What is the New Zealand Hall of Fame for WomenEntrepreneurs?

Created by Co.OfWomen in 2012, the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs celebrates the success of women entrepreneurs in Aotearoa. These are women who are breaking down barriers, chasing their goals, creating change and a lasting impact on the world.

Each year we take the time to honour and celebrate these women, inducting 3 wāhine into the esteemed ranks of the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs - Te Whare Whakahōnore i ngā Rakahinonga Wāhine o Aotearoa

By recognising and celebrating the accomplishments of these women, we applaud their hard work and efforts, and create accessible examples for women as a source of encouragement to women working on their own success.


Te Ao Māori

Co.OfWomen holds a deep respect for Te Ao Māori and from the very start, we began to reflect this in the ceremony. We are deeply thankful and have aroha nui for Kiri Nathan MNZM, Kim Muriwai, Miriama Kamo and all the wāhine Maori within our community who continue to guide us.We are also proud to engage with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei who take part in the annual ceremonies and provide oversight and direction on the use of Te Ao Māori for this.

HOF-Taonga.jpeg#asset:18798

The Ceremony

Inductees join the ranks of the esteemed women previously inducted and are recognised for their accomplishments at the annual New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs ceremony.

The ceremony features three kākahu that are transferred to the incoming inductees during the ceremony. These precious taonga have been designed and made by KiriNathan.com. The kākahu have the name of each of the previous inductees sown into the inside of the cloak and each year the new inductees are added to this. As at 2023 this includes 37 wāhine toa inducted since 2012. Each inductee is gifted a pounamu also designed by KiriNathan.com. The pounamu is a unique kōuma (breastplate) design specifically for the Hall of Fame that features a recurring three-notch design around the circumference, representing the women who have come before, the present inductees being honoured and the women who will come after.


nomination criteria

Nominations are welcomed by all. Please email your nominations along with the information on how your nominee meets each of the criteria below to: marketing@coofwomen.biz

business success

has achieved significant national/global success - the business is mature or exited

impact on industry

business endeavours have had a significant, tangible impact on their industry

supporting women

involved with initiatives dedicated to championing female success

making a difference

applying their resources/profits for the good of others in philanthropic endeavours

SELECTION PANEL

Our selection panel is convened annually by founder Tara Lorigan and is chaired by Dr Lee Mathias. The panel features Co.OfWomen board member and Hall of Fame Inductees.

Tara Lorigan

Co.OfWomen founder

Dr Lee Mathias

Inducted 2015

Sharon Hunter

Inducted 2012

Sophie Gilmour

Co.OfWomen Board Chair

Ranjna Patel

Inducted 2014

OUR INDUCTEES

"It's about working on being a great mum, and businesswoman."

Megan May | Little Bird Organics