Our Stories: Tania Bearsley
Our network is full of connected people, but when it comes to knowing who’s who, it’s fair to say Tania is up there with the best.
She has an endless supply of energy for getting involved and helping make things happen within the Kiwi Community in London, Her passion for all things Kiwi is infectious, so it’s no surprise that she has made it to the short list for UK New Zealander of the year along with Comedian Jarred Christmas.
Organised by the New Zealand Society (UK), the winner will be announced at the Waitangi Day Charity Ball on Friday February 7 in London.
Through her role as Kea New Zealand's UK and Europe Regional Director, Tania brings together her passion for people, events and networking to enable Kiwis to succeed globally. Her role is about helping individuals and businesses connect to achieve their goals.
Her CV is all about helping people - from a career in catering, events and hotels to producing colouring books for adults, and roles such as Membership Manager for Australia New Zealand Festival of Literature and Arts.
As well as her role for Kea, Tania is always willing to help our network and the wider New Zealand Community.
Her support doesn’t end there. She also held the role of President for the NZ Society (UK) from 2013-15. In that time Tania successfully distributed tens of thousands of pounds through its charitable fund to help a variety of projects which advance the cultural, sporting, artistic and historical links between the UK and NZ while providing a way for Kiwis to connect with their homeland. Tania was also a recipient of the Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Points of Light Award in 2015. Since 2018 Tania has been a UK Trustee of The Foundation for The Museum of New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa.
Last March Tania was the instrumental in organising a vigil including all New Zealand community groups and interfaith groups 'Stand for Solidarity with New Zealand' after the Christchurch shootings. Kiwis, Londoners, and visitors from all over the globe gathered to remember those who had died at their places of worship.
Wondering how she does it all, we asked Tania some questions about her role and our network:
How long have you been part of the NZ Business Women's Network and what makes it such a great network?
I joined the NZBWN in February 2011. Finding the network came at a time when I was missing home but knew I wasn’t ready to be back there, and to be honest, I was missing a sense of myself having lived in London for six years. The network connected me with home, while also introducing me to some incredible women who were making great things happen in their adopted home. I was a NZBWN super fan from my first event. The network is unique in that the connection point is where we are from, not what job we do or what we have achieved. I have made lifelong friendships through the network, had some wonderful experiences and opportunities for personal development. I can map each NZ woman I have met who helped me from one adventure to the next which led me to my current role with Kea.
What’s the best part about your job?
The people. Seeing the power in making the right connections and being able to celebrate a New Zealander's success. In my role I connect New Zealand businesses, projects and causes with expats who keenly and kindly help by giving time, insights, knowledge and making further introductions. Helping people reach for their aspirations is incredibly rewarding.
Our World Class New Zealand Network provides a way for us to acknowledge an individual’s achievements and contribution to the world. I get to tell people that our nation is proud of them – we celebrate tall poppies, what’s not to love about that.
How do you make time for everything you do?
I am incredibly fortunate to be in a role which is only three days a week. However, when you do what you love, and your work is focused on a nation it can become all consuming. Creating balance across other projects, personal development, my love of travel, friends and family is still a work in progress.