2023 FINALISTS

Meet our 2023 finalists

Meet our finalists for the Inspirational Women Awards 2023. These are all women who are bringing about positive change and making the future of our community brighter.

A Woman's Touch

Inspirational Woman Award finalists

These woman are inspiring the community and bringing about positive change.

They show commitment, courage, and confidence and are the role models and change makers in the community.

Meet our finalists for the Inspirational Women Award.

Jeniffer Belmont
Jennifer, founder, and CEO of Wakatipu Community Foundation (WCF), has innovatively transformed philanthropy in her community. She's elevated the WCF into one of New Zealand's fastest-growing community foundations, raising and managing $3.5m in local donations, despite personal challenges. She's helped spearhead impactful giving circles like Impact100, Greatest Needs, Generation Give, securing millions for charities, schools, and scholarships. Beyond this, she's cultivated corporate social responsibility programs and is helping to build a community hub for purpose-driven groups. With over $35m pledged to WCF in wills and bequests to support local causes forever, Jennifer's inspirational work not only strengthens her community but also inspires others to embrace philanthropy.

Olivia Wildey
Olivia, the founder of the Tom Pryde Centre in Arrowtown, New Zealand, is a devoted advocate for individuals with learning and physical disabilities. The centre provides a nurturing environment for skill-building, friendship, and independence, allowing participants to stay close to their families and engage actively with their community. Olivia has facilitated job opportunities in local establishments and is spearheading the development of a residential facility for young adults with learning and physical disabilities. Her tireless dedication and deep compassion are transforming lives and fostering a more inclusive community.

Sunitha Karunakaran
Sunitha, the founder of the Lakes District Multicultural Council (LDMC), is a tireless advocate for cultural diversity and inclusivity in Queenstown Lakes. Juggling a full-time job, she has dedicated 10 years to supporting migrants, providing essential services including food, medical support, and counselling during the COVID-19 crisis. Post-lockdown, she organized home visits to understand and address community needs. Initiatives such as a migrant hub, baking group, and free dance classes foster cultural understanding and mutual support. Despite personal challenges, Sunitha's unwavering decade-long commitment, recognised with the NZMFC Community Service Award, continues to enrich her community.

Fowler Homes

Entrepreneurial Woman Award finalists

These women question the status quo, seek growth, and embrace both challenges and opportunities.

They are the owner or director of their own company or charitable trust in the Otago community.

These woman have faced the ups and downs that come with entrepreneurship and their businesses are advocating positive change.

Meet our finalists for the Entrepreneurial Women Award.

Carla De Nijs
Carla, owner of Tru Women's Gym in Remarkables Park, has started as a cleaner and evolved into a successful business owner, creating an inclusive, supportive environment where women are empowered to prioritise their well-being. Carla passionately advises on healthy habits via social media and gym events. Her understanding of the significance of self-care and self-love as a mother, wife, and business owner permeates her gym, fostering a supportive community for women. Carla's journey demonstrates the power of self-belief.

Karen Hattaway
Karen, an entrepreneur from Queenstown overcame personal hardships to own seven businesses, including the award-winning Blue Kanu Restaurant. A sexual abuse and breast cancer survivor, she speaks publicly about her experiences, advocates for women's empowerment, and fundraises for local causes. She's raised significant funds for individuals and charities, hosted cultural events to celebrate Maori heritage, and is a qualified life coach. Karen's resilience and dedication have been recognised with numerous awards, including the Maori Business Awards and the Innovation and Design Award 2022, reinforcing her influential role in her community.

Kiara Moore
Kiara, founder of Aspiring Therapy, is a transformative force in her community, specialising in equine-assisted therapy for trauma recovery. As an ACC-certified provider, she assists adults and adolescents facing emotional and behavioral challenges. Originally from Queensland, Kiara's journey in psychology and social work led her to New Zealand's Central Lakes region. Beyond her clinical practice, she shares her knowledge of nature-inclusive therapy through workshops and training sessions, educating social workers and the broader community. Kiara's innovative approach encapsulates her dedication to healing and wellness.

Ray White

Community Recognition Award finalists

These women give back to their community without asking for anything in return. They are the unsung heroes who deserve recognition.

These women are taking initiative and helping others through community projects. These women are making our community a better place to live.

Meet our finalists for the Community Recognition Award.

Rebecca Hembrow
Rebecca, a devoted educator and community advocate, serves as the volunteer coordinator for the LUMA school program in Otago, New Zealand. While balancing teaching and family life, she's engaged over 10,000 students in this public art initiative, significantly contributing to the region's cultural scene. A specialist in construction and mechanical engineering education, Rebecca promotes STEM and upskills fellow educators, with her work serving as a national model of excellence on TKI, a renowned technology education platform. Despite personal challenges, she tirelessly contributes to her community through involvement in initiatives like Rotary International and literacy programs.

Angela Connell
Angela, based in Alexandra, is a health and wellness champion. As the founder of Flow Space Yoga & Wellness Centre, she's created a sanctuary for yoga, meditation, and community connection. Angela provides free services like a mental health group, a women's group, and supports local musicians through a poetry group. Her commitment extends to local schools, assisting teachers, parents, and students with wellbeing. Angela's resilience in maintaining her community services while navigating the challenges of running a small business during a pandemic is inspirational.

Claudia Hurley-Macaskill
Claudia, a health clinician at Wellsouth, Dunedin, delivers empathetic, holistic care to vulnerable families facing poverty, hardship, and mental health issues. As a survivor of childhood trauma herself, Claudia provides non-judgmental support, assisting families with social services, judicial system interactions, and more. In addition to enhancing her skills with drug and alcohol training, Claudia co-founded a waiata rōpū (singing group) in the Taieri community, creating a cultural haven for locals. Claudia's unwavering dedication and profound community impact embody the principles of Rangatiratanga, Manaakitanga, Whanaungatanga, and Wahine Toa.

The Mountain Scene & ODT

Resilient Woman Award finalists

These women have experienced things you’d think would break them, and still they stand strong.

They still shows kindness, even when the world hasn’t always been kind to Them.

These are woman who have carried on in the face of unfortunate circumstances, their drive and determination is inspirational.

Meet our finalists for the Resilience Award.

Andrea Balona
Andrea, a South African ex-pat living in Andrea, a South African ex-pat living in Queenstown, New Zealand, is a tireless advocate for human and animal welfare. She had just finished battling breast cancer when she founded QT Community Cats during the COVID-19 pandemic. The charity aids with pet care, runs desexing programs, offers a therapeutic "kitten therapy room", and organizes social visits for seniors. Andrea is also planning initiatives for youth with learning disabilities. Despite personal challenges, her relentless dedication to the community and animal welfare is extraordinary, encapsulating sleepless nights for kitten care and ceaseless efforts to uplift her community.

Chenin Madden
Chenin, the founder of Cre8ing Balance, is a resilient advocate for community wellness, offering supportive coaching to workplaces, community groups, and individuals. Overcoming personal trauma and chronic anxiety, she's a beacon of compassion, providing 90% of her services for free during COVID-19. A finalist in the Wakatipu Awards for Health & Wellbeing 2021, Chenin implements innovative wellbeing initiatives and is currently writing a book on processing emotions. Her personal experiences and generous spirit make her an inspirational figure in her community.

Julie Moyle
Julie is an altruistic businesswoman, mother, and tireless community servant. Despite personal hardships, including her son's tragic loss and mental health struggles, Julie's compassion has birthed multiple charitable trusts like 'A Star is Born', offering keepsakes to grieving families. Active in organizations like the Cancer Society Relay for Life, her fundraising efforts significantly impact various causes. Her selfless service continues in her roles as a pro bono marriage celebrant, funeral officiant, and reader/writer assistant at John McGlashan College, encapsulating her enduring resilience and devotion to her community.

Highly Commended Medalists

These are all women who are bringing about positive change and making the future of our community brighter.

Elizabeth Bromley
Elizabeth, co-founder of Hekate Aotearoa’s only menstrual health clinic, embodying resilience and dedication. Elizabeth is a fierce advocate for gender equity and reproductive health awareness. She embraces the professional bravery it takes to work in a mission-led organisation that often requires salary sacrifice, moral courage, intelligent disobedience, and facing tall poppy syndrome. Elizabeth will not accept the status quo when it comes to our health system. She actively promotes board diversity and the inclusion of more women and Māori in leadership roles and dares to take up space and speak in rooms they feel they don’t belong in yet.

Kate Holland
Head Bitch of Good Bitches Baking - Queenstown Chapter, is a dynamic community leader spreading kindness through baking. Her heartfelt efforts have touched many lives, creating a supportive, inclusive environment. As a coordinator, she expertly manages volunteers and resources, contributing significantly to the chapter's success. Beyond providing essential nourishment, Kate's work instills unity and mutual support among community members, demonstrating her deep compassion and admirable leadership skills. Her simple, powerful act of kindness is an inspiration to all.

Brooklyn Opetaia
Brooklyn curates a virtual healing space "Words To Heal You" on Instagram. Transforming personal experiences with anxiety into a source of global inspiration, her heartfelt posts have resonated with over 13k followers. She expanded her impact by launching the "Needed Here" apparel line, promoting kindness and self-worth. Brooklyn also collaborates with LifeLine New Zealand, raising awareness about suicide rates in Aotearoa. Her inspiring messages have reached billboards in New Zealand and Australia, signifying her tangible contribution towards fostering mental health resilience.

Kirsty Sharpe
Kirsty Sharpe, Lay Preacher and former Queenstown Lakes District Councillor, has dedicated 40 years to spiritual and public service. Serving as a Justice of the Peace since 1996, she's shown a steadfast commitment to community welfare, evident in her 17-year involvement with Citizens Advice and 12-year trusteeship on the Margaret Templeton Educational Trust. Her contributions also include significant work with Grey Power, Queenstown. Beyond her public roles, Kirsty's care for her community shone through her arrangements of floral displays for St Peters Anglican Church and Kings View School.

Romana Haider
Romana Haider, a 25-year resident of Dunedin, is a beacon of inspiration within the local Pakistani, Indian, and Muslim communities. Overcoming personal hardships including her husband's chronic health condition, she has navigated the challenges of immigration while raising three successful Kiwi citizens. Beyond her own family, Romana selflessly guides and supports immigrant and refugee women, easing their integration into a new culture. Her work exemplifies resilience and compassionate leadership.

Viv Madsen-Ries
Viv, a leading figure at Good Bitches Baking New Zealand - Queenstown Chapter, alongside Kate Holland is a woman known for spreading kindness through baking. Viv has been instrumental in the organisation's community-centric mission. Her tireless efforts have seen her spearheading a baking revolution, delivering homemade sweet treats to hospitals, food banks, and other groups aiding vulnerable communities. Through her dedication, she's managed to bring a sense of connection, warmth, and hope to those facing adversity.