A Community of Connection and Collaboration
The Women in Business.World Directory is more than a list of names — it’s a living network of women who inspire, support, and champion one another. Here, you’ll find entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, and change-makers from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Each member brings her own story, expertise, and vision, creating a community that thrives on collaboration over competition.
Group Locations
Wairarapa
Wairarapa - Gladstone
Friday 12pm – 1pm @ Gladstone Inn
571 Gladstone Road, Gladstone
Wairarapa
Gladstone - Friday's 12pm - 1pm (Fortnightly)
Gladstone Inn
571 Gladstone Road, Gladstone
Masterton - Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.30am
Copthorne Solway Park
High Street, Solway, Masterton
Kapiti
Raumati South - Tuesdays 9.30am - 10.30am
Sunday Cantina
31 Poplar Ave, Raumati South
Palmerston North
Palmerston North - Wednesdays 9.30am - 10.30am
Boho Cafe
31 Poplar Ave, Raumati South
Napier
Napier - Friday 12pm - 1pm
The East Pier Cafe
50 Nelson Quay, Ahuriri, Napier
Online
Online - Thursday 9.30am - 10.00am
ZOOM
Canterbury
Christchurch - Wednesdays 12pm - 1pm
The Tap Room, The Richmond Club
75 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch
Group Leadership Team

Courtney Flynn
Group Coordinator
Business Name: Total Office Services
Industry: Book Keeping
Website: www.tos.co.nz
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/totalofficeservicesltd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/totalofficeservicesnz/
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 022 426 0127
Email: courtney@tos.co.nz
Member Profile
My name is Courtney Flynn and I am a ICNZB certified bookkeeper and Xero Silver partner. I work with a range of businesses providing bookkeeping, payroll and administration support.

Laura Leaf
Member Mentor
Business: Propertyscouts Wairarapa
Industry: Property Management
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577033147834#
Instagram : www.instagram.com/propertyscouts_wairarapa/
LinkedIN : www.linkedin.com/in/laura-leaf-591a93278/
Website: www.propertyscouts.co.nz/locations/wairarapa
Email: wairarapa@propertyscouts.co.nz
Phone number: 027 230 9153
Member Profile
I’m Laura Leaf, a Wairarapa-based business owner with a strong background in hospitality, property, and construction. I hold a degree in Hotel Management and spent six years managing hotels and restaurants across New Zealand and Australia. After starting a family, I returned home and continued in people-focused leadership roles, including managing the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park and coordinating weddings and events. These roles built my skills in organisation, communication, and creating exceptional client experiences.
Today, my husband Tama and I own New Leaf Builders, a Masterton-based building company specialising in new builds, renovations, and government housing projects, and I’m also the owner of Propertyscouts Wairarapa, a property-management franchise launching in 2025. Balancing two businesses, three kids, and a busy household, I’ve learned to lead with both structure and empathy. My work is grounded in community values, long-term relationships, and a commitment to quality, helping people create, improve, and protect their homes.
Group Members

Vernette (Vinnie) Shapland
Business Name: ReachDesign & Nette Ltd
Industry: Business Systems, Process Design & Sustainable Tourism
Website: https://reachdesign.nz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReachDesign
Instagram: www.instagram.com/reach.d3sign
LinedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/vernette-shapland
Email: info@reachdesign.nz
Phone: 0211702401
Member Profile
Vinnie is a systems strategist and creative thinker passionate about helping small businesses find clarity and flow.
Through ReachDesign, she supports SMEs and construction-based teams to streamline operations and build systems that truly work for them.
Her second venture, Nnette Ltd, blends hospitality, sustainability, and te ao Māori at Memory Iwa Grove in the Wairarapa, offering guests a grounding experience under the dark skies.
Guided by values of whenua, wairua, and whānau, Vinnie’s work reflects a balance of heart and structure, helping people and businesses thrive with purpose and authenticity.

Clementine Kumeroa
Business: Innovative Advisory
Industry: Accountant
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Innovativeadvisoryca
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/innovative_advisory/
LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clementine-kumeroa-ca-8b807156/
Business website: www.innovativeadvisory.co.nz
Email: clem@iaca.co.nz
Phone Number: 021 190 8036
Member Profile
I see the bigger picture and know the challenges small businesses face. I'm not the once-a-year type — I'm here year-round to make things clearer, easier and more efficient.

Jenny Griffith
Business Name: Rival Wealth
Industry: Insurance
Website: https://rivalwealth.co.nz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063686185636
Instagram: www.instagram.com/rivalwealth/
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
027 240 8389
Email: jenny@rivalwealth.co.nz
Member Profile
Jenny is well known in the Wairarapa and has been part of the insurance industry here for quite some time. She has worked with many local families and businesses over the years.
Jenny brings a steady, practical approach to financial advice and takes the time to make sure people understand what they have in place and why. She values long term relationships and is trusted for her experience and straightforward advice.
Family is important to Jenny and, with her children now grown, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren whenever she gets the chance.
Jenny is a Financial Adviser and a member of the Institute of Financial Advisers. She works across rural, commercial, and domestic insurance, as well as personal risk management and ACC, supporting clients with solutions that fit their situation and needs.
I’ve been a lawyer for about 15 years, and have lived in the mighty ‘Rapa for the past 4 years. Coming from a small town (Hawera in Taranaki) Masterton really suited me and my family and we quickly made a home for life here. I live here with my partner and daughter, and my son has flown the nest and living in Wellington. If I’m not working or with family, I’m playing softball, netball or reading – my only hobbies!

Aroha McKenzie
Business Name: McKenzie Mortgages
Industry: Mortgage Broker
Website: www.mckenziemortgages.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mckenziemortgages
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mckenziemortgages
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
021 434 467
Email:
aroha@mckenziemortgages.co.nz
Member Profile
Kiaora, I am Aroha McKenzie.
I’m here to guide you through the home loan process with clarity, confidence and advice you can actually understand.
I aim to make the mortgage process feel more human, less stressful and a little more fun.
In a nutshell:
Clear advice. Smart structure. Less stress.
Helping humans with home loans.
Mortgage advice without the waffle.
Real advice for real life.
Lender knowledge, clear guidance, and a little bit of personality.
I work with both bank and non-bank lenders, because home lending is not exactly one-size-fits-all.
Different lenders have different policies, appetites, and strengths. Some are better for first home buyers, some suit investors, and some are more flexible when life or income doesn’t look perfectly tidy on paper.
That’s where I come in. I help you understand your options, explain the fine print without the headache, and structure lending in a way that supports your lifestyle, your plans and your sanity.

Phillippa Roil-Glendenning
Business Name: PR Marketing Solutions
Industry: Marketing & Sales
Website: www.prmarketingsolutions.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/prmarketingsolutions
Instagram: www.instagram.com/prmarketingsolutions
LinkedIn:
www.facebook.com/prmarketingsolutions
Business Phone: 027 414 3189
Email: phillippa@prmarkeingsolutions.co.nz
Member Profile
Phillippa is a dedicated Marketing & Business Advisor, with a passion for empowering women and businesses.
With more than 20 years in sales and marketing, Phillippa has a wealth of business knowledge to share, alongside a life story shaped by diverse experiences; from a childhood spent overseas, being a single mother to building a blended family of five, and from big-city business circles to community life in the Wairarapa.
Phillippa would love to help you get your businesses higher visibility online and help you save time, money whilst growing your revenue.
She Specialises in Marketing and sales strategy, training and implementation

Aimee McGowan
Business Name: Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Industry:
Law
Website: www.gibsonsheat.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/gibsonsheat
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/aimee-mcgowan-8b549441/
Business Phone:
06 370 6470
Email:
aimee.mcgowan@gibsonsheat.com
Member Profile
Not your usual lawyer, I’m a partner at Gibson Sheat in the Masterton Office, specialising in property, commercial and rural law. If you are buying or selling a house or business, have questions about your relationship, or you’re a farmer and have leasing, financing or purchasing to deal with, I’m your person.
I’ve been a lawyer for about 15 years, and have lived in the mighty ‘Rapa for the past 4 years. Coming from a small town (Hawera in Taranaki) Masterton really suited me and my family and we quickly made a home for life here. I live here with my partner and daughter, and my son has flown the nest and living in Wellington. If I’m not working or with family, I’m playing softball, netball or reading – my only hobbies!

Tiff Logan
Business: True Dentistry & Grace Dentistry
Industry: Dentist
Website: https://truedentistry.co.nz/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrueDentistryCarterton
Instagram: www.instagram.com/truedentistrynz/
Phone: 06 3798799
Email: tiffthedentist@gmail.com
Member Profile
Tiff has two business both in Wairarapa. She is a dentist with over 30 yrs experience, with a Graduate Degree and Diploma , from the Otago University in Dentistry.
Tiff has a blended family of five and happily lives with Dave and the dog Georgy, who romps around the Greytown Property. Tiff had a 24 year military career , as a dentist before buying her own private practice , in Wellington. Then purchased another practice in Carterton ,and a following practice in Masterton , encouraging partnership models of business. You will find Tiff at her practice in Carterton , working as a clinician and a business owner.

Ngaire Mansfield
Business Name: Straightflush Plumbing
Industry: Plumbing
Website: www.straightflush.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/straightflushwellington
Instagram: www.instagram.com/straightflushnz
LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ngaire-mansfield-a3b304b0/
Business Phone: 021 244 4145
Email: ngaire@straightflush.co.nz
Member Profile
Wairarapa - Copthorne
Tuesday 9.30am – 10.30am @ Copthorne Solway Park
High Street, Solway, Masterton
Group Leadership Team

Amanda Woodmas
Group Coordinator
Business Name: Northco Insurance Brokers
Industry: Insurance
Website: www.northco.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/NorthcoInsurance
Instagram:
LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-woodmass-5a4625286/
Business Phone:
027 324 5810
Email:
amanda@northco.co.nz
Member Profile
With over 25 years of experience in the insurance industry, Amanda specialises in Rural and Business Insurance. She takes the time to thoroughly assess each client’s unique needs, ensuring they have the right cover in place to protect what matters most.
Amanda has built a strong reputation for her hands on support, particularly in managing claims and guiding clients through every step of the process when things don’t go to plan.
Born and raised in the Wairarapa, Amanda has a deep understanding of the local community and the unique needs of those who live and work in the region. Her friendly, practical approach has made her a trusted adviser and a go to source of insurance advice and support.

Nicola Garrity
Member Mentor
Business Name: Quickslabs
Industry: Construction
Website: www.quickslabs.co.nz
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
027 635 2031
Email:
nicola@quickslabs.co.nz
Member Profile
Nicola co-owns and operates Quick Slabs alongside her husband, Ryan, delivering high-quality, slab solutions across the Wairarapa.
Group Members

Belinda Pratt
Business Name: Belinda Pratt Photography
Industry: Photography
Website: www.belindapratt.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BelindaPrattPhotography
Instagram: www.instargram/belindaprattphotography
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/belinda-pratt-988b693a3/
Email: belinda@belindapratt.co.nz
Phone: 027 391 1144
Member Profile
Living on a lifestyle block in rural Wairarapa with her husband and two teens, Belinda has built a career around documenting life's most meaningful moments through wedding and family portrait photography.
Beyond the lens, Belinda is passionate about community and connection. As a self-employed photographer, she knows the challenges and rewards of running a business, and is committed to supporting other women in business - sharing what she has learned along the way to encourage and empower others to grow.

Jess Montgomery
Business Name: Straight Flush Plumbing
Industry: Plumbing
Website: www.straightflush.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/straightflushwellington
Instagram: www.instagram.com/straightflushnz
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 06 370 006
Email: jessica@straighflush.co.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Anne Forest
Business Name: Anne Forest
Industry: Finance & Mortgages
Website: https://www.mbw.co.nz/
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email: anne@mbw.co.nz
Member Profile
Anne is the newest face at Mortgage Brokers Wairarapa Ltd alongside Phillip and Charles Spilhaus. Anne’s career is a testament to the power of transferable skills; with two decades of experience spanning hospitality, customer service, banking and education, she brings a uniquely well-rounded perspective to the mortgage industry.
Recognising a need for greater career flexibility to prioritise her family, Anne took a bold step in 2025 to earn her Financial Services Qualification in Residential Lending. Today, she is blending her deep-rooted passion for helping people and problem-solving with her newfound technical expertise. Supported by the mentorship of the MBW team, Anne is looking forward to helping people in her community with mortgage lending processes.

Mallory Dawes
Business Name: MD Safety & Consulting
Industry: Health & Safety
Website: www.mdsafetyconsulting.co.nz
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 027 418 0934
Email: mal@mdsafetyconsulting.co.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Rox Carlsen
Business Name: Rival Wealth
Industry: Insurance & Finance
Website: https://rivalwealth.co.nz
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
rox@rivalwealth.co.nz
Member Profile
Rox joined RIVAL Wealth in August 2017 and brings more than 22 years of banking experience to the team. A local for over four decades, she is deeply connected to the Wairarapa community and takes great pride in her adult sons, all of whom have flown the coop and built their own careers.
When she is not at work or at the gym, Rox enjoys the challenge of learning tap dancing. She loves spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Rox and her husband Steve also share a passion for drag racing and successfully compete together in events around the region and overseas.
Well known across the Wairarapa, Rox is passionate about helping people feel confident about their financial decisions. With strong experience across Investments, Insurance, and KiwiSaver, she is committed to supporting clients as they work towards a healthy and secure financial future.

Sarah Summers
Business Name: Waterwise Wairarapa
Industry: Plumbing
Website: https://www.waterwisewairarapa.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/waterwisewairarapa
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 021 0221 8751
Email: admin@waterwisewairarapa.com
Member Profile
With over 25 years of experience in the administration, Public Relations and Graphic Design, the transition to running a plumbing company was certainly a new challenge. Sarah and Rob have owned Waterwise Wairarapa for the last 10 years - Rob is in charge of the plumbing and Sarah is in charge of the running of the business from wages, HR, accounts and everything in between, including being camp mum.
Waterwise Wairarapa services all your Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying needs along with Septic Design & installation and Backflow testing.
Born and raised in Cornwall in the UK, Sarah met her husband Rob over there and after marrying in Cornwall, they decided to make the move to the Wairarapa 15 years ago. They have two beautiful children who were both born here, and Sarah loves the flexibility of running her own business and still being able to be able to be a present parent.
Kapti
Kapiti – Raumati South
Tuesday 9.30am - 10.30am @ Sunday Cantina
31 Poplar Ave, Raumati South
Group Leadership Team

Coming Soon
Group Co ordinator
Business name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email:
Phone:
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Group Co ordinator
Business name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email:
Phone:
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Group Members

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Palmerston North
Palmerston Noth – Awapuni
Wednesday 9.30am - 10.30am @ Boho Cafe
2 Pitama Road, Awapuni, Palmerston North
Group Leadership Team

Angela Towler
Group Co ordinator
Business name: NZ Home Loans
Industry: Mortgage
Website: https://nzhl.co.nz/find-us/manawatu/
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email: angela.towler@nzhomeloans.co.nz
Phone: +64 274 611 012
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Katie Cuttance
Member Mentor
Business name: Endless Evolution
Industry: Personal Development, Business Opportunity, Sales /Marketing
Website:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61587036882476
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katie_endlessevolution/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-cuttance-stevens-b4bb4b377/
Email: katiecuttance@gmail.com
Phone: +64 21 110 7129
Member Profile
I’m Katie, a mother, grandmother and entrepreneur who believes that life doesn’t come with an expiry date.
After spending many years focused on raising my family, I found myself asking what the next chapter of my life could look like — and realised I wanted to create something that gave me greater flexibility, personal growth and the freedom to design life on my own terms.
Through my own journey of personal development, I discovered the power of investing in yourself, challenging old beliefs and being willing to step outside your comfort zone. That journey led me to create Endless Evolution, where I support and connect with people who are ready to grow, learn and explore what may be possible for their own lives.
I’m passionate about helping others see that it’s never too late to start something new, reinvent yourself or create a life that feels more aligned with who you are today.
For me, success isn’t just about financial goals — it’s about having choices, meaningful relationships, personal growth and the freedom to enjoy the life you’re building along the way.
Group Members

Jennifer Herlihy
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: +64 22 048 2544
Email: jenher48@outlook.com
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Elysabeth Wolter
Business Name: Lizzie's Insights Coaching
Industry: Coach
Website: www.lizziesinsightscoaching.com
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/elysabeth-wolter-63519862/
Business Phone: +64 27 904 6493
Email: lizziesinsights@gmail.com
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Napier
Napier – Ahuriri
Friday 12pm - 1pm @ The East Pier Cafe
50 Nelson Quay, Ahuriri, Napier
Group Leadership Team

Mel Smith
Group Co ordinator
Business name: Pulse Accountants Ltd
Industry: Accounting & Business Advisors
Website: https://www.pulseaccountants.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pulseaccountants
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pulseaccountants/
LinkedIn:
Email: mel@pulseaccountants.co.nz
Phone: +64 27 206 6542
Member Profile
I’m an accountant and business adviser with over 20 years of experience working with small to medium-sized businesses. I enjoy getting to know the people behind the numbers and working alongside business owners to help them understand their financial position, make informed decisions, and get the most out of their business.
While I enjoy the technical side of accounting and tax, I’m particularly interested in helping clients with business structures, tax planning, and providing practical advice that makes a real difference.
As a single mum to three boys, I understand firsthand how busy life can be and the importance of balancing work, family, and everything else that comes with both. Outside of work, I’ve called Napier home for the past four years and enjoy being part of the local community.

Kaylea Barker
Member Mentor
Business name: Prime Strategies
Industry: Business Advisory
Website: https://primestrategies.co.nz/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/primestrategiesgroupnz
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email: kaylea.barker@primestrategies.com
Phone: +64 21 242 5300
Member Profile
Hi, I'm Kaylea. First and foremost, I'm mum to two beautiful girls who keep me incredibly busy, and I wouldn't have it any other way... while they still think I'm cool anyway!
I'm also a wife and business partner, helping grow our family-owned waste management business. Alongside that, we have a side hustle and keep a toe in the wine industry, so it's fair to say I wear a few hats.
The hat I'm wearing here is as a Business Advisor with Prime Strategies. I'm passionate about helping SME business owners create businesses they love, by providing practical advice, and support to help them achieve their goals. There's nothing more rewarding than seeing business owners gain clarity, confidence, and the freedom to build a business that works for them.
Group Members

Vicki Kemp
Business Name:
MINTEDVR Hawkes Bay & Gisborne
Industry:
Driving Instructor/Driver Training
Website: https://napier.mintedvr.com/
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: +64 274 238 711
Email:
vicki@mintedvr.com
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Business Name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
Email:
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Online
Online
Thursday 9.30am - 10.30am @ Online
Group Leadership Team

Coming Soon
Group Co ordinator
Business name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email:
Phone:
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Coming Soon
Group Co ordinator
Business name:
Industry:
Website:
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Email:
Phone:
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Group Members

Anna Geremia-Young
Business Name: Tall Poppy Real Estate
Industry: Real Estate
Website: www.tallpoppy.co.nz/our-salespeople/anna-geremia-young
Facebook: www.facebook.com/annageremiayoungtallpoppy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/annageremiayoungtallpoppy/
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/annageremiayoung/
Business Phone:
021 0118 5833
Email:
anna.geremia-young@tallpoppy.co.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Karlene Barkley
Business Name: World Travellers
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Website: www.traveltheworld.co.nz
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: +64 22 573 3103
Email: karlene@traveltheworld.co.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Neroli Sail
Business Name: World Travellers
Industry: Travel & Tourism
Website: www.traveltheworld.co.nz
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone:
+64 22 573 1247
Email:
neroli@traveltheworld.co.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON
Canterbury
Canterbury – Christchurch
Wednesdays 12pm - 1pm @ The Tap Room, The Richmond Club
75 London Street, Richmond, Christchurch
Group Leadership Team

Sharon Layton
Group Coordinator
Business Name: Quinovic Merivale
Industry: Property Management
Website: https://quinovic.co.nz/merivale/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/quinovicmerivale
Instagram: www.instagram.com/quinovicmerivale/
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-layton-2b4433347/
Business Phone: 0273550359
Email:
sharon.layton@quinovic.com
Member Profile
Quinovic Merivale owner and operator Sharon Layton has a Masters Degree in Business Management from Massey University.
She spent 10 years in London honing her business skills – five in the hospitality industry and a further five heading up her own personal security company – before returning to New Zealand and becoming part of the Quinovic success story in 2007.
Since then Quinovic Merivale has gone from strength to strength. This dynamic property management team has received national recognition for being one of the top five offices in the group for overall performance every year since opening its doors for business.
With extensive business acumen, in-depth knowledge of property portfolios and the Christchurch rental market in particular, Sharon is just the person to help you maximise your property portfolio.

Virginia Einarsson
Member Mentor
Business Name: Thryv
Industry: Digital Marketing
Website: www.thryv.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Thryv
Instagram: www.instagram.com/getthryv/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/virginia-einarsson-20389648/
Business Phone: 027 507 7031
Email: virginia.einarsson@thryv.com
Member Profile
Virginia is a Business Advisor at Thryv New Zealand, supporting small and medium‑sized businesses across Canterbury to strengthen their digital presence, streamline operations, and enhance customer engagement.
With more than two decades of experience in business development, retail leadership, and design, she brings a practical, relationship‑focused approach to helping businesses grow with clarity and confidence.
Born in Christchurch and raised in Australia, she has recently returned home with her husband, embracing the chance to reconnect with the landscapes, family and community she has always loved. Now based back in Canterbury, she enjoys tramping, road trips, and exploring the South Island, while staying closely connected with her three adult children and grandson in Australia.
She is passionate about building meaningful connections with women across Canterbury and creating supportive spaces where they can encourage one another—professionally and personally—as they navigate their own journeys in business and in life.
Group Members

Kate Brown
Business Name: EduKate NZ
Industry: Coaching
Website: www.edukatenz.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/EduKateNZ/
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 0212150333
Email: kate@edukatenz.com
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Claire Shirra
Business Name: Shirra Therapies
Industry: Remedial Massage and Stretch Therapist
Website: www.shirratherapies.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564257502118
Instagram: www.instagram.com/shirra_therapies
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 027 374 2212
Email: claire@shirratherapies.nz
Member Profile
COMING SOON

Jeanette Neal
Business Name: Loan Craft
Industry: Financial Adviser (mortgages, Risk Insurance and Investment)
Website: www.loancraft.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LoancraftLtd
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: 0274 339 752
Email: jeanette@loancraft.co.nz
Member Profile
Jeanette Neal brings over 20 years of experience as a teacher, along with a genuine passion for helping people improve their financial wellbeing. Her approach is grounded in education and empowerment, making sure clients understand their options and feel confident in the financial decisions they're making for themselves and their families.
As a wife and mum of three, Jeanette understands the importance of financial security, planning ahead, and protecting what matters most. Her own journey with property investment sparked a deep appreciation for the power of smart financial decisions and building wealth for future generations, inspiring her move into financial advice.
Whether it's helping you get into your first home, protecting your income and family through risk insurance, or making the most of your KiwiSaver, Jeanette focuses on practical, tailored solutions that align with your goals. She believes there's no one-size-fits-all approach - every recommendation starts with listening and understanding your unique situation.
Clients value Jeanette's honest, supportive style and her commitment to acting with integrity. She's passionate about helping people gain financial independence and peace of mind, so they can spend less time worrying about money and more time enjoying life.
Outside of work, Jeanette enjoys time on the water, playing netball, and exploring New Zealand with her family.

Jennie Nairn
Business Name: Discovery Leadership Coaching
Industry: Coaching Leadership
Website: https://jennienairndiscoveryleadershipcoaching.my.canva.site/
Facebook:
Instagram:
LinkedIn:
Business Phone: +64 27 303 0862
Email: jennie@discoverycoaching.co.nz
Member Profile
Kia ora koutou, ko Jennie toku ingoa/ Hello, my name is Jennie.
Drawing on twenty years as an educational leader, my purpose of influencing others
positively, and the energy gained from presenting workshops and seeing development in others, I started Discovery Coaching and Leadership in 2024.
I work alongside individuals and teams to identify where their areas of interest are, their gaps as individuals or as a team, and then design a programme to support them. From a
leadership approach, and appreciating leadership comes from within, as a team member or aligned with a title, there is leadership learning for everyone.
My work ranges from strategic planning, developing team dynamics, working with individuals within a team, or with a team to jointly build an appreciation of leadership in their context.
Most often, we have more knowledge or skills than we appreciate, and my role is to help
people to connect those dots and see the value they have to offer personally and
professionally. While one-off workshops can be provided, my preference is for short group
workshops followed by one-on-one coaching to get the learning into day-to-day practice; typically, this happens across 9 -12 months.
Alongside this, I invest time in governance with the aim of strengthening capability and
delivering sustainable impact, spend time on my bike or skis, or walking in our beautiful
environment.
As you may have noted in my introduction, as a European New Zealander, I value what our
bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand brings. I have noticed how strong this is in education, but often not an area of comfort in the business world. Let’s challenge this.
Ma te huruhuru ka rere te manu - Adorn the bird with feathers so it can fly.

Lydia Von Ronge
Business Name:
Cheeky Hippo Financial Advisers
Industry: Insurance and KiwiSaver
Website: www.cheekyhippo.co.nz
Facebook: www.facebook.com/LydiaFinancialAdviser
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/lydiavonronge/
Business Phone: 027 285 2779
Email: lydia@cheekyhippo.co.nz
Member Profile
Lydia is a Financial Adviser who helps people prepare for life’s biggest uncertainties — living longer than expected, passing away too soon, or being unable to work. Her approach is deeply personal: she wants to understand who you are, what drives you, and what you need to live your best life. She’s passionate about giving peace of mind to the people you love, ensuring they’re protected no matter what life brings.
After emigrating from South Africa in 2008, Lydia embraced the opportunities New Zealand offers. Her own family losses — her mum to cancer and her dad to a heart attack and stroke, both in their early 60s — shaped her belief in the power of good advice and the right protection. She now educates her clients so they can make informed decisions, maintain their lifestyle in retirement, and have choices when unexpected events occur. Her work focuses on providing certainty, control, cash flow and dignity during times of illness, injury, retirement or loss.
As the owner of Cheeky Hippo Financial Advisers (FSP 490586), Lydia specialises in life insurance and KiwiSaver, offering quick, stress‑free support when claims are needed. Guided by her three golden rules — kindness, acting now rather than later, and living with passion while preparing for life’s ups and downs — she helps individuals and businesses safeguard what matters most.

Susanne Bux
Business Name: Property Scouts
Industry: Property Management
Website: www.propertyscouts.co.nz/gardencity
Facebook: www.facebook.com/propertyscoutsgardencity
Instagram: www.instagram.com/propertyscouts_garden_city/
LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/susanne-bux-a22362176/
Business Phone: 02040921024
Email: susanne@propertyscouts.co.nz
Member Profile
Hi, I’m the proud business owner of Propertyscouts Garden City – a residential property management franchise. We offer full property management services in the wider Christchurch area, looking after investment properties and being the bridge between tenants and landlords. With exceptional organisational skills and a keen eye for detail, my priority is to ensure that every matter is managed promptly and effectively. I am committed to maintaining a clear and transparent communication with tenants, owners, and contractors.
With a background in Software Development, my husband and me have been running our own small software development business for the past 10 years. This has given me a solid understanding of running a business and the need for careful planning and tracking for a successful operation. Taking ownership over Propertyscouts Garden City has allowed me to combine my strong business operation skills with the challenges of a truly interesting and varied set of tasks as a property manager.
Living myself in North Canterbury with my husband and 4 children, I enjoy being able to combine the rural lifestyle with city life during work time.

