He Wāhine, He Ao: Indigenous Women Leading Transformation
25 September 2025
Last month in Auckland, Amotai and Māori Women’s Development Inc. (MWDI) proudly hosted the very first He Wāhine, He Ao – a gathering dedicated to celebrating and elevating wāhine Māori and Pasifika in business and leadership.
The event was anchored by keynote speaker Petina Tieman, a proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander entrepreneur whose success story and wisdom continue to inspire indigenous communities globally. Petina reminded us of the power of visibility — challenging wāhine to share their stories, strengthen their online presence, and connect with one another to grow collective impact.
This was followed by a powerful panel kōrero facilitated by our very own Anna-Jane Edwards, Manukura Amotai, featuring Aroha Armstrong (TupuToa), Brittany Teei (Poutama Trust), Linda Clay (MWDI), and Manawa Udy (Ngahere Communities). Together, they explored themes of humility, resilience, innovation, and the importance of stepping into spaces — both digital and global — where indigenous voices need to be heard.
The room was filled with energy, mātauranga, and generosity. Attendees described the gathering as transformational — a space alive with collective strength and the determination to lead change for our people and future generations.
This kaupapa was also a celebration of partnership. We acknowledge and thank our allies Supply Nation (Jenny Wardrop), MWDI, Poutama Trust, and all those who continue to stand with us across Aotearoa and Australia.
He Wāhine, He Ao is just the beginning. The impact of this inaugural event has already sparked new collaborations, strengthened connections, and affirmed what we already know: when wāhine rise, the world rises with them.
