Meet our 30 WOMEN OF THE YEAR

One of the finalists in this year’s NEXT Woman of the Year Awards had two patented innovations to her name before the age of 25. Another has an asteroid named after her. These women are successful with a capital S. But what makes them truly remarkable, and why we think it’s so important to celebrate them, is that their efforts are for the good of others. Their success makes a difference to New Zealand as a whole. And that’s inspirational. Whether they are empowering others in their field, directly benefitting their communities or forging a new path to widen industry opportunities, our aim is to shine a light on the incredible work this diverse set of women do.

Across six categories: Arts & Culture, Sport, Education, Community, Health & Science, and Business & Innovation, these 30 women show what can be achieved with drive and genuine care for others.

We would also like to thank prestige beauty brand Elizabeth Arden for their support and involvement for the third year running. “We are extremely pleased to continue to sponsor the annual NEXT Woman of the Year Awards,” says Elizabeth Arden general manager Valerie Riley.

“Our game-changing, rule-breaking founder, Elizabeth Arden, was herself a legendary innovator and entrepreneur who left an unmistakable mark on the beauty industry, so it’s certainly fitting that we honour and acknowledge these outstanding women.”