Kia ora Readers,
I hope everyone is getting out and making the most of TechWeek. I was able to attend the launch event in Auckland and hear from some amazing speakers and panellists on the New Zealand CleanTech and CreativeTech scene. There was some great conversation around diversity and inclusion in this area of tech, particularly around Māori.
Other events I will be attended this week include, AI&IT in the medical Sector, Organisational Culture in a Digital World and The AI Debates: Employment. I also spoke at a Hutt City Council run Women in Tech event in Wellington. I hope you make the most of this opportunity to be inspired by your fellow Kiwis doing amazing things in Tech, both at home and aboard.
I wanted to share with you some of the work that has been going on behind the scenes at TechWomen. We have been reflecting on how we can contribute to real change within our industry in relation to supporting women and improving the diversity and inclusiveness (D&I) of our workplaces.
One thing that has become clear is the need for more people across NZTech to be connected to the importance and urgency of the D&I agenda. I am pleased to let you all know that NZTech have taken a significant step towards this with the creation of a D&I sub-board to the NZTech Board. I will share more details soon!
Early this month TechWomen supported Fulbright New Zealand in hosting an inspiring Women in STEM panel. The podcast audio from the event is available here.
The panel generously shared the challenges, successes and surprises in their career to date, finding their passion in STEM and highlights from working in their specific areas. They also provided excellent tips and encouragement for anyone considering their next move in STEM.
There are still opportunities to be a mentor for ShadowTech this year. Check out our website for more information.
Finally, we have a special 10% discount available for the 2nd Annual Workforce Inclusion and Diversity conference 28-30 August in Auckland. Please use the code discount code: TW10.
Ngā mihi,
Eva Sherwood
Chair
TechWomen
FEATURES
Diverse Thinking Capability Audit of New Zealand Boardrooms
The Diverse Thinking Capability Audit of New Zealand Boardrooms 2018 is a global first that explains what “diverse thinking” really means for governance, how to increase diverse thinking , the predictors of diverse thinking beyond gender and ethnicity, and how to create a diverse thinking Boardroom culture and governance practice for peak performance and better decision making.
The six signature traits of inclusive leadership
Diversity of markets, customers, ideas, and talent is driving the need for inclusion as a new leadership capability. Here are six attributes of leaders who display the ability to not only embrace individual differences, but to potentially leverage them for competitive advantage.
More Māori women needed in technology sector, tech company founder says – ‘who better to build for us than us?
A new home at work: An employer’s guide to fostering inclusion for refugees in the workplace
Along with supporting a vulnerable population, hiring refugees offers a new pool of talent with new perspectives that can drive positive business outcomes. But as the research conducted by Deloitte in collaboration with Tent Partnership for Refugees highlights, to create an inclusive workplace culture, organizations need a unique approach tied to broader inclusion efforts.
No time to retire
To capitalize on a new talent pool—not millennials, but those who continue to work past traditional retirement age—leaders should understand who these workers are, what motivates them, and the opportunities they present.
What Do Women in Tech Want? Women have long been a minority in tech, but what do those in the field most want from their employers and careers in general?
Female computer programming pioneers to inspire tech-savvy girls. These days, computing is a male-dominated world. It is something Kiwi organisation She Can Code is hoping to change.
Women In Tech: Inconvenient Truths And Changing Perspectives
While it might seem that women in tech are slowly coming into parity with men, the numbers are not climbing quickly enough.
Meet the millionaire CEO of Booking.com who bikes to work and is breaking the glass ceiling, one role at a time. Gillian Tans, President and CEO of online travel platform Booking.com, is among the world’s highest paid CEOs.
Spark the first New Zealand Stock Exchange (NZX)-listed company to be led by two women. Both Spark’s CEO and Chairperson are women, this is a major milestone for gender equality in New Zealand and deserves congratulations.
RESOURCES & EVENTS
Take a look at some of the final Techweek women’s events taking place today and tomorrow.
Attend Inspiring Women in Tech, 23 May, Auckland.
Support TechGirlsNZ, 25 May, Auckland.
Attend the New Zealand Women’s Leadership Symposium, 28-29 May in Auckland, focusing on the challenges and opportunities for women leaders in the contemporary workforce, a gathering of New Zealand’s best and brightest female talent.
Save the date for the TechWomen and EdTechNZ combined event ‘How we can achieve diversity in the technology sector’ 13 June Wellington, 20 June Auckland, 26 June Christchurch. Registrations opening soon.
Register for the Women in Insurance Summit 2019, 30 July in Auckland. This event will also showcase the Women in Insurance Awards, make your nominations now.
It’s not too late to sign up as ShadowTech 2019 mentor and inspire girls to consider tech careers. ShadowTech is running next month in Auckland, Palmerston North, Christchurch and Dunedin. You can make the difference!
The Eureka Trust is seeking applications for a new trustee. The Trust’s aim is to grow STEM knowledge and develop the communication skills of young New Zealanders. If you are interested, please contact Debbie Gee.
Plan a trip abroad and attend European Women in Technology, 26-27 November, Amsterdam. Early bird tickets are available now.
Learn from the wealth of information available on Techweek TV a series of live, online video sessions broadcast the Techweek website. From 9am-5pm every day of Techweek.
Celebrate Kiwi success at the NZ Hi-Tech Awards recognising the international achievements of New Zealand tech companies and highest achieving individuals, 24 May, Auckland.
“Think about what you want to enable in the world – think about the change that you want to make rather than the job you want to do.”
Laura Sessions, Fullbright panel event
