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Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Equity in Architecture.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Equity in Architecture.

Events
Mimi O'Callaghan   2 December 2020  
Watch our most recent Diversity Agenda webinar, where Ngā Aho member Jade Kake and Ngā Aho Co-Chair Desna Whaanga-Schollum explain the relevance and importance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi to the architectural profession.
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Top tips for an inclusive holiday season.

Top tips for an inclusive holiday season.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   1 December 2020  
Aotearoa is a culturally diverse nation made up of many ethnic groups, so for organisations planning a staff function, it’s important you consider all people.
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Big Interview: Anne Salmond.

Big Interview: Anne Salmond.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   1 December 2020  
For this month’s Big Interview, Sally Conor chats with Anne Salmond who shared her philosophy as an employer and an architect, and discusses how accessible design is just good design.
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The power of the Pasifika lens.

The power of the Pasifika lens.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   1 December 2020  
In October we hosted an online panel discussion about the low number of Pasifika engineers and architects. The kōrero took place between five experts, who provided insight into their experience as Pasifika within the professions, challenges they’ve faced, the unique Pasifika perspective and what can be done so our professions are more inclusive and encouraging.
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Big Interview: Dani Paxson – part two.

Big Interview: Dani Paxson – part two.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   27 November 2020  
For this month’s Big Interview, Sean Barker chats with structural engineer Dani Paxson, Project Director from Holmes Consulting. In part two of this interview, Dani discusses her involvement in the Structural Engineering Engagement and Equity (SE3) Project, the importance of role models, and what organisations can do to help those in minority groups to excel.
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Top tips for being inclusive of Pasifika peoples.

Top tips for being inclusive of Pasifika peoples.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   6 November 2020  
Honor Eimi Colombus acknowledges companies have a growing desire to increase Pasifika representation but says there’s a lack of willingness when it comes to addressing the inclusion part of the equation. For this month’s top tips Honor enlightens us on the different levels of change we can each contribute to in creating the shift toward inclusive professions.
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Pasifika in construction – a panel discussion.

Pasifika in construction – a panel discussion.

Events
Mimi O'Callaghan   4 November 2020  
Watch our most recent Diversity Agenda webinar, a panel discussion that addresses the question – why are Pasifika over-represented in the lower-tier jobs of our construction industry, but under-represented when it comes to leadership?
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Big Interview: Dani Paxson – part one.

Big Interview: Dani Paxson – part one.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   2 November 2020  
For this month’s Big Interview, Sean Barker chats with structural engineer Dani Paxson, Project Director from Holmes Consulting. In part one of this two-part interview, Dani discusses her early career days, experience as a woman in engineering, the barriers she’s faced, and the power of networking groups.
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Top tips: Tekau te reo words you should use in the workplace.

Top tips: Tekau te reo words you should use in the workplace.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   7 October 2020  
Troy Brockbank (Te Rarawa, Ngāti Hine, Ngāpuhi) is a Kaitohutohu Matua Taiao/Senior Environmental Consultant with WSP. During Māori Language Week, ACE New Zealand caught up with Troy to learn how easy it is to incorporate te reo into our working life. Check out these tekau Māori words that everyone in the engineering and consultancy sectors should learn.
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Leading from the top.

Leading from the top.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   7 October 2020  
How have life experiences shaped the Presidents behind the Diversity Agenda, and what advice can they give the next generation of engineers and architects? We talk with Judi Keith-Brown, Colin Crampton and Ian Fraser, the current Presidents of NZIA, Engineering New Zealand and ACE New Zealand – the organisations joined together to lead the Diversity Agenda.
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Big Interview: Warner Cowin – part two.

Big Interview: Warner Cowin – part two.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   5 October 2020  
For this month’s Big Interview, we continue our conversation with Height Project Management Chief Executive, Warner Cowin. In part two we discuss his perspective on how to build diversity within the profession, how he runs as a values-based organisation and what the Diversity Agenda can do to continue to help our professions become more diverse and inclusive.
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How do we shape a profession that’s reflective of Aotearoa?

How do we shape a profession that’s reflective of Aotearoa?

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   10 September 2020  
In August we hosted an online panel discussion about the low number of Māori engineers and what can be done to make the profession more encouraging and inclusive of our indigenous people.
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Top tips for acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week.

Top tips for acknowledging Mental Health Awareness Week.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   7 September 2020  
Mental Health Awareness Week is a time to reflect on your personal and organisational wellbeing – and for workplaces, these behaviours need to be implemented from the top. Here are some tips for employers and managers that’ll help you create a mentally healthy and resilient organisation
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Big Interview: Warner Cowin – part one.

Big Interview: Warner Cowin – part one.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   7 September 2020  
For this month’s Big Interview, Mimi O’Callaghan from the Diversity Agenda chats with Height Project Management Chief Executive, Warner Cowin. In part one we discuss his experience as a young engineer, why Māori outcomes are good for everyone, and the importance of applying Te Tiriti o Waitangi in firms and projects.
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Top tips on ways to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Top tips on ways to celebrate Te Wiki o te Reo Māori.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   7 September 2020  
Te Wiki o te Reo Māori is celebrated the week 14–20 September and this year’s theme is 'Kia Kaha te reo Māori'. It’s an opportunity for us all to really celebrate and champion te reo Māori, helping to secure its future as the living, dynamic, and rich language of Aotearoa.
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Māori in construction – a panel discussion.

Māori in construction – a panel discussion.

Events
Mimi O'Callaghan   18 August 2020  
Watch our most recent Diversity Agenda webinar, a panel discussion that addresses the question – why aren't there more Māori engineers and what can we do to change that? It’s vital we improve the representation of Māori in our professions – to help shape an Aotearoa that reflects us all.
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Top tips on flexible working: from our Accord signatories.

Top tips on flexible working: from our Accord signatories.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   11 August 2020  
Covid has presented a unique opportunity to shift the dial when it comes to flexible working, and we need to “seize the moment” – it's important we don’t waste it. Check out some of the key out-takes from our Accord signatory, CE roundtable discussion on flexible working.
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Big Interview: Bridget Burdett.

Big Interview: Bridget Burdett.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   10 August 2020  
People with disabilities use roads and buildings too, so why don’t we include them in our designs? We talk with Bridget Burdett, Principal Researcher and Chartered Engineer at MRCagney, as she shares her thoughts on the importance of disabled representation within the profession.
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Deepening Relationships: Isthmus Matariki Day.

Deepening Relationships: Isthmus Matariki Day.

Case Studies
Mimi O'Callaghan   28 July 2020  
Diversity Agenda member and Accord signatory, Isthmus' purpose is to advance the relationships between land, people and culture – writes CEO Ralph Johns as the business brings in Matariki Day – an annual holiday and special celebration for staff.
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Big Interview: Paul Evans, Chief Executive, ACE New Zealand.

Big Interview: Paul Evans, Chief Executive, ACE New Zealand.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   8 July 2020  
Sean Barker from the Diversity Agenda chatted with Paul about ACE New Zealand’s recent survey results, why it’s so important firms don’t drop the ball in light of Covid-19, Māori and Pasifika representation within the sector, and the hopes for a more diverse and inclusive future.
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Five top tips to measure and succeed.

Five top tips to measure and succeed.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   8 July 2020  
As our recent webinar showed – if you don’t measure, you don’t know. We all know diversity and inclusion are important, so how do we measure them and act on results effectively? Start with identifying the right data points, assess them, and make an action plan. Here are our top tips to help you start the data collection journey!
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If you don’t measure, you don’t know.

If you don’t measure, you don’t know.

Events
Mimi O'Callaghan   1 July 2020  
Watch our Diversity Agenda webinar, presented by Stephen McDougall – if you don't measure, you don't know.
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Big Interview: Aleisha Amohia and Angitha Ramesh.

Big Interview: Aleisha Amohia and Angitha Ramesh.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   4 June 2020  
We chat with Aleisha Amohia and Angitha Ramesh – two inspirational, passionate diversity and inclusion advocates who have both had a pivotal role in the Victoria University Wellington Women in Tech group (VUWWIT).
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Six top tips for igniting inclusion in the workplace.

Six top tips for igniting inclusion in the workplace.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   4 June 2020  
Diversity and inclusion go hand in hand – you can’t have one without the other. But sometimes, organizations put more emphasis on diversity and forget about inclusion. It’s easy to think that inclusion will just happen, but it’s not that simple – you have to work to create it. Read our top tips on simple ways you and your organisation can do this.
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Solving the diversity dilemma one speech at a time.

Solving the diversity dilemma one speech at a time.

Events
Mimi O'Callaghan   19 May 2020  
Watch our Diversity Agenda webinar, presented by Diana Thomson – Solving the diversity dilemma one speech at a time.
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Big Interview: Tracey Ryan.

Big Interview: Tracey Ryan.

Case Studies People
Sean Barker   1 May 2020  
We talk with Tracey Ryan, Managing Director of Aurecon NZ, to find out the importance of senior leaders driving change, how an organisation can be truly diverse and inclusive, the role of flexible working, and much more.
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2019 member insights.

2019 member insights.

News
Mimi O'Callaghan   30 April 2020  
It’s impossible to truly know if we’re all making positive change within engineering and architecture without data. So every year we survey our members to find out their employees’ make-up.
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Five top diversity and inclusion TED Talks.

Five top diversity and inclusion TED Talks.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   30 April 2020  
A visual story is extremely powerful, especially when it's providing a glimpse into someone else's life and experiences. TED Talks give the world's leading thinkers and doers a platform – so we’ve chosen five inspiring talks on diversity and inclusion that can help to shift perspectives and foster important conversations.
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Making the Covid-19 lockdown work.

Making the Covid-19 lockdown work.

Case Studies
Mimi O'Callaghan   17 April 2020  
Diversity Agenda member and Accord signatory, Isthmus, have kindly shared some valuable insights on how they’ve adapted to remote working, and how they’re keeping connected and their office culture vibrant, during these trying times.
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Big Interview: Jacobs.

Big Interview: Jacobs.

Case Studies People
Mimi O'Callaghan   1 April 2020  
We talk all things diversity and inclusion with Tom Price, Jacob’s Senior Vice President of Global Growth Strategy & Solutions, based in the USA, and Aaron Hochwimmer, Jacob’s Director of Operations, Power, Australia and New Zealand – and a company director, based in Auckland.
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Seven tips for working from home with children.

Seven tips for working from home with children.

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   1 April 2020  
Covid-19 and New Zealand’s rise to Alert Level 4 has meant a lot of households needing to balance working from home while looking after young children. Sean Barker here at the Diversity Agenda, is in this situation with both himself and wife Natasha needing to work while being indoors with their two daughters, Skye and Lily, aged five and two.
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Eight tips for remote working.

Eight tips for remote working.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   26 March 2020  
Here at the Diversity Agenda, we’re lucky to have some team members who are experts at being productive remote workers. With most of the country set to work from home for at least the next month, we thought we’d share our expertise on how to make this huge transition slightly easier. Here are our top tips!
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The Rainbow Tick journey.

The Rainbow Tick journey.

News
Mimi O'Callaghan   5 March 2020  
Eliza Sutton, WSP’s Head of Transport Infrastructure and Road Safety, spoke at a Diversity Agenda lunchtime event about their journey to achieving the Rainbow Tick. Eliza discussed the importance of this for their rainbow community, the steps they went through to receiving the certification, and their focus for the future.
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Five top tips for managers.

Five top tips for managers.

Tips & Tools
Mimi O'Callaghan   3 March 2020  
It's hugely encouraging to see chief executives and business owners taking diversity and inclusion seriously. However, in some cases, the same enthusiasm doesn’t always filter down through the organisation. Here are some diversity and inclusion tips to help middle management.
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Paving a diverse and inclusive way

Paving a diverse and inclusive way

Events News
Sean Barker   27 February 2020  
Thursday 20 February was a momentous occasion for the engineering and architecture professions, with the official launch of the Diversity Agenda Accord / Te Whakaaetanga Kaupapa Kanorau
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Big Interview: Warren and Mahoney Architects – part two.

Big Interview: Warren and Mahoney Architects – part two.

Case Studies People
Sean Barker   5 February 2020  
In this concluding part of our Big Interview, John Coop and Sarah Coleman discuss how they are making change within their practice, the important role of Māori design, what life is like as a woman in the profession and the important issues facing architecture.
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Sharing is caring.

Sharing is caring.

Case Studies
Sean Barker   23 January 2020  
Aurecon, a Diversity Agenda member, is breaking barriers and creating a more diverse and inclusive working environment with the launch of their new Shared Care policy
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Ten top tips to make the most of your membership.

Ten top tips to make the most of your membership.

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   23 January 2020  
Ok, so your organisation has become a Diversity Agenda member – now what? Let us help you walk the walk, and not just talk the talk. So get those laces tied up tight…
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Big Interview: Warren and Mahoney Architects – part one.

Big Interview: Warren and Mahoney Architects – part one.

Case Studies People
Sean Barker   9 December 2019  
In the first of our two-part Big Interview, John Coop and Sarah Coleman discuss their roles within Warren and Mahoney, the scope of diversity, and the future generation of architects and how they will shape the profession.
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Women in charge.

Women in charge.

Case Studies People
Sean Barker   5 December 2019  
We sit down with Colette McCartney and Olivia Pearson from GHDWoodhead creativespaces, to talk about their careers and life as senior leaders in the architecture industry.
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Big Interview: Elisapeta Heta.

Big Interview: Elisapeta Heta.

People
Sean Barker   20 November 2019  
We talk with Elisapeta Heta, an architecture graduate who works in the Auckland office of Jasmax, where she is Kaihautu Whaihanga – Māori Design Leader of Waka Māia, a team of dedicated design professionals who specialise in engaging Mana Whenua and applying the Te Aranga Māori Design Principles.
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Big Interview: Ceinwen McNeil – part two.

Big Interview: Ceinwen McNeil – part two.

People
Sean Barker   11 November 2019  
In the conclusion of our two-part interview, we discuss Ceinwen’s education experience and how different it is for her daughters, that time she challenged Harvard Business School on their admittance policy, and the importance of owning and celebrating femininity.
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Big Interview: Glen Cornelius – part two.

Big Interview: Glen Cornelius – part two.

People
Sean Barker   5 November 2019  
We continue our interview with Glen Cornelius, Managing Director of Harrison Grierson, and finalist in the Diversity Works Diversity Awards. In the conclusion of our two-part interview, we focus on the threats to engineering if diversity and inclusion isn’t improved, how we can encourage the younger generation, and the importance...
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Growing greater

Growing greater

News
Sean Barker   20 October 2019  
The programme that’s continuing to make a big difference for mid-career women in engineering and architecture. The Growing Greatness programme for mid-career women started initially for Beca employees, but quickly grew to be rolled out across the engineering industry. It’s now helping mid-career women within Diversity Agenda Founding Partner and...
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Big Interview: Ceinwen McNeil – Part One

Big Interview: Ceinwen McNeil – Part One

People
Sean Barker   3 October 2019  
We talk with Ceinwen McNeil, Chief Executive at BVT Engineering Professional Services, and strong advocate for diversity and inclusion. In part one of our two-part interview, we discuss targets vs quotas, BVT’s recruitment process, and hear some horror stories that sadly still occur for women in the engineering industry. What...
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Five top tips for successful recruiting

Five top tips for successful recruiting

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   3 October 2019  
To be diverse and inclusive, you have to recruit well. Watch your language Check your job adverts and make sure there’s no subtle (or not so subtle) gendered words that have sneaked in. Obviously words like ‘guys’ and gendered pronouns should be avoided, but there’s also a whole load of...
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Creating a sustainable future

Creating a sustainable future

People
Abby Goldstein   9 September 2019   1 Reply
Meet Erin Lim, the Francis Small Scholarship winner with big goals for the future. Erin grew up in the town of Hawera in South Taranaki and attended Hawera High School. With a civil engineer for a father and a maths teacher for a mother, it wasn’t a surprise that she...
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Six recognition days to remember.

Six recognition days to remember.

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   9 September 2019  
Get on board and add these to your calendar. International Women’s Day - 8 March The annual celebration of achievements made by women all over the globe. It began after being proposed by Clara Zetkin at the 1910 International Socialist Woman's Conference that working women be honoured on 8 March...
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Allies Championing Change in the Workplace Review

Allies Championing Change in the Workplace Review

Events News
Sean Barker   12 August 2019  
The importance of support from those outside the LGBTI+ community is integral to an organisation being an inclusive space for all. The Diversity Agenda, together with Auckland University of Technology and LGBTI+ in STEM, recently hosted the ‘Allies championing Change in the Workplace’ event in Auckland. During the evening, the...
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Big Interview: Glen Cornelius – part One.

Big Interview: Glen Cornelius – part One.

News People
Sean Barker   12 August 2019  
We sit down with Glen Cornelius, Managing Director of Harrison Grierson, and a passionate member of the Diversity Agenda, to discover the secrets from an award nominated leader. In part one of this two-part interview, we discuss how Harrison Grierson have changed their recruitment process, how policies such as flexible...
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Five little language tweaks

Five little language tweaks

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   30 July 2019  
Create a more inclusive vocabulary by making these five small changes to your everyday language. Refer to women as “women” Referring to women as “girls” may seem harmless but in reality it’s sexist. We can all agree it’d be odd to refer to women in senior leadership as “girls” but...
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Big Interview: Ralph Fouche

Big Interview: Ralph Fouche

Case Studies People
Abby Goldstein   7 July 2019  
We sat down with Ralph Fouche, Country Manager for Stantec New Zealand, to talk about how his company have taken huge strides in improving diversity and inclusion, and what tips he can pass on to other firms. Ralph’s a Water And Waste Water Engineer who came to New Zealand in...
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Five podcasts you need to hear

Five podcasts you need to hear

Tips & Tools
Sean Barker   3 July 2019  
Make your morning commute more interesting with these five podcast episodes centred on diversity and inclusion. Podcasts have grown in popularity over the last few years. They’re a great way to learn and be entertained when commuting, having lunch or just in need of some time out. (And if you’re...
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Diversity in motion

Diversity in motion

People
Abby Goldstein   16 June 2019  
How can greater diversity in transportation  engineering help create  a  more inclusive world? There’s a roundabout near my home in suburban Hamilton where I was almost knocked off my bike on my way to work last year. I was turning right, and as I prepared to exit, a driver failed...
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What’s good? What could be better?

What’s good? What could be better?

Events News
Abby Goldstein   10 June 2019  
After celebrating our first birthday in April, Diversity Agenda partners look back at what’s worked and where we’ll go next. On 9 May, our members gathered in Wellington to share the initiatives they’ve launched this past year to create more welcoming and inclusive cultures. They also highlighted where the industry...
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Six little changes you can make now

Six little changes you can make now

Case Studies Tips & Tools
Abby Goldstein   6 June 2019  
Here’s some top tips from our Share and Shape workshop that you can implement straight away. 1. Got soy milk? Not all changes need to be landmarks. Sometimes the best way to start your journey to inclusivity is with small wins. With so many different dietary requirements in the modern...
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It’s nice to be noticed!

It’s nice to be noticed!

News
Sean Barker   5 June 2019  
Diversity Agenda and members gain recognition in 2019 Diversity Awards We’re proud to announce the Diversity Agenda is a finalist in the ‘Emerging Diversity and Inclusion’ category of the Diversity Awards NZ™, which honours diversity and inclusion initiatives that are less than two years’ old. Since our launch last April,...
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Challenging the industry

Challenging the industry

People
Abby Goldstein   30 May 2019  
WSP Opus New Zealand Managing Director Ian Blair talks about how embracing diversity and inclusion has changed the culture of his firm. What does diversity mean to you and why is it important to you personally? For me, diversity is having an organisation or an industry that represents all parts...
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Are firms making it too hard for migrants to find work?

Are firms making it too hard for migrants to find work?

Events News
Sean Barker   17 April 2019  
This was the key concern raised by a bumper crowd at the ‘Settling into New Zealand’ event aimed at new engineering migrants. So what’s behind these comments, and what can be done to help? More than 200 people attended the event, held at the University of Auckland, which was all...
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Switching girls on to STEM

Switching girls on to STEM

Case Studies People
Abby Goldstein   17 April 2019  
Kim Rutter, a civil engineer turned lecturer at the University of Canterbury, is leading the charge to get Kiwi girls interested in STEM. Getting young women interested in STEM careers starts by changing the way girls are introduced to these subjects. Kim Rutter is doing her part to help shape...
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How can you do more?

How can you do more?

News
Sean Barker   15 April 2019  
Julie Stewart and Stephen McDougall at Studio Pacific Architecture look back on what they’ve changed during 12 months as a Founding Partner. And they ask why more architects aren’t on board. The Diversity Agenda has given us momentum to move beyond our individual practices and become part of a wider...
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How to keep mid-career women on track

How to keep mid-career women on track

News
Abby Goldstein   8 April 2019  
Mid-career is the most risky stage for potential women leaders. Enter Anne Elder-Knight and her unique Growing Greatness programme, which Beca is making available to all Diversity Agenda Founding Partners and Change Makers. It would have been easier to roll out a new training programme just for their own employees,...
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Where are we at, New Zealand?

Where are we at, New Zealand?

Events
Sean Barker   5 April 2019  
“It is the responsibility of the people with privilege to drive doing diversity and inclusion well, and not the responsibility of under-represented people” was the message from Rachel Hopkins during the Diversity Agenda hosted ‘Where are we at, New Zealand?’, held at Engineering New Zealand this past week. This event...
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Diversity powers innovation – and some serious competitive advantage

Diversity powers innovation – and some serious competitive advantage

Events
Abby Goldstein   28 March 2019  
Samantha Almeida and Priyani de Silva-Currie of Calibre share their insights on the effects of innovation on an organisation's success and growth. Success and growth are dependent on an organisation’s ability to continually innovate. But if you believe that you have to be smarter or have clever ideas to innovate,...
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Dynamic Diversity at Pedersen Read

Dynamic Diversity at Pedersen Read

People
Abby Goldstein   26 February 2019  
This month, we spotlight Pedersen Read, an engineering consultancy based in the South Island, which is a strong supporter of the Diversity Agenda. We talk to Director Andrew Read about why Pedersen Read has got on board and the changes the company has made to its business. Written by: Kavita...
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A Kiwi engineer taking on the Big Apple

A Kiwi engineer taking on the Big Apple

News People
Abby Goldstein   18 February 2019  
By Megan Berger Meet Isabella Franks, a Kiwi engineer who’s been managing the construction of a skyscraper on the Hudson Yards project in New York City, aka the biggest private real estate development in US history. Bella studied structural engineering at the University of Canterbury. She then worked in Auckland...
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The importance of flexible work

The importance of flexible work

People
Abby Goldstein   11 February 2019  
By Megan Berger If there’s a single trend we can take away from the past few years in workplace development, it would be the shifting attitude towards flexible working for workers – parents or not. For many reasons, it’s a very good thing that our society has begun embracing flexible...
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Looking ahead: Insights and Objectives

Looking ahead: Insights and Objectives

Tips & Tools
Abby Goldstein   8 February 2019  
As 2019 kicks into high gear, it's a great time to assess where we are as industries, and where we're going next. We’re pleased to be releasing two resources that will help continue to guide you and your organisation as you work to improve rates of diversity and inclusion, and...
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Speaking out for more LGBT inclusion in STEM

Speaking out for more LGBT inclusion in STEM

People
Abby Goldstein   30 January 2019  
By Megan Berger We all know that women in particular face challenges when it comes to pursuing a career in STEM fields. But another group of people faces similar issues around a lack of role models, lack of inclusive work environments and lack of understanding: the LGBT community. Approximately 43%...
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Being the best ‘you’ you can be

Being the best ‘you’ you can be

People
Abby Goldstein   29 January 2019  
By Megan Berger Picture a civil engineering laboratory: full of heavy noisy testing equipment, aggregate dust and hot bitumen, and pressure to get results out quickly. What about the people in the laboratory? Is there a mix of men and women? Chances are, you visualise a male dominated workplace and...
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Mid-Career Break panel recap

Mid-Career Break panel recap

News People
Abby Goldstein   6 December 2018  
Going into our very first series of panel discussions, we knew that there were great conversations to be had. What we didn’t expect was just how passionate and open attendees would be about the struggles and successes around their own career breaks. It can be a tough conversation to open...
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A vision for the 21st century city

A vision for the 21st century city

People
Abby Goldstein   4 December 2018  
Visions of a 21st century city By Megan Berger You don’t need to spend a lot of time with Camia Young to realise she’s an innovator in every sense of the word. Bursting with passion and ideas, she’s relentless in the pursuit of challenging the status quo in order to...
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RSVP today for the Wellington Trailblazers Lunch

RSVP today for the Wellington Trailblazers Lunch

Events
Abby Goldstein   25 November 2018  
RSVP today for the Wellington Trailblazers Lunch Missed out on the Wellington Trailblazers lunch last month? You’re in luck! We're partnering with the Engineering New Zealand Wellington Branch to host an encore of the sold-out panel discussion and Q&A session. Join us as two of the panel speakers return to...
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Leading from the top

Leading from the top

People
Abby Goldstein   16 November 2018  
By Megan Berger It seems like common knowledge these days that in order for policies and efforts to really stick, an organisation needs to implement these from both the top down and the bottom up. There’s a plethora of articles and industry perspectives that support this idea, but how often...
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Auckland – our mid-career breaks discussion is coming soon!

Auckland – our mid-career breaks discussion is coming soon!

Events
Abby Goldstein   4 November 2018  
Contemplating time off but worried about what it will mean for your career? Anxious about how to manage a part-time workforce? Join the Diversity Agenda for a collaborative discussion with a diverse panel from across the architecture and engineering industries as they discuss mid-career breaks, how men and women can...
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Is diversity the (not so) secret to effective teams?

Is diversity the (not so) secret to effective teams?

News People Tips & Tools
Abby Goldstein   4 November 2018  
By Megan Berger Is the secret to effective teams as simple as paying attention to diversity? As the topics of gender diversity and equality become more widely discussed in today’s workplaces, it should come as no surprise that job seekers are beginning to choose their new roles based on an...
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Paying it forward: how one recruiter is paving the way for the next generation

Paying it forward: how one recruiter is paving the way for the next generation

People
Abby Goldstein   18 October 2018  
By Megan Berger How one female engineering technician-turned recruiter helps to pave a path for the next generation. To understand Judith Billington’s career path, it might help to think of her as a chameleon of sorts. Judith began her career as a draftsperson and soon found herself working at Holmes...
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Register for unconscious bias training workshops today

Register for unconscious bias training workshops today

Events
Abby Goldstein   9 October 2018  
As announced last month, we've teamed up with Diversity Works New Zealand to bring Founding Partners and Change Makers targeted unconscious bias training workshops in November for a discounted price. Unconscious bias can undermine the many hours organisations invest in creating an inclusive culture. It prevents us from making objective...
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RSVP for our Christchurch workshop

RSVP for our Christchurch workshop

Events
Abby Goldstein   26 September 2018  
Contemplating time off but worried about what it will mean for your career? Anxious about how to manage a part-time workforce? Join the Diversity Agenda for a collaborative discussion with a diverse panel from across the architecture and engineering industries as they discuss mid-career breaks, how men and women can...
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Diversity Works New Zealand and Diversity Agenda Announce Formal Partnership

Diversity Works New Zealand and Diversity Agenda Announce Formal Partnership

Events News People
Abby Goldstein   20 September 2018  
Diversity Works New Zealand and the Diversity Agenda have joined forces to accelerate the representation of women in engineering and architecture. Launched in April this year by Engineering New Zealand, the New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) and the Association of Consulting Engineers (ACENZ), the Diversity Agenda aims to get...
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Workshop Outcomes: Wellington

Workshop Outcomes: Wellington

Events
Abby Goldstein   18 September 2018  
Our first public workshop in Wellington generated a lively conversation around the mid-career break: how to decide to take one, how to best manage employees while they're on one and how to develop supportive policies to successfully transition them back to work.  Many thanks to everyone who attended our sold-out,...
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Healthy Minds: Meridian’s focus on mental health

Healthy Minds: Meridian’s focus on mental health

Case Studies
Abby Goldstein   29 August 2018  
For the country's biggest generator of electricity, the mental health and well-being of its employees and the communities it serves is one of its biggest priorities. Meridian's Healthy Minds programme is a six-week programme which focuses on several areas of mental health, and aims to break down the barriers that...
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Walking the Talk: University of Auckland

Walking the Talk: University of Auckland

Case Studies
Abby Goldstein   28 August 2018  
The Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at University of Auckland (which is a Founding Partner of Diversity Agenda) recently held an internal workshop to discuss the Faculty of Engineering’s diversity ambitions, and how to best achieve their goals. Read on for a recap of the event from Suzanne Wilkinson,...
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Diversity Agenda in the news

Diversity Agenda in the news

News
Abby Goldstein   8 August 2018  
We're so thankful for our Founding Partners, Change Makers and advocates that help drive the conversation around diversity in our industries. Have a look at the latest stories covering our initiative. Alisha Baddock, Christchurch-based engineer at Beca, is featured in NZ Manufacturer's 'Women in Engineering' recurring feature. Read more An...
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RSVP today for the Wellington workshop

RSVP today for the Wellington workshop

Events
Abby Goldstein   8 August 2018  
Contemplating time off but worried about what it will mean for your career? Anxious about how to manage a part-time workforce? Join Diversity Agenda for a collaborative discussion with a diverse panel from across the architecture and engineering industries as they discuss mid-career breaks, how men and women can bounce...
Read More
Building a Case for Change

Building a Case for Change

Tips & Tools
Abby Goldstein   31 July 2018  
While more and more organisations are making real changes when it comes to improving diversity and inclusion, we understand that it still takes a lot of work to get buy-in from all levels of an organisation before new policies can be implemented. There are myriad resources out there, and there...
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Workshop Outcomes

Workshop Outcomes

Case Studies
Abby Goldstein   27 July 2018  
Our inaugural workshop in Auckland on 5 July was a vibrant event, with the room filled to the brim with ideas, stories and conversation. It further proved that while there’s still much to be done in our industries, there’s a groundswell of doers ready to drive change. While our workshop...
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Real Talk: Sheila Karimi

Real Talk: Sheila Karimi

People
Abby Goldstein   2 July 2018   2 Replies
By Megan Berger Our Real Talk series features women and men in engineering and architecture talking about the challenges and less-than-enjoyable experiences often come along with being a woman - or just being different -  in our industries. For Iranian-born Sheila Karimi, a career in engineering was inevitable. Her father,...
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Tips and Tools

Tips and Tools

Tips & Tools
Abby Goldstein   20 June 2018  
Getaflex is a job search tool specifically designed for those looking for professional, flexible roles across New Zealand. Several of our Founding Partners and Change Makers are already using this site to post jobs, so get on board today! Find out more Architecture & Women NZ brings together the diverse...
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Becoming an ally for all

Becoming an ally for all

People
Abby Goldstein   7 June 2018  
By Megan Berger Lynda Simmons is an ally for women in architecture in every sense of the word. As a sole practitioner, a registered architect and a professional teaching fellow at Auckland University School of Architecture and Planning, she’s exposed to the inner-workings of the industry from top to bottom;...
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Beyond the nine to five

Beyond the nine to five

People
Abby Goldstein   5 June 2018  
By Melanie McDaid Designer and mum Melanie McDaid has just started a new practice, Sloane & Peach, as well as co-founding a platform that is supportive of flexible working for all. Here she talks about the future of balancing work and life. Returning to work after more than a year...
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How can women get ahead? Take a break

How can women get ahead? Take a break

People
Abby Goldstein   28 May 2018  
By Megan Berger Like many engineers, Sulo Shanmuganathan’s initial interest and draw to the field came from growing up with an engineering parent. Today, she’s the Technical Director at Holmes Consulting in Auckland, but there was a time when Sulo saw academia as her calling. While her initial career goal...
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Getting the most out of your people

Getting the most out of your people

People
Abby Goldstein   28 May 2018  
By Megan Berger Rachel Blewden is a people person. She’s drawn to having a greater understanding of how teams and people work, how people utilise space in the world around them and how to best create functional spaces for all. It makes sense then that she was drawn to engineering....
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Being part of the problem and the solution

Being part of the problem and the solution

People
Abby Goldstein   23 May 2018  
By Megan Berger As our industry begins to shift and examine its policies, there’s perhaps no better place to look than leadership to see what change is on the horizon. Stephen McDougall knows all too well the impact that diversity and flexibility can have on a workplace. As a director at...
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Equity over equality

Equity over equality

People
Abby Goldstein   10 May 2018  
By Megan Berger As an American who’s worked in the UK and now New Zealand, Julie Stewart brings a unique perspective to the diversity conversation. She’s a mother and a senior architect at Studio Pacific Architecture in Wellington, where she’s worked for three years. Overall, Julie’s experience in the industry...
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Driving change: An industry leader’s perspective

Driving change: An industry leader’s perspective

People
Abby Goldstein   10 May 2018  
By Megan Berger Darryl-Lee Wendelborn is a poster child for female success in engineering. The Rotorua-raised engineer is now Managing Director at BECA, New Zealand’s largest professional services consultancy, overseeing the firm’s New Zealand business. Over the past 22 years, she’s learned the ins and outs of the organisation, where...
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Flexible working with Katie Symons

Flexible working with Katie Symons

People
Abby Goldstein   10 May 2018  
By Megan Berger Katie Symons is a mother of three and a structural engineer at Batchelar McDougall Consulting (BMC) in Christchurch. She’s also clear proof that a flexible work environment can have a huge impact on employees, and more importantly, on their family and home life. Working at BMC for...
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