In late 2022, a clear opportunity was identified to strengthen the Onehunga business community by championing
its wahine (women). While Onehunga boasted a vibrant commercial landscape, it became evident that female
voices and leadership could benefit from a dedicated platform. The vision to establish a robust and supportive
network for women involved in business, providing a space for connection, collaboration, and growth.

With a limited budget, our strategy for the first year was agile and community-focused. We held bi-monthly
meetings, rotating locations to different businesses throughout Onehunga. This approach not only kept costs
down but also showcased the diverse range of enterprises within our area. Crucially, this free community network
was designed to be inclusive, welcoming any woman who lived or worked in Onehunga and was involved in
business. This broad scope allowed us to tap into wider networks, fostering connections that could, in turn,
support Onehunga businesses in the future.

These initial gatherings consistently attracted an average of 15 attendees per event, with at least 50% being new
faces each time. This high rotation indicated strong interest in the concept and confirmed that the bi-monthly
frequency was ideal for maintaining engagement without over-committing participants. A highlight of that first
year was a visit to the recently opened Minx showroom, where attendees had the inspiring opportunity to hear
directly from designer and founder, Cushla Reed.

Growth and impact: Expanding our reach

Building on this successful foundation, 2024 marked a significant step forward for the network. We successfully
secured funding to host a special International Women’s Day event, featuring the sought-after speaker Dr. Ellen
Ford. This workshop saw 40 women participate, gaining valuable insights and forging new connections. Alongside
this larger event, we continued our highly valued networking sessions, returning to the successful model of
visiting various local businesses.

More recently, the Onehunga Women in Business network leveraged Business Onehunga’s Yates Exchange as a
hub for activities. This has allowed the group to host impactful sessions, including a valuable discussion with HR
Butter’s Kate Bacchus and a heartwarming Pink Ribbon morning tea to raise funds for Breast Cancer NZ. Our
commitment to celebrating and empowering women continued into 2025, with a well-received panel discussion
featuring interesting women held to acknowledge International Women’s Day.

This initiative truly showcases the power of identifying a community need and building a supportive, accessible
platform to address it. The Onehunga Women in Business network continues to thrive, creating meaningful
connections and fostering a stronger, more inclusive business environment in Onehunga.

Photos are credited to Business Onehunga and taken by Amanda Wellgreen & Jen Southan.