Te Whare Whakahōnore i ngā Rakahinonga Wāhine o Aotearoa

The New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs

The Hall of Fame celebrates the significant impact of women whose brilliance has changed the way things are done and whose generosity has impacted our world for the better.

Nominations are welcomed from all women.

What is the New Zealand Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs?

Created 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.

By celebrating the accomplishments of these women, we applaud their hard work and efforts, as well as create accessible examples for women to come.

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.

Te reo

Kim Muriwai led the development for the te reo translation, consulting with other reo experts as there was no specific word for women entrepreneurs.

The 2023 have been selected

We're looking forward to celebrating these wāhine toa at
the 2023 induction ceremony on June 29th and we hope you'll join us.
But if you know a women entrepreneur who deserves to be recognised for her achievements and generosity and she meets the criteria below, we'd love to hear from you.

Nomination Criteria

Nominations are open to all women entrepreneurs, members and non-members who meet the nomination criteria. Please email all nominations to marketing@coofwomen.biz

1. Business Success
Have achieved significant national or global success, the business is mature of exited.

2. Industry Impact
Their work has had a significant, tangible impact on their industry.

3. Supporting Women
Involved with initiatives dedicated to championing women success.

4. 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 MNZM

Co.Of Women founder

Dr Lee Mathias ONZM

Induction Panel Chair
Inducted 2015

Sharon Hunter

Ex Board Member
Inducted 2012

Sophie Gilmour

Co.Of Women Board Chair

Ranjna Patel ONZM

Ex Board Member
Inducted 2014

The Ceremony

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