Te Aka Wāhine o Aotearoa Government Womens Network

What we do

The Government Women’s Network (GWN) is a professional employee-led network working to create a step change that enables women across the Public Service to achieve their potential. We connect women, supporters and agency networks from across Aotearoa New Zealand, helping to share knowledge, resources, events and opportunities for collaboration.

Our work includes:

• Connecting women and women's networks across the public sector.
• Sharing learning, resources and practical tools.
• Supporting professional development and networking opportunities.
• Promoting events, initiatives and conversations that support women to thrive in their careers.
• Working with agencies and networks to identify and address barriers to progression and inclusion.

Who can join

GWN welcomes women working across New Zealand's public sector, along with supporters and allies who share our commitment to advancing opportunities for women. Regional networks, agency-based women's networks and individuals from across government agencies are encouraged to participate.

Why join us

Joining GWN gives you the opportunity to:

• Connect with women and supporters from across the wider public sector.
• Hear about upcoming events, workshops and learning opportunities.
• Access resources, tools and guidance developed across government.
• Learn from the experiences of women leaders and public servants.
• Share ideas and collaborate with networks across agencies.
• Stay informed about initiatives and opportunities that support women in the workplace.

If you would like to receive updates about GWN news, events and activities, you can join the network through the GWN mailing list. GWN distributes regular news and event information through its newsletter and wider employee-led network communications.

Who is involved

GWN works alongside women's networks from public sector agencies across New Zealand and is supported by a national steering committee, regional committees and volunteer network representatives. These representatives help share information between their organisations and GWN and support collaboration across the wider network.

GWN also partners with regional networks and contributes to initiatives such as the Women in Public Service Summit.

Contact GWN

We're keen to hear from women in the public sector and their supporters.

Contact GWN if you would like to:

• Learn more about the network.
• Connect with a regional network.
• Discuss opportunities to contribute to GWN activities.
• Share information about events or initiatives relevant to women in the public sector.

GWN’s Māori name means ‘the vine that connects the women of Aotearoa’. The name was developed with cultural guidance from Te Rarawa Rangatira Bobby Newson and David Radovanovich from New Zealand Customs Service.