Tauranga Business Women's Network suffrage event shows women can do anything

Grace Lowe, 19, is the only female mechanical engineering apprentice at Page Macrae. Photo / George Novak

Tauranga Business Women's Network has organised a Suffrage 125 lunchtime panel discussion to highlight that women can do " anything" they set their minds to.

As part of the Tauranga Suffrage 125 commemorations, three local women have agreed to talk about their respective roles in what are traditionally male-dominated industries.

The 'Redefining Workplace Roles' event at the Tauranga Club, 72 Devonport Rd from noon to 1.30pm today will be MCd by the network's chairwoman Mary Hill.

Jeanette Mindham, on the Tauranga Business Women's Network committee, said the panel would feature three inspirational women talking about their career journeys.

"The panel discussion is all about highlighting that women can do anything men can do and age and gender should not be a barrier when it comes to a person's career choice."

Heather Jones, Trudy Green, and Grace Lowe, all from Tauranga, will be sharing insights into their careers,

Jones, the owner-operator of Aegis Private Security, has built a highly successful security company over the past 18 years.

Tauranga-born Green, who describes herself as a "Greerton Girl" at heart, will talk about her role as an owner/operator of earthmoving business MT Green Contracting.

That includes undertaking the running of day-to-day operations including sitting on heavy earthwork moving machinery all day and doing admin work often after hours.

The third speaker is 19-year-old Grace Lowe, the sole woman mechanical engineering apprentice at Page Macrae Engineering in Mount Maunganui.

Lowe spent some of her Acorn Foundation Scholarship to buy a pair of bright pink work boots to "make a statement" to others that there was a woman working on the site.

Mindham said these events provided excellent networking opportunities with an emphasis on education, inspiration and business connections.

The Tauranga Business Women's Network is a sub-committee of the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce made up of members from the Tauranga and Western Bay region.

They meet at least once a month with a lunchtime speaking programme on topical issues, and evening 'Business Behind the Scenes' events focusing on local women.

To attend today's panel discussion call 07 577 9823. The fee includes a buffet lunch.