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Whether it’s climate change or Covid-19, mental health or minority empowerment, boldly tackling important issues is the thread running through this year’s Women of Influence Awards finalists.
The awards program, which is co-hosted by Westpac NZ and Stuff, attracted 339 nominations in 10 categories. Participants were judged on the strength, scope and impact of their actions, with 81 finalists shortlisted for the awards dinner on November 17.
While many finalists are at the forefront of New Zealand’s pandemic response, the six-person judging panel was equally impressed by the work Kiwi women are doing to combat climate change, improve mental health outcomes for young people. and supporting the Muslim community after last year’s Christchurch mosque shootings.
DAVID BLANCO / THINGS
The work of pioneering neonatologist Jane Harding with premature babies has saved lives around the world. She was the supreme winner at the 2019 awards
Stuff’s CEO and owner Sinead Boucher said reviewing the Women of Influence entries each year was an inspiring exercise, and the caliber of the 2020 entries and the collective power of women’s stories left the judges speechless.
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“New Zealand women see a problem, a need or an opportunity and are dedicated to creating something better, despite whatever adversity and uncertainty they face,” said Boucher.
“In every story you hear the guts, the resilience and the conviction that have brought these women to where they are today, making real change in the world.”
OLIVER LI / THINGS
Jackie Clark was the supreme winner at the 2018 Women of Influence Awards.
Westpac NZ CEO David McLean said the strength of this year’s nominations was not a surprise given the resilience that all New Zealanders have shown this year.
“From our conversations with tens of thousands of customers, we know that Covid-19 has affected everyone in different ways, but we continue to be amazed by the spirit and positive attitude of the Kiwis. That is clearly reflected in this year’s impressive finalists, ”said McLean.
“These awards are more of a celebration of our high achievers than a competition, so the 339 nominees should be incredibly proud of their accomplishments and we are all grateful for the work they are doing.
“The Community Hero category continues to be popular, with almost 100 nominations alone, and we know that the growth of strong communities will be essential to our recovery in the months and years to come.”
Each year, a supreme winner is chosen from the winners of 10 categories. The last two supreme winners were neonatologist Dame Jane Harding (2019) and family violence activist Jackie Clark (2018).
The winners of Women of Influence 2020 will be announced at the awards dinner at the Aotea Center in Auckland on November 17. For more information on the awards, visit www.womenofinfluence.co.nz.
THINGS / EVENTS SUPPLIED
The Women of Influence program celebrates inspiring Kiwi women who are embracing the challenges of the future.
Women of Influence 2020 Finalists by Category:
Art and culture: Beth Hill, Emma Espiner, Jacqui Moyes, Julie Nolan, Kiri Nathan, Libby Hakaraia, Parris Goebel, Sally Bodkin-Allen, Sara-Jane Elika
Board and administration: Dame Alison Paterson, Anita Vaafusuaga, Hilary Walton, Lynette Buurman, Nicki Douglas, Patricia Reade, Riana Manuel, Stacey Shortall, Ziena Jalil
Business company: Brooke Roberts, Helen Townsend, Jaime Brown, Jessie Wong, Nikki Connors, Sonya Williams, Victoria Lessing
Community Hero: Chrissie Cowan, Christine Liggins, Deborah Manning, Holly Carrington, Raechel Osborne, Ranjna Patel, Sonia Thursday
Diversity: Andrea Blair, Cassandra McAdams, Frederique Vanholsbeeck, Jo Hacking, Julie Raine, Safia Afrin, Suzanne McFadden, Tupe Solomon-Tanoai
Global: Anne-Marie Brook, Denise Arnold, Frances Hughes, Jane Kelsey, Johanna Wood, Rachel Peter, Luamanuvao Dame Winnie Laban
Innovation, science and health: Beverley Lawton, Cather Simpson, Jacqui Maguire, Judy Lawrence, Kristie Amadio, Marian Johnson, Samantha Holdsworth, Sarah Gordon, Siouxsie Wiles, Suzanne Pitama
Public politics: Allyn “Aliya” Danzeisen, Annie Aranui, Emma Grigg, Dame Karen Poutasi, Karina McHardy, Kirstie Hewlett, Nicole Rosie, Una Jagose
Rural: Bridgit Hawkins, Felicity Clark, Fiona Gower, Jessie Chan, Kimberly Crewther, Petra Muellner, Trish Fraser
Young leader: Family Worship, Emilly Fan, Emily Hacket Pain, Jacinta Gulasekharam, Ranisha Chand, Siobhan Terry, Talei Bryant, Tamatha Paul, Tori McNoe
