News

The Wāhine Connection event is focused on connecting women from all walks of life. To empower us, build our skills be it in business, wellbeing or our community. This event in Dunedin will host Katherine Rich (CEO Business NZ), Associate Professor Moana Theodore (Director Dunedin Study) and Sara Munro (Fashion Designer).

Bubbles and nibbles included at the fabulous Fable Hotel including lucky prize draws from Noel Leeming, Air NZ, Fable, Bellissima Hair and much more! 🥂🎁

Speakers:

Katherine Rich - CEO Business NZ

Katherine Rich is the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, the peak advocacy organisation for New Zealand business, bringing a wealth of experience from her career in both politics and industry. 

She served as a Member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1999 to 2008. Prior to joining BusinessNZ, Katherine was the Chief Executive of the New Zealand Food and Grocery Council from 2009 to 2023, advocating for the interests of grocery manufacturers and suppliers as well as advocating for trade liberalisation as a member for the APEC Business Council for five years. 

Katherine holds a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Otago. Her early career included roles in both the public and private sectors. 

Katherine continues to be a prominent voice in New Zealand’s business and political spheres and her leadership at BusinessNZ focuses on fostering a thriving business environment and advocating for policies that support economic growth and sustainability. 

Associate Professor Moana Theodore - Director Dunedin Study

Associate Professor Moana Theodore is the Director of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study (Dunedin Study). 

Moana has held a number of leadership positions. She was the Director of the National Centre for Lifecourse Research. She served on the Council of the Royal Society Te Apārangi from 2018 to 2021.

She was a ministerial appointment to the Southern District Health Board from 2019 to 2022. Moana is of Ngāpuhi descent.

Sara Munro - Fashion Designer

Sara Munro studied Fashion at the Otago Polytechnic, went onto work for Nom*D in it’s teenage years, before forming her own fashion brand Company of Strangers in 2008.  The business grew quickly supplying over 26 stores in a few short years. 
 
Sara decided to tick off one from the bucket list by opening a flagship store ‘Company Store’ in Dunedin in 2012.  Ignoring the retail rules Sara moved her store recently to an elevated calmer location at 309 George Street, with the understanding her customers (like her) like to take their time in a more private relaxed setting to ‘play dress ups’.
 
Sara and her team design two wholesale collections a year plus two exclusive collections for Company Store, their focus is on creating timeless garments, with sustainability and longevity in mind.  

All Company of Strangers products are proudly New Zealand made.