Spring Networking Dinner

Posted in Latest.

Picture_38The NZ Business Womens Network’s event on 17th May at Suze in Mayfair was outstanding with a full house and a vibrant atmosphere.  The evening began with a welcome drink and non-stop networking, then we sat down to enjoy a beautiful meal with a kiwi flavour from NZ lamb rump to Hokey Pokey ice cream.  

The evening began with a welcome by Maggie Eyre who is an outstanding speaker with the ability to entertain, make guests feel comfortable and bring everyone together. Maggie introduced three members of the network, Samanatha Webster from Australasian Recruitment Company, Carolyn Aish from KiwiKate and Anne Timpany from On Tap Plumbers, who did a brief rundown of their backgrounds with interesting tales about how they came to settle and start-up their own businesses in the UK.

The highlight of the evening was a thoroughly inspiring presentation by Zoe Dryden from Second Base who achieved a lot at a young age and gave up an amazing salary and high profile job to help others in Nepal.  

The evening ended up with a lot of business cards passed, new friends made and excitement from the winners of the door prizes. Picture above - winners drawn by Zoe Dryden and announced by Maggie Eyre.

Thank you to the women who made the night inspiring and fun, and the companies who donated door prizes to support us.

Zoe Dryden www.second-base.org
Maggie Eyre www.maggieeyre.com
Samanatha Webster www.australasian.co.uk
Carolyn Aish www.kiwikate.co.uk
Anne Timpany info@ontapplumbers.com
www.nznewsuk.co.uk
www.toastfestivals.co.uk/ten

Anna Hansen named New Zealander of the Year (UK) 2010!

Posted in Latest.

NZer_of_the_Year2Anna Hansen, chef and founder of The Modern Pantry restaurant has been announced as winner of the prestigious New Zealander of the Year (UK) Award 2010.

Anna has been a wonderful supporter of the NZ Business Women's Network and has made the Modern Pantry available for events, and we congratulate her on this achievement.

The awards are held annually by the NZ Society to recognise an outstanding contribution made in enhancing New Zealand’s profile in the UK. Held in the penthouse of New Zealand House on March 24th and sponsored by Air New Zealand, the 2010 award was presented by Scott Carr, Air New Zealand’s General Manager for Europe.

The New Zealand Business Women's Network will be holding a series of networking dinners over summer and our July dinner will be held at the Modern Pantry so watch this space for dates and details!

NZer_of_the_Year1

Main picture: Anna Hansen and Esther Jessop, Winner of New Zealander of the Year (UK) Award 2009. Above: NZ Business Women Anna Hansen, Romy Brandeis, Deborah McBrearty, Jacqui Wales, Bronwen Horton and Michelle Inder.

All photographs taken by NZ Business Women's Network member and professional photographer Miriam Ingram.

Anna's award in the press:
www.voxy.co.nz
www.stuff.co.nz/the-press
www.stuff.co.nz/nelson-mail
www.infonews.co.nz

Member Testimonials

Posted in News.

Following our events we use an online survey to gain feedback for the speakers, venue and organisers. Here's what people are saying:

"It seems to me this is a necessary lifeline for all NZ women living and working in the UK. Was impressed by the high level of conversation and critical thinking in the audience. Nice to be a part of."

"The fantastic women that you meet at these events"

"It is great way to meet and connect with like minded people, it provides support and provides interesting insights."

"The network provides a unique opportunity to interact with a range of wonderful, welcoming, women who have a 'can do' attitude."

"Each event I attend leaves me with new ideas and inspires - why wouldn't I want to share that."

"Every event I've attended has exceeded my expectations!"

"I arrived in London feeling overwhelmed by the thousands of directions one could take in this city and the months it could take to get to know which ones lead to opportunities.  A friend introduced me to the NZ Business Women's Network ...an upbeat and spirited group of women living and working in London who are happy to share their experience to help other NZ women find their way. The events are great fun and inspirational.  I've been introduced to some amazing friends who have given their time and expertise when I most needed it. Long may it continue!"

“It was a great chance to launch back into the world of intelligent NZ females.”

"Dame Judith's speech was inspirational and provided some good practical ideas. Her down to earth style helped to demystify how people like her achieve great things."

“Wish I'd known about the network sooner! It was a fantastic evening, and great to meet kiwi women with similar experiences trying to get on in Britain.”

“Best event of this type I have been to in London by a mile, and I attend many!”

“I can never tire of evenings spent with intelligent, gutsy kiwi women.”

“I like the mix of food, looking at inspirational things kiwis have done and the relaxed atmosphere of NZBWN.”

“Every single time I meet someone new and someone I'm really glad I've met.”

“All the women who attend are interested in meeting other women; everyone has something to give to the group.”

“There are no pretentions in this group, just like-minded women who genuinely want to help each other better themselves. It is also great to regain/retain your unique Kiwi identity.”

“Great networking potential, optimism, engagement, friendly people – and I always feel a buzz after attending!.”

“Stories like Janiene’s always make me feel inspired. It is great to hear Kiwis doing so well and I know that our give-it-a-go ethos is part of it.”

“I have been in the UK for 22 years and miss NZ and the upfront honesty and bluntness of fellow kiwis. It is a refreshing change to be in a room full of New Zealander's to discuss our different experiences about being away from home, our experiences at home and what we hope for the future.”

“I found the speaker very interesting with more than one or two parallels to relate to.”

“The wine talk was interesting but the business talk was fascinating and offered insights into business that was very valuable.”

“So inspiring – a reminder to all of us not to lose ourselves and who we are, within the crazy rat race that London tends to become for all of us.”

“Peta's presentation was exactly what I needed; she was fun, down-to-earth, engaging, entertaining, thought-provoking, and most-of-all inspirational.”

“These events are a great way to meet Kiwi women who are working in the UK and to build relationships.”

“The women you meet are always great fun and extremely positive about life.”

“It is always inspiring for me to meet such talented, enthusiastic, vibrant women who are making the most of their lives.”