Kia ora
As we step into a new year, I feel incredibly optimistic about the future we are building together, one where balance, equity, and opportunity for women in tech continue to grow stronger in Aotearoa New Zealand. Every milestone reminds me that progress is not only possible, it’s already happening because of the passion and commitment of this community.
I am both humbled and deeply proud of the amazing work our volunteers and team members dedicate themselves to each day. Your willingness to give your time, creativity, and energy is creating a meaningful, lasting impact for women and girls across the country. Thank you for showing what true leadership and collective purpose look like. I’m equally impressed and grateful for all the effort and collaboration by our sponsors Deloitte, Westpac, AWS, CyberCX, Tuatahi First Fibre, 2 Degrees, and Ricoh. None of this would have been possible without you believing in the need for a better balance.
One of the clearest signs of this impact is the incredible growth of ShadowTech, now engaging over 1,200 girls nationwide. Watching young wāhine step into real workplaces, gain confidence, and imagine themselves in tech careers is nothing short of inspiring. They are our future innovators, and their enthusiasm is a reminder of why our work matters.
The year is already taking shape with a line-up of fantastic events (see the list below), rich conversations, and opportunities to connect and uplift one another. Each initiative reflects our commitment to learning from the past, acknowledging where change is still needed, and using that insight to build a more equitable future for all women in tech.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Together, we’re creating momentum that will carry us forward toward a more inclusive sector, a more empowered community, and a future we can all be proud of.
Ngā mihi nui,
Samar Alrayyes
TechWomen Co-Chair
Read full news here: Let’s keep the momentum going: what’s coming up