More than 1,500 girls from 90+ schools across Aotearoa have taken part in ShadowTech26, Tech Women’s annual workplace-experience programme for students in Years 9–11.
Schools were paired with 65 host organisations across nine locations, giving students the opportunity to meet people working in technology, explore real roles and gain a first-hand view of the many pathways into the sector.
From workplace tours and hands-on activities to interactive workshops and career conversations, ShadowTech gives young women the opportunity to see technology up close — not as an abstract subject, but as a career pathway shaped by creativity, problem-solving and opportunity.
This year marked our biggest success yet, with more than 1,500 students from 90+ schools taking part — over 300 more students than in 2025 — as more educators recognise the value of giving their students real-world tech experiences.
ShadowTech26 was hosted in Auckland, Waikato, Tauranga, Palmerston North, Wellington, Nelson, Christchurch, Timaru and Dunedin.
Why ShadowTech matters
Women remain underrepresented across New Zealand’s digital skills pipeline. Data from Digital Skills Aotearoa: 4th Edition shows that women made up just 27 percent of IT degree-level enrolments in 2024. While women represented 31 percent of IT degree-level graduates — up from 19 percent a decade ago — the data reinforces the importance of building stronger pathways for girls into technology.
By connecting students with workplaces, role models and authentic career stories, ShadowTech helps build confidence, spark curiosity and expand what young women believe is possible.
“Early exposure matters. When girls can step into a workplace, meet role models and see the breadth of careers available, it helps shift what they believe is possible. We want every student to leave ShadowTech feeling informed, inspired and confident that a career in tech is absolutely for them.” says Yvonne Gill, Executive Director of Tech Women.
Highlights from across the country
Across Aotearoa, students brought thoughtful questions about career choices, transferable skills, resilience and how AI may shape the future of work.
Host organisations opened their workplaces and shared honest stories about the different ways people find their way into technology. These conversations showed students that there is no single route into the sector — and that the skills and interests they have today can lead to meaningful opportunities tomorrow.
We have been delighted by the positive feedback shared so far by students, teachers and host organisations, as well as the many programme highlights shared across LinkedIn.
Our Gold Sponsor, Westpac New Zealand, welcomed more than 200 Year 9–11 students from nine schools across Wellington and Auckland. Watch Westpac New Zealand’s ShadowTech highlights video.
Student feedback
”I got to learn a lot more about the world/field of technology, and it really opened my eyes. I also enjoyed getting to know people.”
The highlight of my day at the ShadowTech programme was meeting women in the field. It really broadened my perspective on the tech industry and how it needs/ values such diverse skills.”
Teacher and host organisation feedback
“Seeing the girls thrive in an environment of encouragement, insight and curiosity. Some light bulbs went on, and they realised their view had been limited.”
– Fiona Wilson, Middleton Grange
“The fact that the students thought it was going to be really boring but they were surprised by how fun the day was. They also had no idea that there were so many other ways to work in tech beyond “being a coder” which many of them were super happy about.
– Ivanha Heynes, AvidlyAPC
ShadowTech26 in the media
ShadowTech26 received media coverage across New Zealand, helping bring greater visibility to the importance of encouraging more young women into technology.
- NZ needs more young women choosing pathways into technology — MSN
- ShadowTech26 opens the door to tech careers for 1,500+ girls across Aotearoa — Scoop
- Tech Women’s ShadowTech26 to give 1,500 girls glimpse of tech careers — Reseller News
- ShadowTech26 brings 1,500 girls into tech workplaces — ChannelLife
- ShadowTech26 brings 1,500 girls into tech workplaces — IT Brief
- ShadowTech26 brings 1,500 girls into tech workplaces — SecurityBrief
- Starshipit’s Talya Avram on being intentional about culture, not about numbers | Caffeine
- Interviews with Tech Women Executive Director Yvonne Gill on Radio New Zealand and NewstalkZB
Thank you
Thank you to every student, school, host organisation and supporter who took part in ShadowTech26. Your time, openness and encouragement help more young women see that there is a place for them in technology.
A special thank you to our sponsors for supporting ShadowTech26 and helping inspire girls into tech careers. Without their support, this important initiative would not be possible.
Gold sponsors: Deloitte, Westpac
Bronze sponsors: AWS, CyberCX, TechStep, Tuatahi First Fibre
Supporters: 2degrees, HP New Zealand, Ricoh New Zealand, WellingtonNZ and Visa
If your organisation is interested in sponsoring ShadowTech in 2027, please contact us.
Find out more about ShadowTech.