Media release from Federation of Maori Authorities
Federation of Maori Authorities Set To Support Aspiring Maori Women Leaders
3 December 2013

Federation of Maori Authorities Set To Support Aspiring Maori Women Leaders

The Federation of Maori Authorities is hosting Maori women leaders from across New Zealand in Wellington at its second annual Huihuinga Wahine Maori Women’s Leadership Summit at the Amora Hotel Wellington on Thursday 5 December.

Federation Chairman Traci Houpapa says the summit is an invaluable forum for those young Maori women attending, providing an opportunity to gain an insight into the skills and experience needed to be a business leader. “It is also a time of reflection and a time to remember those Maori women who provided us with examples of courage, tenacity and leadership from the past”, said Traci Houpapa.

The Summit brings together a lineup of successful women leaders from across New Zealand, all recognised for their leadership and contribution to the Maori and New Zealand economy. They will share their stories and provide a unique insight into the challenges, opportunities and achievements across a range of sectors. Three of the speakers were finalists in the prestigious Fairfax Media and Westpac Women of Influence Awards and another was named as the Next Business Woman of the Year.

“The Federation exists to help our members prosper and grow. We represent members with a collective asset base worth over $8billion. Some of these assets will remain in Maori ownership for generations so it is important that the Federation supports and mentors Maori women who will become the leaders and decision makers for the growth and development of these assets in the future,”said Traci Houpapa.

“The success of Māori women leaders is crucial to the economic health of families and whanau, communities, Aotearoa New Zealand, and internationally,” said Minister of Women’s Affairs Jo Goodhew.

“In September this year I released the report – Realising the Opportunity: Addressing New Zealand’s leadership pipeline by attracting and retaining talented women. The report is particularly relevant to this Summit.”

“While it is clear from the report that New Zealand has a strong pipeline of talent, at every level of management there are significant numbers of talented women who drop out of or stall in their careers just below senior management and top leadership positions,” said Mrs Goodhew.

Ends

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