NAWIC marks 30 years with We Belong campaign

NAWIC branches across New Zealand will host a series of regional events in September, celebrating the contribution of women to construction and considering how the sector can create stronger pathways, networks and workplace cultures

The National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) is launching a nationwide series of events to coincide with Suffrage Day on 19 September.

Called ‘We Belong’, the campaign connects two milestones – 133 years since New Zealand women won the right to vote and 30 years since NAWIC was established in New Zealand.

The events will recognise the contribution of women across the construction sector – including those leading projects, running businesses, working on the tools and mentoring others.

Regional events planned

NAWIC branches are organising events in Auckland, South Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa and Wellington, Upper South, Canterbury and Queenstown Lakes.

The programme includes panel discussions, professional networking and behind-the-scenes site visits, with each branch developing an event suited to its local construction community.

Auckland’s event will use a rapid mentoring format, with attendees rotating between women from a range of senior roles and industry backgrounds. The conversations will cover areas such as career development, workplace challenges and professional connections.

The Bay of Plenty branch will hold a panel discussion focused on the barriers women encounter in workplaces, communities and their personal and professional lives. In Manawatū, an intergenerational panel will feature perspectives from women at different stages of their construction careers.

Canterbury’s event will look at the experiences of women in the sector across three periods – then, now and next.

South Auckland’s event will feature third-year plumbing and gasfitting apprentice and qualified drainlayer Mia Nelson, Fletcher Living General Manager – Residential Aurelie Le Gall and strategic advisor Nancy McConnell.

In Wellington, attendees will visit the restored Von Kohorn Room at Wellington Museum on 20 September. Once home to the Wellington Harbour Board, the room contains historic portraits of former board members and chairmen alongside a tapestry celebrating women who helped build New Zealand. A museum guide will discuss the room, the Harbour Board and the contribution women have made to the country before networking and refreshments.

Building the next chapter

Although We Belong acknowledges the role played by previous generations, NAWIC said the campaign is also intended to look ahead to the next 30 years.

Each event is connected by the question: “How are we helping women belong in construction today?”

NAWIC President Kirsty Hopewell said helping women belong in construction today “could involve increasing the visibility and representation of women, opening pathways into construction, supporting people at different stages of their careers and creating workplace cultures in which women can build long-term careers and progress into leadership”.

She added that the campaign reflects the idea that industry progress is built over time.

“From the women who campaigned for voting rights in 1893, and those who established NAWIC in 1996, to the people continuing that work today,” she said.

Events are open to long-standing NAWIC members, those new to construction and anyone interested in supporting women across the sector.

Event details and registration information are available through the NAWIC We Belong webpage.