Tauranga’s Business Women’s Network Speaker Series 2025 delivered our biggest and most dynamic BWN event yet.
Around 450 attendees came together for a day filled with energy, insight and inspiration. From powerful speakers to meaningful connections, it was a standout celebration of women in business.
Connect & Nourish Hub
From the moment guests stepped inside Baycourt Theatre, the energy was electric. A welcome drink and canapés set the scene. In the Connect and Nourish Hub, guests moved straight into a feast for the senses, enjoying a vibrant, nutritious lunch while exploring sponsor activations. Conversations flowed as attendees connected with our business partners and discovered offerings from a range of local vendors.
Style & Sip Lounge
Meanwhile, downstairs in the Style and Sip Lounge, fashion and flair took centre stage. Acclaimed designer Kiri Nathan showcased her garments and pounamu. Guests also enjoyed makeup touch-ups, coffee, wine and product tastings, as well as relaxed networking in an elegant, welcoming space.
Speakers Take the Stage
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the speaker sessions with this year’s theme — Unstoppable: Owning Your Story.
- Keynote speaker Toni Street opened the programme with a moving and personal account of resilience and strength, offering a powerful reminder that adversity can lead to growth and how sharing your story can spur connection.
- Kiri Nathan shared her journey of cultural identity and creativity, illustrating how purpose and authenticity can shape a world-class career.
- Event Headliner and acclaimed actor Robyn Malcolm captivated the audience with her trademark wit and wisdom, encouraging women to embrace their truths at every stage of life. There were lots of giggles and laughs to be had.
- Cassie Roma lit up the theatre with her bold, energising insights on leadership, kindness and owning one’s power with confidence and clarity.
Throughout the day, MCs Jase Reeves and Sam Wallace from Coast FM added warmth and levity, ensuring the programme remained fun, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable.
Sponsors Championing Women
We extend our sincere thanks to all our partners. This event was made possible with the generous support of our sponsors-
- Principal Partners: Cooney Lees Morgan and Craigs Investment Partners
- Event Partners: Coast 97.4 FM and KingSt Design
- Supporting Partners: Hatch Consulting, Kale Print, Port of Tauranga, Rentlink Property Management, Toi Ohomai and Westpac
To everyone who attended, thank you for being part of such a special day. We look forward to welcoming you to our next BWN event, a networking lunch, with details to be announced shortly.
