Indigenous Women’s Business Network launch by the ANZLF

Source: BusinessNZ

The Australia New Zealand Leadership Forum (ANZLF) is pleased to announce the formation of an Indigenous Women’s Business Network (IWBN).

ANZLF Co-chair Ann Sherry AO said, "the IWBN will bring together 50 First Australian and Maori businesswomen from diverse sectors to work collaboratively to advance indigenous economic development and to promote the role of indigenous women in business."

The IWBN is a part of the Indigenous Business Sector group, which was established in March 2018 under the ANZLF. The sector group co-chairs are Susan Murphy, Chief Executive of Winun Ngari Aboriginal Corporation and Traci Houpapa MNZM, Chair of the Federation of Maori Authorities.

Sector Group Co-Chair Susan Murphy said, "We are excited about the opportunity for this network to engage with key business and political leaders to shape diversity and inclusion policy and practices, as well as economic development. We want to promote and support the development and advancement of indigenous women leaders and improve the economic and social wealth and wellbeing of indigenous communities."

Forum Co-Chair Adrian Littlewood said, "the Indigenous Women’s Business Network is an important initiative that is consistent with the ANZLF’s goal of bringing together leaders from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand to discuss how the two countries can prosper together in the global economy."

Sector Group Co-chair Traci Houpapa said "we are delighted to have put together a strong board of six people from diverse sectors of both economies who will have oversight of the network. The network is an informal grouping of individuals who will act as an influential and informed voice on economic development for indigenous people."

The board of the Indigenous Women’s Business Network will comprise the co-chairs of the ANZLF’s Indigenous Business Sector Group, along with Liz Mellish MNZM, Chairman of Palmerston North Trust; Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, CEO of Te Runanga o Ngati Ruanui; Hinerangi Edwards, Director of Aatea Solutions; Debbie Barwick, Chairperson of First Australians Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI); Dr Donna Odegaard AM, founder, owner and Chair of Aboriginal Broadcasting Australia; and Katrina Fanning, Director at Coolamon Advisors.

Background

The ANZLF is led by Australian and New Zealand co-chairs, and guided by an annual work programme of business-led activities and government advocacy. At the last ANZLF meeting in Sydney in March 2018, the ANZLF Indigenous Business Sector Group was established with the endorsement of the Australian and New Zealand Prime Ministers.

ENDS

© Scoop Media