Bringing Citycare Group's Mana Wāhine Together

Citycare Property's third annual Wāhine Summit brought together women from across the organisation, and for the first time, welcomed wāhine from Apex Water, Citycare Water, and Spencers. 

General Manager - People and Culture Katrina Ede said that this summit aims to foster a network of wāhine and create a community for sharing experiences.

"The summit was created to strengthen relationships across the business and create a space where wāhine feel supported, build confidence, and accelerate their development." 

With women making up 23.5% (and growing) of the Citycare Property workforce, the summit reflects our commitment to investing in our people. It strengthens a culture where development, belonging, and safety are prioritised, and where wāhine are supported to grow their capability and confidence. 

This year's theme, "Haera Māia; feel the fear and do it anyway," captured the courage required to navigate change, uncertainty, and the moments where stepping forward feels uncomfortable especially in a male dominated industry. Workshops focused on real, practical strategies for building relationships, responding to change, and drawing on the support systems that already exist within the Citycare whānau.

The event was held in both Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) and Ōtautahi (Christchurch), with two parts to the day; a workshop which wāhine were nominated for, and an afternoon panel event, which was open to all. In Auckland, customers and suppliers were invited to join the panel event later in the day. 

The afternoon panel events featured a powerful and inspiring lineup of wāhine including: 

• Lee Gardiner, Citycare Property Acting Chief Executive 
• Ali Adams, ChristchurchNZ CEO
• Jackie Colliar, Citycare Group Director and Hamilton City Council’s Strategic Waters Infrastructure Lead
• Jennifer Rose, Auckland Council
• Phyllis Latu, Maranga Fanau Charitable Trust

Their stories were honest, humorous, and grounded in lived experience.

For many attendees, the most meaningful part of the summit was the chance to connect with wāhine from across the wider Citycare Group and learn from experienced and highly respected senior leaders. 

Landscaping Projects & Maintenance Supervisor, Georgia Grice, has spent much of her 11 years at Citycare in male dominated teams. She valued the opportunity to meet so many women from different parts of the business. 

"I think it's important to remind wāhine that they have a large support system of other wāhine within the business that they can reach out to for advice or support."

As a self-described introvert, the theme resonated deeply for her, and she plans to carry "feel the fear and do it anyway" mantra into both her work and personal life.

Project Manager Jess Barr, based in Ōtautahi, echoed the importance of whakawhanaungatanga (establishing relationships). She found the day insightful and appreciated the chance to engage in open discussions with peers navigating similar challenges.

Being surrounded by strong wāhine working in traditionally male dominated fields created a sense of community and sparked conversations about how to work alongside male colleagues to break down gender barriers.

Jess said, "I feel lucky that we have a strong culture within Citycare that doesn't just allow but encourages us to participate in such a special day."

Gardener from our Auckland team, Shanelle TeWake, said that she loved hearing other people's stories and having the opportunity to encourage one another. 

"At the summit, you could feel a similar energy, shared goals and the power we each bring to encourage other wāhine. It was nice to sit down together, share our day-to-day experiences at mahi, and realise that what seemed like challenges were often not as daunting as they seem once we learned from one another."

Workforce Planning Coordinator Louise Du Plessis said she gained practical strategies to support her day-to-day work. "With the constant pressure of managing multiple tasks, the concept of Minimum Viable Action (MVA) stood out. Breaking large tasks into smaller, more manageable steps makes the workload feel more achievable and helps ensure completion."

She also reflected on her tendency to take on tasks that could be handled by others, simply because it feels quicker to do them herself. Instead, she recognised the value of investing time in supporting and developing team members. Rather than immediately stepping in to help, taking a few extra minutes to teach or guide someone not only lightens her own workload over time but also builds capability within the team. 

Powrsuit, led by co-founders, Natalie Ferguson and Kristen Lunman, delivered the full-day workshops and facilitated the afternoon panel sessions, bringing energy, curiosity and humour to the conversations.