Women in Business Forum - Sept 2026
About this Event
Whether you’re just starting out or already making moves in your career, this is your chance to connect with other women, swap stories, share hard-earned lessons, and dive into the real talk about what it’s like to be a woman in business — the good, the gritty, and everything in between.
Our guest speakers will bring their unique perspectives to a thoughtful discussion and Q&A, hosted by Business Canterbury’s Chief Executive, Leeann Watson. Plus plenty of time for networking!
We’ll cover:
- The drivers and motivators behind female leaders
- Overcoming barriers on your journey
- The trade-offs and opportunities for women in business
- The balancing act of leadership and life
Our Speakers:
- Alice Fitzgerald - Chief Executive, The Gut Foundation
- Mary Devine - ONZM, Chief Executive, Foodstuffs South Island
- Hon Nicola Grigg
About our speakers:
Alice Fitzgerald
Alice holds degrees in International Business and Arts from La Trobe University, Australia. She began her career in the logistics sector, progressing from Customer Services Manager to General Manager before moving into corporate real estate, where she built successful businesses in Melbourne and later led operations in Singapore.
After returning to New Zealand, Alice completed her MBA with distinction through the University of Otago and the University of Economics & Business in Vienna. She joined the Gut Foundation in 2021 as Head of Sponsorship and Events, progressing to General Manager and now CEO.
Mary Devine
Mary is the CEO of Foodstuffs South Island, leading a 100% Kiwi-owned cooperative that supports hundreds of locally owned grocery businesses and serves communities across the South Island.
With more than 25 years of experience in retail, governance, and business transformation, Mary is passionate about building regional resilience and contributing to New Zealand’s future prosperity. She was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2013 for services to business, including her leadership in Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, and joined the ChristchurchNZ Board in 2025.
Hon Nicola Grigg
Nicola is the Minister for the Environment, Minister of State for Trade, Minister for Women, and Associate Minister for ACC. Nicola has been the MP for Selwyn since 2020.
Nicola was born and raised on the family sheep and beef farm in Mt Somers, and studied at the New Zealand Broadcasting School, graduating with a Degree in Broadcast Communications and Diplomas in Television and Radio News.
Nicola has worked as a reporter and newsreader and with a wide range of agri-businesses in export marketing and business development.
TICKETS:
Business Canterbury Member - $99 + GST
Non- Member - $149 + GST
Refreshments included.
JOIN US ON LINKEDIN:
We'd love to have you involved in our Women in Business LinkedIn group. This is a closed group and we encourage you to post or comment in the group. Join us here.
REGISTERING:
When you register for an event you will be prompted to create a profile on Eventbrite. Please make sure you use your work/company email when you create your profile so that your Eventbrite account will sync with your Business Canterbury website portal if you are a member. Also please make sure details entered are spelt correctly.
Note: For paid events when you enter your details - under the Registration Type & Tax Receipt Information section - please select 'Individual'. The 'Business' option will ask you for your IRD number.
EVENT MANAGER:
Holly Andrews - [email protected]
Proudly supported by:
Disclaimer: Please also note by registering for this event, you agree to receive communications from Business Canterbury regarding its products, services, and related updates. Your contact information will be used solely for these purposes and will not be shared with third parties. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our privacy policy.
It will also be taken as acceptance that your image, name, or voice may be included in publications after the event. No personal details will be shared or printed without prior consent.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
NZD 122.00 to NZD 183.30
