Ma to rourou me taku rourou ka ora ai te iwi

Women on Boards is the only women's organisation in New Zealand dedicated to women on boards. Its purpose is to increase gender diversity on all boards.

We support women directors and those aspiring to be to directors to be successful in advancing and achieving their governance goals. We provide education and training, networking, and advocacy on governance ethno-gender issues.

While the Manatū Wāhine Ministry for Women Gender Stocktake 2022 shows that 53.1% of members of public sector boards and committees are women, ethnic diversity representation is still low, with Maori making up 26.8%, Pacific 7.2% and much lower representation from other ethnicities.

Women directors on publicly listed companies has been increasing in recent year, however statistics from the NZX Gender Diversity Statistics 2022 show only 36.5% of NZX 50 boards have female representation. There is still much more to do to increase gender representation on all boards and to break down barriers for women to be successful in appointments to boards.

Women on Boards provides three major learning and celebration opportunities

• Women on Boards Governance Masterclass, an education programme developed by women, especially for women held twice a year
• The Women in Governance Awards celebrating outstanding achievements by women in governance
• Women in Governance Summit, a one day conference packed with learning and support

• Your own personal login to access information and membership news exclusive to members
• Access to membership benefits provided to CGINZ members, including discount attendance rates to governance training and education programmes and events
• Access to free networking events
• Special members rates to attend our flagship events; the Women in Governance Awards and the Women in Governance Summit.
• Pathway to the Professional Education Programme to qualify as a Chartered Governance Professional or Chartered Secretary
• Information & resources to assist and motivate you
• Access to national and international reports and information on gender issues and thought leadership
• Networks and connections (personally or virtually) with Women on Board members who can open doors, share their governance knowledge and mentor you
• An opportunity to connect to the international Chartered Governance Institute, represented in 80 countries and with over 42,000 members