BoardConnector to support women’s governance pipeline

A database designed to strengthen New Zealand’s governance capability by growing the pipeline of women into board roles has been launched has part of International Women’s Day events.  

New Zealand remains a global leader in women’s representation, with women making up over 46% of Parliament and over 50% of public sector boards and committees. Despite progress, there is still more to do, with women still under-represented in top private-sector roles, holding only 31% of director positions in NZX-listed companies.  

Research shows that across a range of sectors in the New Zealand economy, firms with more gender and ethnic diversity in their workforce tend to have higher productivity. Governments and businesses worldwide are focused on improving the gender balance of public and private boards because of the business case.  
  
BoardConnector expands the Ministry for Women’s existing Women in Leadership Service beyond the public sector, connecting women with governance opportunities across both public and private organisations, providing tailored information and development opportunities aligned to members’ experience levels.   

While BoardConnector is designed to grow the pipeline of qualified women interested in governance positions, simply increasing the number of candidates does not automatically translate to an increase in appointments.  Broader, systemic barriers remain within existing appointment processes and addressing these challenges requires a collaborative approach to lift women’s representation on private sector boards. Over the coming year the Ministry for Women will build on this partnership and bring in others to help drive the change needed.  

Women interested in governance are encouraged to join BoardConnector and be part of building New Zealand’s future leadership capability. For more information go to BoardConnector.