What it means to be a Champion

With a commitment to transparency, Champions lead conversations on effective methods to boost programme and policy adoption that promote diversity. Although each Champion operates independently, they understand the importance of collaboration, regularly coming together to exchange insights, tackle obstacles, and celebrate collective success. In this way, Champions drive meaningful change and inspire others to join their efforts.

Champions demonstrate a strong commitment to driving positive change on a broader level that aligns with the goals of the Champions for Change community.

The distinctive features that contribute to the effectiveness of Champions for Change as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s leadership strategies for driving transformation are:

01

Collective and Collaborative Network​

A strong and interconnected community that fosters collaboration, sharing of best practices, and collective action towards a shared purpose.

02

Sustained Internal Momentum

Clear commitments and dedicated resources that drive progress and sustain long term change.

03

Collective Advocacy

A unified voice that leverages strategic partnerships to amplify impact and drive meaningful change within the broader community.

Join the Champion Community

To become a Champion, you must be the CEO or Chair of an Aotearoa New Zealand organisation, and a partner with Global Women.

If you would like to learn more about joining the community of Champions, please contact Global Women Head of Partnerships, Pippa Grey:

Contact Us

Our Promise

Alison Andrew

Honorary Champion
“…we are committed to increasing female representation.”

Amanda Whiting

CEO, IAG New Zealand Limited
“Normalising flexibility…helps to remove barriers for people from all backgrounds.”

Andrew Holmes

CEO, PwC New Zealand
“I’m proud of our journey to create a culture where everyone feels they belong and can bring their whole self to work, through our focus on inclusion, belonging, diversity and equity.”

Andrew Poole

CEO, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
“…the real measure of an organisation is its culture.”

Antonia Watson

CEO, ANZ
“… we will maintain our momentum towards a workforce more representative of modern Aotearoa NZ.”

Carrie Hurihanganui

Chief Executive, Auckland Airport
“…creating a sense of place where everyone can thrive.”

Catherine McGrath

CE, Westpac New Zealand
“…better futures for our customers, communities and society.”

Dan Huggins

CEO, Bank of New Zealand
“We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace, that is representative of New Zealand’s rich cultural, ethnic and gender diversity…to ensure we’re reflecting the communities we are proud to serve.”

Daniel Witten-Hannah

CE, Fisher & Paykel Appliances
“…committed to leading positive change in gender and cultural diversity”

David Walsh

CEO, New Zealand Post
“Better integration and deeper embedding right across the employee lifecycle so this becomes who we are”

Fiona McTavish

CEO, Bay of Plenty Regional Council
“…significantly reduced our gender pay gap over the past four years.”

Greg Foran

CEO, Air New Zealand
“We pride ourselves on allowing every individual to be themselves and thrive…
ko au ko koe, ko koe ko au (I am you, you are me).”

James Kilty

Chief Executive, Transpower
“Everyone, everywhere, all at once”

Jason Paris

CEO, One New Zealand
“…fostering a culture where everyone has the freedom to be themselves.”

Jason Shoebridge

CE, New Zealand Institute of Economic Research
“Issues of inclusion, diversity and equity have economic impacts on New Zealand.”

Jennifer Caldwell

Partner, Buddle Findlay
“We know that a diverse workforce will increase our activity…”

Jo Avenell

CEO, Russell McVeagh
“…supports and enables all of our people to thrive.”

Jolie Hodson

Chief Executive Officer, Spark New Zealand
“Ko te whāinga kia hāpai te ahurea ahurei o Aotearoa whānui ki te ao, kia ngita – we are determined to uplift our unique culture of wider Aotearoa New Zealand to the world and secure it.”

Malcolm Johns

CEO, Genesis Energy
“…building a diverse workforce, embracing equity and being intentional about inclusion.”

Mark Cochrane

CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi New Zealand (Publicis Groupe)
“…diversity and equality are absolutely fundamental to our success as a business.”

Mark Peterson

CEO, NZX Limited
“We aim to lead by example.”

Mark Robinson

CEO, New Zealand Rugby
“…thriving people at all levels help make rugby a welcoming and positive space for all.”

Matt Prichard

Executive Chair, KPMG New Zealand
“Tackling the hard stuff.”

Mike Fuge

CE, Contact Energy
“…inclusive workplace where diversity in all forms is valued.”

Mike Horne

CE, Deloitte New Zealand
“Our commitment to inclusion and diversity across our business is unwavering.”

Miles Hurrell

CEO, Fonterra
“You, Me, Us Together – Tātou, Tātou means everyone can be themselves and at their best”

Nick Stanhope

Chief Executive Officer, AIA New Zealand
“…innovative through diversity of thinking and perspectives and creating a workplace where our people thrive.”

Paul Wilson

Co-CE, FCB Aotearoa
“…celebrating and honouring each other’s differences.”

Peter Chrisp

Chief Executive, Te Taurapa TÅ«hono | New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
“…commitment to diversity makes our global team stronger…”

Peter Reidy

Chief Executive, KiwiRail
“…creating a place where all our people can grow and feel they belong.”

Roger Gray

CEO, Port of Auckland
“We are committed to creating careers not just jobs by giving people a range of opportunities to grow and develop.”

Sean Keaney

Co-CE, FCB Aotearoa
“…celebrating and honouring each other’s differences”

Simon O’Connor

Managing Partner, EY New Zealand
“…our aim is to achieve more equitable outcomes.”

Simon Tong

CE, Craigs Investment Partners
“We are committed to our company values which promote a workplace where employees are equal, feel a sense of belonging and valued in the role they play.”

Sophie Moloney

CEO, Sky Network Television
“…creating a safe and inclusive environment.”

Vittoria Shortt

Chief Executive, ASB
“…to foster and encourage a culture of inclusion and diversity.”