Aspeq's Sally Morrison Joins Minister for Women on Leadership Panel

The event, held at The Angus Inn in Hutt Central, brought together some of New Zealand's most respected voices from law, governance, trades and corporate leadership to explore a question that remains as pressing as ever: despite decades of progress, why does the gap in women's leadership persist?

The numbers tell their own story. New Zealand's gender pay gap sat at 5.2% in 2025, and women continue to hold only around 39% of board roles at NZX-listed companies. The picture is starker still in senior executive and CEO positions.

Sally brings more than 20 years of experience from across the public service, the global private sector, and sport governance. She is widely recognised as a trailblazer for wāhine in sports governance, having led important change across multiple regional sporting organisations, sectors not always known for embracing women in leadership!

Joining Sally on the panel were Claire Byrne, Partner at Gibson Sheat Lawyers, bringing over 30 years of legal and employment law expertise, and Colleen Upton, General Manager of Hutt Gas and Plumbing, a nationally recognised advocate for women in the trades. Together, the panel offered perspectives spanning some of the most male-dominated corners of the New Zealand economy.

Hosted in conversation with Hon Nicola Grigg, who brings her own varied background in journalism, government and agri-business to the role of Minister for Women, the discussion unpacked what's driving progress, where the barriers still sit, and what practical, real-world action businesses can take to close the gap.

Speaking after the event, Sally said:

"There was a huge energy in the room wanting change. It really felt like the Panel discussion could have gone on all day there was such a sense of contribution in the room. We all agreed that the next generation of young women should not have to wait any longer to receive the same remuneration as men for the same work - it is time for transparency and real change."

Turning Conversation into Action

A key theme of the panel was that progress on gender equity requires more than good intentions, it takes practical tools and consistent follow-through. For businesses looking to take that next step, the Ministry for Women offers a suite of free resources designed to support women in the workforce and into leadership roles:

Gender Pay Gap Toolkit The Gender Pay Gap Toolkit helps organisations understand, measure and close their pay gap, including:

• Guidance for small and medium-sized businesses
• A young women's guide to conversations about pay

Leadership and Governance

• BoardConnector — connecting women with governance opportunities
• Women in Leadership Learning Hub — resources to support career progression into leadership

Workplace Wellbeing and Safety

• Making Menopause Work — practical guidance for supporting women through menopause at work
• Free to Lead Toolkit — supporting women's safety and leadership
• Stalking and its impact on women — practical workplace responses to stalking

These tools offer a genuine starting point for businesses ready to move beyond discussion and take real action on equity in their own workplaces.

Aspeq is a strong supporter of representation at the leadership table because it isn't just a fairness issue, it makes our business better. We're delighted that Sally lent her voice and experience to this important kōrero, and we encourage businesses across Aotearoa to explore these resources as a practical next step.