What it means to be a Champion - Champions for Change

With a commitment to transparency, Champions lead conversations on effective methods to boost programme and policy adoption that promote diversity. Although each Champion operates independently, they understand the importance of collaboration, regularly coming together to exchange insights, tackle obstacles, and celebrate collective success. In this way, Champions drive meaningful change and inspire others to join their efforts.

The distinctive features that contribute to the effectiveness of Champions for Change as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leadership strategies for driving transformation are:

– Collective and Collaborative Network: A strong and interconnected community that fosters collaboration, sharing of best practices, and collective action towards a shared purpose.

– Sustained Internal Momentum: Clear commitments and dedicated resources that drive progress an sustain long term change.

– Collective Advocacy: A unified voice that leverages strategic partnerships to amplify impact and drive meaningful change within the broader community.

Join the Champion Community

To become a Champion, you must be the CEO or Chair of an Aotearoa New Zealand organisation, and a partner with Global Women.

If you would like to learn more about joining the community of Champions, please contact Global Women Chief Executive, Agnes Naera. We’d love to hear from you.

Our Promise

Alison Andrew

Honorary Champion

...we are committed to increasing female representation.

Amanda Whiting

CEO, IAG New Zealand Limited

Normalising flexibility...helps to remove barriers for people from all backgrounds.

Andrew Holmes

CEO, PwC New Zealand

I’m proud of our journey to create a culture where everyone feels they belong and can bring their whole self to work, through our focus on inclusion, belonging, diversity and equity.

Andrew Poole

CEO, MinterEllisonRuddWatts

...the real measure of an organisation is its culture.

Antonia Watson

Co-Chair, Champions for Change & CEO, ANZ

… we will maintain our momentum towards a workforce more representative of modern Aotearoa NZ.

Caralee McLiesh

Chief Executive and Secretary, The Treasury

...leveraging the diverse skillsets and experiences of all our people

Carrie Hurihanganui

Chief Executive, Auckland Airport

…creating a sense of place where everyone can thrive.

Catherine McGrath

CE, Westpac New Zealand

...better futures for our customers, communities and society.

Dan Huggins

CEO, Bank of New Zealand

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, that is representative of New Zealand’s rich cultural, ethnic and gender diversity…to ensure we’re reflecting the communities we are proud to serve.

Daniel Witten-Hannah

CE, Fisher & Paykel Appliances

…committed to leading positive change in gender and cultural diversity

David Walsh

CEO, New Zealand Post

Better integration and deeper embedding right across the employee lifecycle so this becomes who we are

Fiona McTavish

CEO, Bay of Plenty Regional Council

…significantly reduced our gender pay gap over the past four years.

Greg Foran

CEO, Air New Zealand

We pride ourselves on allowing every individual to be themselves and thrive...
ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au (I am you, you are me).

James Kilty

Chief Executive, Powerco Limited

Everyone, everywhere, all at once

Jason Paris

CEO, One New Zealand

…fostering a culture where everyone has the freedom to be themselves.

Jason Shoebridge

CE, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research

Issues of inclusion, diversity and equity have economic impacts on New Zealand.

Jennifer Caldwell

Partner, Buddle Findlay

We know that a diverse workforce will increase our activity…

Jo Avenell

CEO, Russell McVeagh

…supports and enables all of our people to thrive.

Jolie Hodson

Chief Executive Officer, Spark New Zealand

Ko te whāinga kia hāpai te ahurea ahurei o Aotearoa whānui ki te ao, kia ngita – we are determined to uplift our unique culture of wider Aotearoa New Zealand to the world and secure it.

Malcolm Johns

CEO, Genesis Energy

…building a diverse workforce, embracing equity and being intentional about inclusion.

Mark Cochrane

CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand (Publicis Groupe)

...diversity and equality are absolutely fundamental to our success as a business.

Mark Peterson

CEO, NZX Limited

We aim to lead by example.

Mark Robinson

CEO, New Zealand Rugby

...thriving people at all levels help make rugby a welcoming and positive space for all.

Matt Prichard

Executive Chair, KPMG New Zealand

Tackling the hard stuff.

Mike Fuge

CE, Contact Energy

…inclusive workplace where diversity in all forms is valued.

Mike Horne

CE, Deloitte New Zealand

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity across our business is unwavering.

Miles Hurrell

CEO, Fonterra

You, Me, Us Together – Tātou, Tātou means everyone can be themselves and at their best

Neal Barclay

CEO, Meridian Energy

…we’re committed to creating a workplace that is representative of the communities we live and operate in, and a place that allows our people to thrive.

Nick Stanhope

Chief Executive Officer, AIA New Zealand

...innovative through diversity of thinking and perspectives and creating a workplace where our people thrive.

Nick Traber

Acting CEO, Fletcher Building Limited

We are committed to creating a safe inclusive workplace, where we celebrate the rich diversity of our people and represent the communities we serve.

Paul Wilson

Co-CE, FCB Aotearoa

…celebrating and honouring each other’s differences.

Peter Chrisp

Chief Executive, Te Taurapa Tūhono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise

…commitment to diversity makes our global team stronger…

Peter Reidy

Chief Executive, KiwiRail

…creating a place where all our people can grow and feel they belong.

Roger Gray

Co-Chair, Champions for Change & CEO, Port of Auckland

We are committed to creating careers not just jobs by giving people a range of opportunities to grow and develop.

Sean Keaney

Co-CE, FCB Aotearoa

…celebrating and honouring each other’s differences

Simon O’Connor

Managing Partner, EY New Zealand

…our aim is to achieve more equitable outcomes.

Simon Tong

CE, Craigs Investment Partners

We are committed to our company values which promote a workplace where employees are equal, feel a sense of belonging and valued in the role they play.

Sophie Moloney

CEO, Sky Network Television

…creating a safe and inclusive environment.

Vittoria Shortt

Chief Executive, ASB

...to foster and encourage a culture of inclusion and diversity.