NZ Businesswomen

02/11/2026

If this is the future of business in New Zealand, I think we're going to be just fine!

Our CEO, Carolyn Banks, had the absolute privilege of being involved in the Auckland Regional judging for the Young Enterprise Scheme last night. What an amazing reminder of how much talent, courage, creativity and entrepreneurial thinking we have coming through in our younger business owners (think she's finally realised she's an adult!)

Young Enterprise is an amazing organisation that gives young people the opportunity to do business for real. They take an idea, test it, build it, pitch it and learn all the messy, brilliant lessons that come with actually making something happen.

Definitely something we all need to get behind.

We believe relationships are a business strategy, and that connection, learning, support and leadership development help women grow with confidence and create positive change in their businesses and communities. As two not-for-profit organisations, it makes enormous sense for us to work alongside and support one another. To ensure we have a strong business community tomorrow we need to invest and encourage the people who are building the future today.

Age and experience also mean we can share what we know, open doors, encourage big thinking and show the next generation that they don't have to figure everything out alone, and help them not make some of the mistakes we made! Frankly, after seeing some of the young entrepreneurs coming through, we know we can also learn just as much from them.

Huge congratulations to everyone involved in the Auckland Regional Finals. What an exciting bunch of young businesspeople destined for greatness.

Different generations, different stages of business, all learning, connecting and backing each other to succeed. We're pretty excited about where that could lead.
Oh, and a time machine to turn back the clock on ourselves so we can also get involved wouldn't go astray!

01/11/2026

Here's a fresh idea for a Monday, how about you stop networking and start really connecting with people? Going to events doesn't necessarily mean you're building a network. You can attend events, collect connections and still not have anyone you'd feel comfortable ringing when you actually need help.

Community is what makes the difference. It's people who know you, trust you, and totally get who you are and what you do. They recommend you to others, challenge you, and when you're in the sh*t they show up for you. Oh, and they talk about you in rooms you aren't in as well!

Maybe you need to be asking yourself how strong your business relationships are with others, rather than how big your network is. Quality over quantity every time.

29/10/2026

As our thoughts turn towards 2026 coming to a close and 2027 just around the corner a question.

What would you do if you knew for sure you couldn’t fail?

Think about that for a minute.

What would you start? What would you ask for? What opportunity would you chase? How much bigger would you think?

Often the biggest thing standing between us and the next level isn't ability its our own doubt! What would you do if you knew you wouldn't fail?

You need the confidence to have a go, the courage to learn when it doesn’t work, and the right women around you saying, “Come on, you’ve got this.”

That’s why community matters.

NZ Businesswomen is about finding women who get what it takes to build a business, and growing your business and yourself alongside them.

What would you do if you knew you couldn’t fail?

Now, what’s actually stopping you?

28/10/2026

Meet the wonderful Tiera Foy

Behind every business is a woman with her own story, experiences and a genuine reason for doing what she does.

Through Tiera Foy Counselling, Tiera has created a space centred around something we could probably all use a little more of at times: support.

Because none of us has everything figured out all of the time. Whether we’re running businesses, building careers, raising families or simply navigating everything life throws our way, sometimes having someone in your corner makes all the difference.

We love having women in our NZBW community whose work is about helping others feel heard, supported and able to move forward.

Take a look at Tiera and her work here:
https://www.tierafoy.co.nz/

28/10/2026

There’s something pretty wonderful about being part of a community of businesswomen who want to succeed, get s**t done and have fun doing it!

Women who are ambitious for themselves, but are also really invested in seeing the women around them achieve. These are the women who support one another, question one another and challenge one another. These are the women who love putting the time and effort in to getting to know one another so they can help one another in whatever way is needed.

These women actually care about one another, and it shows, they make a difference for one another.

Let's be honest, business is hard work but having people around you who understand what you're trying to do, who will tell you the truth, open doors for you, encourage you to think bigger and remind you what you're capable of changes everything.

That’s what community should be.

Real relationships. Real support. Real business growth.

At NZ Businesswomen, we strongly believe relationships are a business strategy. When you find the right women to do business alongside, you don't just grow your network, you grow your business, you grow yourself, and you get to help some bloody good women grow too.

Find your people. Grow your business.

27/10/2026

SHOCK POST ALERT! (cause it's after Labour Weekend!)

Stop coasting towards Xmas, there are 8 more weeks to go in this business year, what are you going to do with them. The preparation you do this side of Xmas will set you up to hit the ground running early 2027, and who doesn't want to do that!

What do you want in 2027, and what can you do now to set the foundations. There is still plenty of time to build relationships, develop skills, follow up opportunities, improve systems or make that one decision that is going to change how you enter 2027.

Be intentional and got for it! Remember the right community helps you stay connected, encouraged and accountable.

What is one thing you want to do/achieve before Xmas?

Share it with someone who you trust and who will hold you accountable, and make sure you take the first step this week.

I promise you your 2027 self will thank you!

22/10/2026

Connecting women. Creating opportunities. Building success together.

What happens when ambitious women, experienced leaders, emerging entrepreneurs and future changemakers come together? Connections are made. Ideas are sparked. Opportunities emerge.

Connect, Create, Collaborate brings women together for an evening of facilitated networking, speed networking and relaxed conversation, designed to create meaningful connections that go beyond exchanging business cards.

Because the right conversation can spark an idea, the right connection can open the door and the right collaboration can be a game changer.

Join NZ Businesswomen, Icehouse and Young Enterprise and put yourself in a room full of women ready to connect, share and grow.

Your network really is your net worth.

Book your ticket and come see what’s possible when women connect with purpose.

https://events.humanitix.com/connect-create-collaborate-auckland

A community for businesswomen who support, encourage and motivate one another. With networking & practical learning via the NZ Business Academy we thrive together and help you take you and your business to the next level!

21/10/2026

Meet Claire Waterworth from Naked Aesthetics

There’s something pretty special about a business built around helping people feel more confident while still looking completely like themselves. Claire is one of our wonderful members and is a Registered Cosmetic Nurse Injector and skin expert with a refreshingly considered approach to aesthetics. Her focus is on natural, refined results, taking the time to understand each client’s skin, goals and lifestyle before developing a personalised treatment plan.

From cosmetic injectables and dermal fillers to microneedling and skin-focused treatments, Claire’s philosophy is less about changing how you look and more about enhancing what is already there.

We love seeing women build businesses around their expertise, experience and genuine care for their clients.

Check out Claire Waterworth and Naked Aesthetics:
www.nakedaesthetics.co.nz

20/10/2026

The most powerful thing I've learned in 20 years of self-development is the art of reframing. This is putting on my big rose-tinted glasses and choosing how I view the events of my life.

I was doing this ages before I understood the psychology behind it. I just knew it made me feel better, more positive, in control, and happier. It’s been a cool journey learning why it’s so powerful and in this article, I share that with you.

It’s easy to think it’s the “bad” events that cause you grief – stress, worry, anxiety, self-doubt. The mind-bender is that it’s not the events, it’s your thoughts about them. Your thoughts lead to your emotions, which drive your actions.

The power of reframing - Reframing is looking at a situation from a positive angle. It’s not about ignoring reality; it’s about choosing the most empowering interpretation. This isn’t just a mind game; there’s some powerful stuff going on ‘under the hood’.

Reframing and the brain = Your brain filters about 11 million bits of info a second but only lets through to your conscious awareness around 8–40. A part of your brain, the Reticular Activating System (RAS) decides what gets through. It’s why you suddenly see your new car model everywhere. The trick is making sure your RAS filters helpful stuff.

Tell yourself and others there are lots of opportunities, and you’ll see the open ones.

The great thing is over time, as you keep choosing better stories, neuroplasticity strengthens those positive pathways. It becomes second nature – you become better at automatically seeing the positive in the events and circumstances of your life.

You’re 90–95% subconscious. When you keep saying things always work out for you, you’re programming your subconscious to take aligned actions. What you believe, you move towards.

When something not-awesome happens, choose to see it in a good light. Trust that life is happening for you, even when it feels hard. Repeat your better story to yourself and others – your brain and subconscious are listening.

You now have the formula to create a better career and life by choosing better stories. Situation – Thoughts – Emotions – Behaviours. If it’s all delusion, still sign me up. I’d rather be the crazy, happy woman any day!

© Candice Murray Journey 2025 candicemurrayjourney.com

19/10/2026

One of the biggest challenges we are constantly seeing with businesswomen isn't about their capability, it's about confidence.

Lots of businesswomen over-deliver, undercharging and second guess the value they bring to their business and their clients, then wondering why their business isn't growing (handy hint, look in the mirror, that's where the problem lies!)

Have you ever found yourself saying "no one will pay that", "it's probably too expensive", yes, then be aware the problem isn't the pricing it's your self worth.

Your pricing reflects how much value you believe you create, it's for the experience the qualifications and for the unique value you bring to their business - and yes, that matters!

Oh, and the other hint that you aren't valuing yourself is when you are asked your pricing you answer it as if it's a question (and usually the pitch of your voice goes up.

Your ideal client will respect you and expect to pay for the value you bring to them and their business - don't be apologetic!