Meat Business Women, a global network for women working across the red meat sector, is gathering momentum in New Zealand since its launch in 2019.
Meat Business Women (MBW) is a global professional networking movement for progressive women working across the meat industry from paddock to plate and everything in between. It is recognised by the United Nations as a solution to one of the Global Sustainable Development Goals.
Off the back of the network’s global success, MBW launched in New Zealand in 2019 co-sponsored by Territory partners Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Inc and Meat Industry Association of New Zealand.
The MBW network offers in-person and online events, a global mentorship programme and tracks gender representation in the industry domestically and globally.
So far, MBW has focused on growing its network of members and increasing opportunities for women to get together.
MBW New Zealand Chair Abigail Delaney says in 2022 it became extremely evident that there is a desire for women working in the sector to connect.
“We had an overwhelmingly positive response to two in-person networking events held in Dunedin and Christchurch earlier this year and we have another event planned for 9 December with only a few spots left.
“It has been fantastic to see industry organisations get behind the initiative. We’ve had partnerships with Silver Fern Farms, ANZCO Foods is sponsoring the upcoming Christchurch event and Taylor Preston has also shown interest to sponsor a Wellington event in 2023.”
“We’re always looking for more partnerships to enable women across the sector to gather and meet likeminded peers,” says Delaney. If your organisation would like to get involved, see more information below.
Selling out fast: Christchurch networking breakfast
There are still a few tickets left to the networking breakfast in Christchurch on 9 December sponsored by ANZCO Foods.
There will be networking activities and you will hear from guest speaker Rachel Taulelei (co-founder OHO and ANZCO Foods Director).
2023 Gender report
MBW NZ is preparing for the second version of the Gender Representation in the Meat Sector report which will explore how globally, and nationally, the meat sector has evolved against the 2020 report and its themes. Read the 2020 Gender Report here.
The next iteration of the ‘Gender Report’ is due to be released later in 2023 and will also track ethnic representation. MBW NZ will be getting in touch with industry organisation to partake in the survey.
Get involved and get in touch
You can get involved with MBW NZ by downloading the digital resources from the Meat Business Women website, share the campaign videos and post your own #shelookslikeme content.
MBW NZ offers memberships at an individual, corporate and strategic level. MBW NZ is looking for industry organisations to sponsor local events and get their women involved in the organisation.
For more information about memberships and/or getting your organisation on board, please contact NZ Chair Abigail Delaney at Abigail.Delaney@beeflambnz.com.