MEDIA RELEASE
For immediate release
4 May 2017
Identity, purpose and leadership explored at Dairy Women’s Network conference
Entrepreneur, businesswoman and mum of three Helen Robinson understands too well the importance of personal value and
deciding what it is you truly stand for.
Robinson set up her own tech business at 22 and is now the Chief Executive of Organic Initiative (OI), a social
enterprise she co-founded that makes organic, environmentally-friendly sanitary items for women.
As one of three keynote speakers at the Dairy Women’s Network conference in Queenstown, 11-12 May, she hopes her story
will inspire women to think more about their own leadership, goals and personal identity.
“Women in the dairy industry don’t realise just how huge their contribution is to our economy,” says Robinson.
“Balancing their work and personal lives leaves little time to really understand personal identity and purpose.”
She advocates strongly for women in leadership and sees a natural alignment between her work in this space and Dairy
Women’s Network’s focus on leadership, inspiration, learning and connection.
“As a mother of three, I’ve never had any time off,” she says. “But I’m a strong believer that not only can women have
the best of all worlds, but doing so is healthy for you, your kids, and the world.
“Connections are so important in business as the many makes the whole, and we have to realise that we’re all in this
together.”
The conference, dubbed DWN17 Connect, will be held at Rydges Lakeland Resort in Queenstown. It will open with a keynote
speech from Taupō MP Louise Upston, and conference goers will also hear from All Blacks manager and internationally
renowned mental skills coach Gilbert Enoka.
Over the two days attendees will have the opportunity to take part in several workshops and presentations, network with
others in the dairy industry and attend an awards evening where the 2017 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year will be
announced.
Workshops will focus on leadership and resilience, practical mastitis control, environmental management, financial
management, health and wellness, communication skills, an open discussion on mental wellbeing, and a behind-the-scenes
tour of the wine and tourism industry in Queenstown.
Go online for the full conference programme and to register: dwn.co.nz/dwn17-connect
-ENDS-
About Dairy Women’s Network
Dairy Women’s Network was established in 1998 by several of New Zealand’s leading dairying women to develop and educate
women to add value to the business of dairying. Members have access to professional and in-person support through a mix
of face-to-face events and web-based contact, which includes dairy modules, regional meetings, internet forums and the
annual conference.
DWN17 Keynote speakers
Gilbert Enoka
Gilbert Enoka is internationally renowned for his 16-year history with the All Blacks, first as their mental skills
coach and now as their manager. His expertise isn’t just limited to the sports field – he also spent 12 years as general
manager of New Zealand’s largest real estate firm, Harcourts International.
Helen Robinson
Helen Robinson is co-founder, Executive Director and CEO of Organic Initiative (Oi) and the 2016 Supreme Winner of the
NZ Women of Influence Awards. She is director of ATEED (Auckland Tourism Events & Economic Development), the NZ Defence Force, Fulbright NZ and a trustee of Aktive Sport & Recreation.
Hon Louise Upston
Louise Upston is the MP for Taupo, a seat she has held since 2008. She is currently the Minister for Corrections and
Associate Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment and Associate Minister for Primary Industries.