunities, open doors, share what we know and, importantly, make sure the women coming behind us have the space and support to thrive.
I took my two daughters, Amber, 16, and Sophia, 13, along to role model leadership and inspire them to think big. To have them in a room surrounded by women leading, challenging, creating change and backing one another was awesome! They loved it.
My girls got to experience Mum at work, in her happy place, empowering and inspiring women leaders.
There were also a few technical hiccups, which meant music blasted in the middle of my talk several times before they worked out what was happening. That was fun!!Clearly the only option I had was to dance – much to the horror of my girls. Ba ha ha! 😂
There was so much to take away from the day, but here are some of my personal highlights.
Kōrero with employee-led networks
This session put a spotlight on the incredible range of employee-led networks available across the public service.
These networks create connection, belonging, advocacy and support, and provide a space for people to share experiences and perspectives that might otherwise go unheard. So get involved.
I particularly loved discovering Public Futures, the young people’s network. What a fantastic way to create a stronger voice for the next generation of public servants and make sure their perspectives are part of the kōrero.
Board diversity and governance effectiveness: unlocking women’s transferable skills
Chelsea Grootveld, Caren Rangi and Pania Gray shared some really interesting insights into what women bring to governance and the realities of serving on boards.
They were refreshingly honest about the challenges – governance roles can take significant time and energy and aren’t always financially rewarding.
But alongside that honesty was a real sense of purpose and joy in serving, contributing to important decisions and having the opportunity to influence organisations and communities at a governance level.
My key takeaway? Not yet. I do want to serve on a board. I think it would be a fabulous way to give back and strengthen my leadership, but it is a time-consuming commitment. Something I simply don’t have space for yet. So I’m thankful for the insight. Parked for now. Do not need another ball!
Leading with Mana: A Journey of Leadership, Service and Public Life
Hon Judith Collins’ session provided another perspective on leadership and public life.
One thing that stayed with me was her zero tolerance for bullying in the workplace. She spoke about calling it out and squishing it immediately. Yes! I wish all leaders and organisations had that same level of commitment to stamping it out.
I hope we can all get a bit braver when we see wrong being done in the workplace and support each other to stay strong – because sadly, it’s a thing.
Neurodiversity and women
I particularly enjoyed the session on neurodiversity and women, run by Amber Rowe, Indigo Chair. It was an important reminder that there isn’t one way to think, work, lead or succeed.
In my mahi with women, I’m increasingly seeing the conversation around neurodiversity coming into leadership and workplaces. All leaders need to build some level of competence so neurodivergent women are led well.
Perhaps a good place to start is simply asking: “What does good look like for you?”
And so much more…
There were many more highlights throughout the day, and this Summit is definitely one of my highlights of 2026. Good vibes. Amazing women. Great kōrero.
I loved having my girls there. I loved being with women who are leading and creating change. And I loved having Summer, a university student I employ, there too – giving her another opportunity to see what is possible and lean into her creative talent.
So now what.
A Summit like this isn’t just about listening to great speakers, having good conversations and leaving inspired. For me, that means continuing to put a spotlight on the next generation of women leaders and empowering women to lead. We have strengths, experiences and perspectives that are critical to ensuring Aotearoa thrives.
So let’s keep opening doors. Creating opportunities. Backing women. Bringing others with us.
And let’s make sure the next generation knows they belong in the room too, and our voices are heard.
