Kia ora,
We’re already over halfway through 2025. I would love to say we are gliding effortlessly and gently into mid-winter hibernation mode, ready to resurface in October for Spring. But wow, this year has been chaotic! From news and disruption across the world and closer to home, our nervous systems are taking a ride on a roller coaster. I am sure I’m not the only one who feels like 2025 welcomed us in with a bang, and seat belt to buckle up and hang on tight.
So, how do we manage the seemingly unmanageable? Well, other than meditation, deep breathing and wearing pyjamas from 5pm, we can understand how change creates growth. Our annual virtual Mid-Winter Webinar hosts a strong group of speakers from the TechWomen Executive Council and subcommittees covering challenges creating growth within IT.
From a TechWomen perspective, we have had successful and well attended webinars, presence at Techweek and very high registration and interest for ShadowTech and Mentoring Circles.
TechWomen at Techweek25
TechWomen had a strong presence at Techweek25 (19–25 May), with our sold-out Women in Data & AI: Journeys, Insights and Myth Busting event—co-hosted with Deloitte and Databricks—highlighting diverse, non-traditional pathways into tech. Panellists from Deloitte, Microsoft, and Genesis Energy debunked myths about needing a PhD or technical degree, instead emphasising curiosity, communication, and continuous learning.
TechWomen Executive Director Yvonne Gill also spoke at ‘Winning from the Waikato’, promoting ShadowTech25 and Mentoring Circles in the Waikato region. At CreativeHQ’s careers event, Executive Council members inspired students and talked to schools about ShadowTech25, while Pip Gilbert (AWS) spoke on career progression at Air New Zealand’s ‘From Entry-Level to Executive: Navigating Career Progression’ event.
Visit the Techweek website for more highlights.
Mentoring Circles
Our 2025 Mentoring Circles program is officially underway, with an incredible response from tech professionals throughout New Zealand! This year, we’ve formed circles across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Queenstown, and virtual locations. Each circle brings together 6-10 professionals who will meet regularly to discuss non-technical career development topics, share diverse perspectives, and build valuable professional relationships.
A special thank you to our dedicated facilitators who volunteered to lead these circles and create supportive environments for growth. While this year’s program is now closed for applications, we encourage those interested to ensure their TechWomen membership is active for priority access to the 2026 program.
Stay tuned for success stories and insights from our circles throughout the year!
ShadowTech25 Countdown
ShadowTech25 is just weeks away, and excitement is building across Aotearoa! With applications now closed, we’re thrilled to report exceptional interest in this year’s programme. This August, students across the country will step into real tech workplaces, discovering the diverse career pathways available in New Zealand’s fastest growing and highest paid sector.
To our participating schools and host companies: thank you for your commitment to inspiring the next generation of women in tech! Special thanks to our sponsors for making ShadowTech25 possible and supporting the development of future tech talent.
Watch this space for highlights in our September newsletter.
Ngā manaakitanga,
Amanda Watson
Executive Council
TechWomen
Read the full news: Mid-Winter Momentum: Mentoring Circles, ShadowTech & More!
