Two weeks in New Zealand was exactly what I needed—a chance to be with family, reconnect, and take a breath before returning to reality. But while the trip was a break from the everyday, it wasn’t exactly a holiday. Both my father and father-in-law have started radiation treatment for cancer, meaning I’ve gone from being the patient to the support person overnight. It’s a difficult transition, made harder by the distance, but the most important thing was that my little one had time with his grandads—memories I know will be cherished no matter what comes next.
This year feels like it's in limbo, balanced between uncertainty and hope. But at least New Zealand isn’t too far if I need to head home in a hurry.
In the midst of all this, I’ve found myself reflecting on the strength of the women around me, like my mum and mother-in-law, which feels fitting as we celebrate International Women’s Day this week. This year’s theme, Inspire Inclusion, is a reminder that progress isn’t just about breaking barriers—it’s about making space for every woman, in every part of life.
We know that gender equality isn’t a battle won in boardrooms alone. It happens in the everyday moments—when a woman is given the confidence to lead, when a girl sees herself represented in industries once closed to her, when we lift each other up instead of competing for the same small piece of space. It’s in supporting the single mum building a business, the grandmother raising the next generation, the young women stepping into roles they were once told weren’t for them.
Inside this issue, you’ll find a special feature (pages 24–29) celebrating local women who are leading, innovating, and making an impact in their fields. From accountants and real estate agents to lawyers, IT specialists, and financial advisers, to those breaking through glass ceilings in male-dominated industries, they’re proof that inspiring inclusion isn’t just a theme—it’s something we live and breathe right here in our own community.
So this week, take a moment to acknowledge the women in your life who inspire, uplift, and create change. And if you’re one of them—keep going.
The world needs more of what you bring.
Amanda
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