Kia ora,
Here we are at the end of another year – and what a year it’s been.
Let’s not sugarcoat it: 2025 has tested us. Economic uncertainty, global turbulence, and pushback against diversity and inclusion efforts have made this a tough year for many. There are moments when it feels like we’re losing ground.
But here’s the truth: we’re still moving forward. The small steps we take together – every mentorship formed, every student inspired, every barrier challenged – are building something bigger than any single setback can undo.
As a non-profit membership organisation, TechWomen exists for one clear purpose: to grow and retain women in New Zealand’s tech sector. We’re still at 29% representation, but every connection made in our community of 900 members and over 4,000 LinkedIn followers is proof that change is happening.
This year, you showed up. You mentored. You hosted students. You championed each other’s wins. That’s not just resilience, that’s leadership.
So, as we close out 2025, let’s celebrate what we’ve built together and look ahead to 2026. Because when women in tech thrive, our entire industry becomes stronger.
2025: A year of connection and impact
Six events that brought us together:
- International Women’s Day: Micro Changes for Macro Impact – Exploring how small, intentional actions create industry-wide transformation
- Techweek: Women in Data and AI – Spotlighting the women leading innovation in one of tech’s most dynamic fields
- Mid-Winter Webinar: Manging the unmanageable without imploding
- Ada Lovelace Day: Practical Allyship – understanding what real allyship looks like in action
- End of year celebrations in Auckland and Wellington – wrapping up the year with reflection and connection (highlights below!).
ShadowTech: 1,200+ students
Over 1,200 young women in Years 9-11 experienced the tech industry firsthand through ShadowTech – a 25% increase from 2024. To everyone who hosted school groups: thank you. You’re shaping the future of our sector, one inspired student at a time. Learn more.
Mentoring Circles: 150+ participants
Over 150 women participated in our Mentoring Circles across 21 in-person and virtual circles. Thank you to everyone who participated. Learn more.
Our volunteers and partners
Huge thanks to our Executive Committee and sub-committees – all volunteers who bring extraordinary energy and expertise to TechWomen.
Special recognition to our sponsors and partners:
- Foundation Partners: Deloitte and Westpac
- Associate Partners: CyberCX, AWS, and Tuatahi First Fibre
- Supporting Partners: Ricoh and 2degrees
And to every member who shows up and champions women in tech: you are the community. Thank you.
🎉 Take our TechWomen 2025 quiz and win!
Test your TechWomen knowledge and go in the draw to win:
- Free ticket to the Women in Leadership Summit (24-25 February 2026, Wellington)
- The Female Digital Revolution book by Nimisha Tailor
Looking ahead to 2026
We’re excited to kick off the new year with fresh energy and meaningful opportunities for growth. We’re already busy planning and have some dates for the diary.
11 February 2026 – Career mindset workshop: Own your energy
Co-hosted with AWS. Join Career Mindset Coach Candice Murray for an interactive workshop where you’ll learn science-backed tools to strengthen positive emotional states. Live from Auckland with remote hubs around the country. Interested in hosting a hub? Get in touch! Register Now
9 March 2026 – International Women’s Day event
11:30 am – 1:30 pm | Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch & Virtual
Join TechWomen and Westpac to celebrate IWD 2026 with the theme Give to Gain – exploring how giving knowledge creates empowerment and opportunity. More details to come. Register Now
24-25 February 2026 – Women in Leadership Summit, Wellington
We are excited to partner with the Women Leaders Institute for the Women in Leadership Summit in Wellington, happening 24–25 February 2026 at Sky Stadium. Our wonderful Executive Committee member, Jemma Simmonds, will be demonstrating a Mentoring Circle in action. Discounts available for TechWomen members – 🎟️ TechWomen members enjoy $100 off with code TW100 at checkout (register here), or win a free ticket through our quiz!
11-20 August 2026 – ShadowTech 2026
If your organisation is interested in hosting students, stay tuned for registration details in the new year. Learn more
End of year event highlights
What a fantastic way to close out 2025! Our TechWomen and CyberCX end-of-year celebrations in Auckland and Wellington brought our community together for evenings of inspiration, connection, and celebration. We heard from incredible women leaders who shared their insights and experiences in powerful panel discussions, sparking conversations that continued well into the networking sessions. The energy and warmth in both rooms reminded us why this community is so special.
A huge thank you to CyberCX for hosting both events and for your continued partnership and dedication to championing women in technology. Your support enables us to create these meaningful opportunities for connection and growth across the country.
Summer reading and listening: your recommendations
At this year’s end-of-year events, we asked panellists and attendees to share their favourite podcast and book recommendations. Here’s the eclectic mix you shared – spanning business and career development, personal growth, feminist works, and history.
Disclaimer: These recommendations were crowd-sourced. Neither I nor TechWomen have read or listened to them all, so we take no responsibility for the content or ratings! (Maybe it’s time for a TechWomen book club?).
A special full-circle moment: At the 2024 Auckland event, I gave away my copy of Invisible Women by Caroline Criado Perez as a prize, on the proviso that it be passed on to someone else in the community. When I arrived at this year’s event, the book was returned to me, and I gave it away again. Such a cool moment – and I hope to see it come back around next year!
None of what we’ve achieved this year would exist without you – our passionate community members, generous sponsors and partners, and everyone who shows up to make TechWomen what it is.
Your commitment to supporting and uplifting women in tech is changing our industry and creating pathways for the next generation.
Here’s to finishing 2025 strong and making 2026 our most impactful year yet!
Yvonne Gill
Executive Director
TechWomen
Read full news here: Celebrating 2025 & looking ahead to an exciting 2026