In recognition of International Women’s Day earlier this month, we wanted to highlight a selection of inspirational New Zealand women whose global achievements we salute!

Eliza McCartney

Olympic bronze medallist in Pole Vault at the Rio 2016 Olympic games….New Zealand’s first medal in this discipline (who knew we had anyone worthy to send to Rio), thereby catapulting the sport (excuse the almost pun!) into the athletics popularity stratosphere and spur on potential, future talent. We can’t wait to cheer on this charming athlete to further greatness!

Lydia Ko

Becoming the Women’s pro golf, World #1….at just 17yrs of age! Tiger Woods was 21 when he claimed that ranking. Ko continues to dominate the golfing circuit, but it’s her mental stamina and calm demeanour on the course that brings another level of maturity to her game, yet simultaneously making her one of the “cool kids” we’d all like to hang out with (guys/girls young and old). What a star.

Theresa Gattung

With an impressive business resume, including eight years at the helm of Telecom New Zealand and more recently Co-founder of My Food Bag, which launched in 2013 (and a real life saver for me and my family), now with a turnover of over $100m. Holding a range of governance positions, Theresa was also recognised in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List being made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to business and philanthropy. Currently her attention is on a venture capital scheme, aimed at raising money from women, for women entrepreneurs. Who needs to fight for equal opportunity when you’re creating your own opportunities! ‘Girl Power’ at its finest.

Ella Yelich-O’Connor

(Lorde, as most of us know her), took the musical world by storm with her debut album, Pure Heroine in 2013, earning her two Grammy awards and picking up four NZ Music awards, a Silver Scroll, Billboard and MTV music award along the way. By 2014 she was curating (and contributing) to the movie sound track of The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, Part 1, then 2015 brought a collab with the English electronic duo, Disclosure. This month saw Ella release her follow up album ‘Melodrama’. No doubt, her latest musical offering will unfold in lounge rooms, through head phones and in a venue near you soon!

Lucy Lawless

After starring in Xena: Warrior Princess in the 90’s, Lucy achieved international fame and has continued a varied and successful career (currently appearing in Ash vs Evil Dead). She’s well known for her environmental campaigning and charity work for Starship Foundation. A mother of three, Lucy was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment and the community.

Georgia Fowler

With a sizzling debut for Victoria’s Secret in Paris under her belt, plus having appeared in French Vogue, Italian Vogue and gracing the cover of Australian Harpers Bazaar, this model has been carving a trail (or runway) to the top of the modelling world and we’re predicting her name will become her brand.

Elisabeth Findley

Earning an ONZM for services to business and fashion in 2008, Elizabeth founded fashion house Zambesi with her husband in 1979 which remains an iconic label (and a personal favourite of mine) and global success.