Women’s governance pipeline grows through BoardConnector

The Ministry for Women’s database linking women with governance opportunities has more than doubled its first-year growth target as demand grows from women seeking board roles across New Zealand, Minister for Women Nicola Grigg says.

“In June last year, I set the Ministry for Women a target to grow its governance database by 20 percent, or 160 members, during the 2025/26 financial year. That target was met by March this year, and following the launch of the refreshed BoardConnector database, it has received 349 new registrations.

“The database now has more than 1,140 members, showing there is a strong pipeline of women ready to contribute their skills, experience and leadership to boards across the public and private sectors,” Ms Grigg says.

“Women leaders play a critical role in a productive economy and New Zealand’s long-term growth and resilience. BoardConnector is helping ensure more boards can access the skills, experience and perspectives women bring,” Ms Grigg says.

BoardConnector supports women at different stages of their governance journey by connecting them with information, development opportunities and board vacancies.

Building on that momentum, the Ministry has set a new target to grow BoardConnector by a further 20 percent over the next year, opening the door for at least 230 more women to connect with governance opportunities.

The Government has a target of 50 percent of Crown appointments being held by women, and candidates for these appointments can be drawn from the database.   

Recent appointments of BoardConnector members include Rowena Davenport as Deputy Chair of Sport New Zealand, Gina Mills as a board member of Sport New Zealand, and Alaina Kalyan as a health practitioner member of the Dental Council. ...