FINALIST - WOMAN OF THE YEAR NZ

Nic Russell is the founder and CEO of Kenzie’s Gift, a national charity she established after her three-year-old daughter, Kenzie, died from childhood cancer. A bereaved mum, breast cancer survivor and heart transplant recipient who lives with Parkinson’s, Nic continues to lead the charity’s work supporting grieving children and families across Aotearoa. Kenzie’s Gift provides funded psychological support, resources and education for tamariki and rangatahi facing the serious illness or death of a parent or sibling. Nic has received two Kiwibank Local Hero Awards for her work with Kenzie’s Gift and breast cancer advocacy. She is also the author of Bollix, a memoir about grief, illness, motherhood and life in a malfunctioning body.

FINALIST - WOMAN OF THE YEAR NZ

Parminder Kaur KSM, JP is a community leader, volunteer and advocate who has dedicated more than 15 years to strengthening multicultural communities across Canterbury. She is President of the IndianNZ Association of Christchurch and Founder/Chair of The Women’s Helping Hand Trust NZ. She has established free major events, the Christchurch Multicultural Festival and the Selwyn Holi Festival of Colours. She delivers free weekly wellbeing, leadership and development programmes for women, children, seniors and migrant communities. Parminder actively supported during the Christchurch earthquakes, the 2019 mosque attacks and the COVID-19 pandemic. She is a Justice of the Peace, White Ribbon Ambassador and Marriage Celebrant. Her exceptional community service has been recognised with the King’s Service Medal, the New Zealander of the Year Local Hero Medalist, the Christchurch City Council Community Service Award, the Selwyn Community Volunteer Award, and the Volunteering Canterbury Volunteer Recognition Award.

FINALIST - WOMAN OF THE YEAR NZ

Renee Smith-Apanui is a Māori leader, Co-founder and Managing Director of ŌRUA, an award-winning kaupapa Māori architectural practice. Renee led the development of the inaugural Puritia Te Aka Matua Reports, which examined Māori representation in architecture and landscape architecture and helped advance accountability across the built environment. Additionally, Renee is Director of Capability, Monitoring and Assurance at the Department of Conservation, leading the development and oversight of Treaty capability initiatives supporting more than 3,000 staff. She is also an Associate on the Waikato-Tainui Te Arataura Executive Board and a board member of Toi Tangata, a national organisation advancing Māori health and wellbeing. Renee's leadership has been recognised nationally, including being an inaugural recipient of the Property Council New Zealand Women of Impact Award 2026, a finalist for Emerging Leader of the Year, and shortlisted for Māori Leader of the Year and Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Leader of the Year.

FINALIST - WOMAN OF THE YEAR NZ

Sonia Thursby MNZM is the founder of YES Disability Resource Centre and creator of I.Lead, a nationwide initiative empowering young disabled people to influence decisions affecting their lives. Having worked and volunteered in the disability sector since the age of 16, she has dedicated her career to advancing the rights, leadership, and inclusion of disabled young people across Aotearoa. Through I.Lead, Sonia has supported hundreds of young people to engage with government, contribute to policy, co-design services, and build community connections. She has also developed programmes that strengthen self-advocacy and leadership. Her work has secured millions of dollars in funding for disabled youth and led to the establishment of an innovation youth hub in Auckland. Her contributions have been recognised with an MNZM, a Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship, and the New Zealand Federation of Information Centres President’s Award.

FINALIST- CHANGE-MAKER OF THE YEAR NZ

Joy Reid is the co-founder and CEO of One Mother to Another (OMTA), a South Island charity supporting parents and caregivers with a child in hospital and mothers experiencing mental health challenges. Founded from her own experience of having a seriously unwell child, OMTA has grown into a nationally recognised charity, distributing more than 40,000 care packages through hospitals and community organisations. With a background in journalism, Joy has combined storytelling, advocacy, and community leadership to raise awareness of parental trauma, maternal mental health, and family-centred care. Under her leadership, OMTA now works with more than 170 volunteers and community partners. Joy is a Kiwibank Local Hero Medallist, Paul Harris Fellow, New Zealand Leadership Awards finalist, and has led OMTA to the Minister of Health Community NGO Team of the Year Award.

Julia Grace is a keynote speaker, author, and mental health educator who founded Be Kind to Your Mind, a platform improving mental health literacy and early intervention across Aotearoa. Drawing on her own lived experience of depression and anxiety, she developed practical tools and language, including the “Wobbly Point” and “Jelly Buddy,” to help people recognise distress and seek support earlier. A certified Mental Health First Aid instructor, Julia works with schools, workplaces, and community groups nationwide. In 2023 alone, she reached more than 9,500 young people on a national tour. She is the founder of the Julia Grace Charitable Trust, which exists to close the gap between need and access, subsidising mental health education for schools, community groups, and organisations that could otherwise not afford it. Julia is the author of Be Kind to Your Mind 2024 and has been recognised as Keynote Speaker of the Year 2025, VSA International Breakthrough Speaker of the Year 2024, and Educator of the Year 2023

FINALIST- CHANGE-MAKER OF THE YEAR NZ

Madiha Ali is a refugee lawyer, advocate, and community leader advancing refugee rights and inclusion. After spending five years as a refugee in Indonesia, where she was denied formal education, she co-founded a refugee-led learning centre at age 14 that went on to educate hundreds of refugee children. Now based in Aotearoa, she supports asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants through complex legal processes. Madiha is an Affiliated Scholar with the Centre for Asia Pacific Refugee Studies, Deputy Chair of the Asia Pacific Refugee Rights Network’s Immigration and Detention Working Group, and has served on the New Zealand Refugee Advisory Panel and the UNHCR Refugee Advisory Group. She received a Hamilton Civic Award in 2024 and was named a YWCA Y25 honouree in 2021.

FINALIST- CHANGE-MAKER OF THE YEAR NZ

Tamara Waugh is the founder and Chair of Liminal Rhythm Trust, a survivor-led charity supporting women and survivors of sexual harm through trauma-informed programmes, retreats, peer-led initiatives, and mental health innovation. Drawing on her lived experience, she created EmpowerME, which has supported more than 80 survivors across Aotearoa, and founded The Happiness Experiment, a wellbeing initiative promoting positive behavioural change. Tamara holds a Master of Technological Futures, researching ethical trauma-informed AI and digital mental health. She has contributed to national initiatives with Whakarongorau Aotearoa, the Health Quality & Safety Commission, and Equally Well, and was selected for Yale School of Medicine's Lived Experience Transformational Leadership programme.

FINALIST- INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Clare Irons is a community leader and advocate for philanthropy in the Whakatipu region. As almost 5 years’ as Chair of Impact100 Whakatipu, she led one of the region’s largest women’s giving initiatives, helping raise and distribute more than $1 million to local charities and community organisations. During her five-year tenure, she established a scholarship programme to broaden participation and expanded funding to include capacity-building support. Clare now works with 45South Community Foundation, helping businesses develop meaningful community giving programmes through BforGood. She also co-hosts the Mountain Club podcast, sharing stories of local changemakers, and has volunteered with organisations including Baskets of Blessing and Arrowtown Preschool, strengthening community connections across the region.

FINALIST- INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Eleanor is a sustainability leader, community advocate, and Chair of the Central Lakes Breastfeeding Charitable Trust. As tutor of Sustainable Tourism Development at Queenstown Resort College and founder of Auburn Environment Consulting, she helps businesses reduce carbon emissions, minimise waste, and implement practical sustainability solutions. She also serves on the Queenstown Lakes District Council Climate Reference Group, providing independent advice on emissions reduction and environmental strategy. Through the Central Lakes Breastfeeding Charitable Trust, she supports initiatives that improve outcomes for parents, babies, and whānau. Eleanor is also a volunteer Race Director for Queenstown Parkrun, helping deliver a free weekly event, and a bellydance instructor who encourages women to build confidence, strength, and connection through movement.

FINALIST- INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN

Olivia Wensley is a venture capital leader, advocate, and former regional economic development leader. As a Partner at Outset Ventures, she helps lead the Momentum Fund, investing in high-growth New Zealand technology companies across sectors including aerospace, renewable energy, defence, and advanced technology. She has helped the fund reach its first $20 million milestone toward a $70 million target while attracting international investment through global partnerships and trade missions. Previously Chief Executive of Startup Queenstown Lakes, Olivia championed entrepreneurship and economic diversification. She has also advocated for safer workplaces by speaking out on harassment and misconduct in the legal profession, supported families transitioning out of Gloriavale, and stood for Mayor of Queenstown Lakes.

FINALIST- ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Monique Mayze is the founder and Chair of Health Action Wānaka, a volunteer-led health advocacy group established to achieve equitable access to healthcare for the Upper Clutha community. Under her leadership, the organisation has engaged with residents, clinicians, government agencies, and elected representatives and produced a community health needs assessment involving more than 300 participants, resulting in the report Perception versus Reality: The True State of Healthcare in the Upper Clutha. The report's release garnered national media attention and the group was invited to meet with the Minister of Health. The group's advocacy has led to the introduction of publicly funded blood collection, x-rays and scans, as well as increased funding for mental health services in the Upper Clutha. Monique also serves on the board of Food for Love, supporting local families in times of need.

FINALIST- ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Rebecca Macey is the founder and director of Busy Bumbles, an OSCAR provider supporting tamariki and whānau across Canterbury and Otago. Over the past 17 years, she has grown the organisation into a trusted service focused on creating safe, inclusive environments for children, including those who are neurodiverse or have additional needs. A former educator and solo mother, Rebecca established Busy Bumbles to better support working families and has introduced initiatives to improve affordability and accessibility. She also contributes to the wider sector through the OSCAR Network Board and a Government Expert Advisory Group, and has served on several school boards, including the establishment board of Te Rau Horopito. Through her work, she continues to strengthen outcomes for children, families, and communities.

FINALIST- ENTREPRENEURIAL WOMAN

Teresa Noble is the owner of NRG Gym Alexandra and a community leader dedicated to improving health and wellbeing across Central Otago. Teresa has created a special gym community, where members of all ages become family, and work as a team to tackle their challenges. She leads specialised programmes including Neuro Warriors for people living with neurological conditions. She works with Youth Development Trust and has also created a successful gym class for over 65s called Fit for Function, ensuring they stay connected within their community. Teresa jointly runs a high-performance ultra running program that has seen runners exceed their personal best. Teresa also volunteers by leading a beginner run group and regularly supports local fundraising initiatives and community causes in her spare time.  Living with the challenges of Crohn's disease, she continues to inspire others while fostering a stronger, healthier, and more connected community.

FINALIST- COMMUNITY WOMAN

Jan Aitken is the founder of Crofters Yarn, a Dunedin community built on the belief that a ball of wool can change lives. Established in 2023 following her redundancy, Crofters Yarn has become a place where people of all ages and backgrounds find friendship, confidence, creativity, and connection. Jan has created knitting groups, community events, including bringing together 190 knitters on a heritage train journey, fibre adventures, and charity initiatives supporting local organisations, including Queen Mary Maternity & Dunedin Kindergartens. Through her leadership and as co-founder of Wool Ewe, she has fostered an inclusive community where learning flourishes, wellbeing grows, and everyone belongs.

FINALIST - COMMUNITY WOMAN

Joan Kiernan is a community leader, philanthropist, and governance professional who has contributed to community development and charitable giving across the Queenstown Lakes district and the South Island. A Rotary member since 2001, she was the first woman to serve as President of the Rotary Club of Queenstown and only the second woman appointed District Governor of Rotary District 9999. She served as District Rotary Foundation Chair for the South Island from 2022 to 2026. Joan has also held governance roles with Impact100 Wakatipu, the 45 South Community Foundation, and Community Trust South, supporting strategic funding and community investment. She continues to contribute to organisations including Te Atamira, the Queenstown Writers Festival, Women’s Shed Aotearoa, and the Inner Wheel Club of Queenstown..

FINALIST - COMMUNITY WOMAN

Lisa Telle is the owner of Zoomies Dog Training & Adventures, a Cromwell-based business specialising in dog training, behaviour, and canine nutrition. She promotes science-based, ethical approaches to dog welfare while helping owners build stronger relationships with their dogs. Lisa also volunteers with foster carers and rescue organisations, supporting dogs affected by trauma, including those connected to domestic violence situations, to improve rehabilitation and rehoming outcomes. She is the spokesperson for Paws for Pines and founder of the Cromwell Dogs Charitable Trust, advocating for accessible off-leash recreation areas. Her advocacy also highlights the needs of dogs with mobility challenges, including wheelchair-dependent dogs, ensuring outdoor spaces remain inclusive and accessible.

FINALIST -RESILIENT WOMAN

Tina McColgan is the Kaiwhakahaere of Southland Help (Rape and Abuse Support Centre), where she has led the organisation’s transformation over the past three years. Under her leadership, Southland Help introduced a new vision and service model, while strengthening organisational culture and sustainability. Drawing on her lived experience as a survivor of sexual violence, Tina has expanded trauma-informed and culturally responsive services, established specialist youth and diversion therapy programmes, created a counsellor training programme, and helped secure a local Sexual Assault Assessment and Treatment Service. She has also secured funding for a new accessible facility and increased organisational assets and equity to $2.6 million, while mentoring young Māori wāhine and supporting iwi and community initiatives across Southland.

FINALIST - RESILIENT WOMAN

Jillian Sullivan is an award-winning author, environmental advocate, educator, and community leader based in Oturehua. Following the death of her partner, poet Brian Turner, in 2025 after his journey with Alzheimer’s disease, Jillian completed a solo walk of more than 1,000 kilometres of the South Island section of Te Araroa at age 68. She is a founding trustee of the Under Rough Ridge Writers Retreat and the Mike Riddell Writer’s Residency, supporting emerging and established writers, and provides a free online writing course for secondary school students. Jillian also serves as Treasurer of the Central Otago Environmental Society and has advocated on environmental issues and contributed to national conversations on sexual consent through education, writing, and public advocacy.

FINALIST - RESILIENT WOMAN

Dr Polly Lock is an obstetrician and gynaecologist, volunteer search and rescue leader, and community advocate based in Queenstown. She works at Southland Hospital and delivers obstetric emergency training across rural hospitals and maternity units, including Te Anau, Lumsden, Gore, and Queenstown. Polly serves on the board of Women’s Refuge Invercargill and is a team leader with Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue, where she received the Best Newcomer Award in 2025. Following the death of her husband from glioblastoma in July 2025, she continues to balance her medical career, volunteer commitments, and raising four children under nine, including a daughter with cerebral palsy. Through healthcare, emergency response, and community service, Polly supports families across Southland and Otago.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN NEW ZEALAND MEDALIST

Anam Nawaz is an educator, community leader, and the first female President of the Pakistani Community of Otago. Since moving to New Zealand, she has strengthened community connections and promoted cultural understanding across Otago. One of her key achievements was helping unite two separate Pakistani organisations into the Pakistani Community of Otago, creating a more inclusive organisation for families, students, professionals, and long-term residents. She has led cultural and multicultural events, including large Eid celebrations attended by thousands, and contributes to community broadcasting through OAR FM’s Chit Chat with Pakistan, providing a platform for migrant voices and cultural storytelling. Alongside her community leadership, Anam balances a career in education, doctoral study, and raising two young children.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN NEW ZEALAND MEDALIST

Claire Roper is the founder of The Kids Market, a year-round youth enterprise programme helping tamariki and rangatahi develop business, leadership, and life skills through hands-on entrepreneurial experiences. Since launching in 2022, the programme has grown from 50 participants to more than 600 young people across the lower North Island. Through market days, workshops, pitching events, and youth enterprise awards, Claire has created accessible opportunities for young people to build confidence, financial literacy, and leadership skills. She also serves in leadership roles with the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club, the Ōtaki Market, and the Ōtaki and Te Horo Business Association. Her work has been recognised with a Kiwibank Local Hero Medal, the Blake Community Award, and the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards for Child and Youth Development.

INSPIRATIONAL WOMAN NEW ZEALAND MEDALIST

Lesley Gray is a researcher, educator, and health equity advocate focused on reducing stigma and improving healthcare access. After a long career in health, she completed a PhD at 58, with her thesis recognised on the Dean’s List of Exceptional Theses. With a public health background, Lesley has conducted several pandemic research studies. Her current research examines body size and weight stigma in healthcare and includes international studies involving more than 10,000 participants for which she received an International weight stigma award. Lesley’s research explores how healthcare can be size-inclusive and has developed practical resources on issues such as appropriate vaccination needle length for large-bodied people. She is now researching barriers to cervical screening for large-bodied individuals. Lesley co-founded an Autism and ADHD charity in the Wairarapa, when there was no local support for her own family, securing more than $100,000 in grants for the new charity. She has authored over 70 journal articles, and 6 book chapters.