The highlight of the BWN calendar, the Speaker Series, took centre stage this year at Baycourt, marking a significant shift from our beloved venue, Trinity Wharf. Recognizing the burgeoning demand and our desire to expand our audience, we embarked on an experimental move to Baycourt, a decision that allowed us to accommodate a record-breaking 380 women.

The event featured an impressive lineup of five speakers, commencing with Rebekah Campbell, the author of “138 Dates.” Following her, Cecilia Burgess – CEO of Cooney Lees Morgan – shared her insights. Sally Duxfield then captivated the audience with an engaging discourse on the mysteries of sleep and innovative solutions. Post-tea, the stage welcomed local speaker Amanda Lowry, and the afternoon concluded with the charismatic Kerre Woodham.

The transition to Baycourt proved to be a resounding success, and we are thrilled to announce that it will continue to be our venue of choice for the coming year. The Bay of Plenty Business Women’s Network (BWN) takes pride in hosting a variety of flagship events, each contributing to the vibrancy and success of our community.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors, whose support played a crucial role in making this event a resounding success:

Cooney Lees Morgan                        Craigs Investment Partners

YRW Accountants                             Media Works

The Port of Tauranga                        Sprout Research

Ryan + Alexander                               Te Pukenga

Westpac                                                Pillar Consulting

Kale Print and Design

One such cornerstone event is the Networking at Lunch, a dynamic gathering where 140 women engage in lively table rotations, enjoying lunch, and forging new connections. This event consistently lives up to its reputation, providing a platform for meaningful interactions.

This year, we introduced the Women in Governance event, a collaboration with IoD. Three accomplished women in governance—Laurissa Cooney, Nicola O’Rourke, and Anne Tolley—shared their invaluable experiences, offering diverse perspectives. The event was a hit, and due to its success, we’re excited to host another session next year.

In yet another fruitful collaboration, we partnered with NZTE to present sessions on Women in Export. The discussions around this topic brought forth fresh insights and engaged a different audience. Additionally, our Behind the Scenes events allowed us to intimately explore various businesses, providing a close-up view of their operations.

BWN Christman Lunch

A cherished tradition in our calendar is the BWN Christmas lunch, where we shine a spotlight on a charity focused on women. This year, we celebrated the impactful work of Dress for Success. The generosity displayed by the 145 attendees, who brought long-neglected handbags filled with toiletries, was heartwarming. It’s moments like these that demonstrate our commitment to making a tangible difference in the lives of others.

As we reflect on a year of growth and success, we extend our deepest gratitude to the BWN committee—a powerhouse of brilliant ideas and essential connections. Their dedication and creativity are the driving force behind the Chamber’s achievements.

A heartfelt thank you to all who have been part of this journey, making 2023 a remarkable year for the BWN. Here’s to continued growth, collaboration, and success in the coming year!

Amanda Barker – Pillar Consulting

Annemarie Hills – Craigs Investment Partners

Gillian Johnson – Sprout Customer Research

Marie Cooper – YRW

Rachael Nunn – The Port of Tauranga

Tanya Drummond – Cooney Lees Morgan

Anne Pankhurst – Tauranga Business Chamber