Taranaki Women in Leadership Event: Fireside Chat and Networking Lunch

We are excited to bring you our next Taranaki Women in Leadership event - a space to celebrate local leadership, connection, and kōrero.

We’ll be joined by incredible wāhine leaders who will share their experiences, insights, and lessons learned in a dynamic panel conversation. Following the discussion, enjoy kai and the chance to connect with others who are passionate about growing women’s leadership across our region.

✨ All are welcome - come to connect, be inspired, and keep building the momentum of women in leadership in Taranaki.

Hear from two remarkable wāhine leaders in a dynamic panel conversation:

• Penny Nelson - Director-General of the Department of Conservation
• Alana Ruakere - Pou Tū Kūrae (Chief Executive) of Tui Ora

The conversation kicks off at 12:00pm, followed by refreshments and networking from 1:15pm.

A special thank you to our sponsor TSB - whose support means this event is free for all to attend.

About your Panellists:

Penny Nelson

Penny Nelson is Director-General of the Department of Conservation, leading efforts to protect Aotearoa New Zealand’s native species and ecosystems across a third of the country’s land and surrounding waters. With a background spanning government, science, and business, Penny has held senior roles at MPI, the Ministry for the Environment, and Biosecurity NZ, and has also worked with Dairy NZ, the Sustainable Business Council, and Landcare Research. She is passionate about sustainable land management, science, and developing future leaders, and is a recipient of Lincoln University’s Bledisloe Medal for her contribution to conservation.

Alana Ruakere

Alana Ruakere is Chief Executive of Tui Ora, Taranaki’s largest kaupapa Māori health and social services provider, leading 200 kaimahi who deliver more than 30 services to 12,000 people across the region. With senior public service experience at the Crown Response Unit, Ministry of Health, Te Puni Kōkiri, and MSD, Alana is known for her collaborative leadership and commitment to whānau wellbeing. Proudly of Te Atiawa and Taranaki iwi, she brings deep local roots and a vision for intergenerational change grounded in cultural integrity.

Also check out other Health & Wellness events in New Plymouth.