March 8th is International Women's Day – a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality.
If you're keen to celebrate, grab a friend and check out this list of amazing things that are happening across Aotearoa – including with our own NCWNZ branches and action hubs. Keep checking back regularly as we add more events around the motu!
NATIONWIDE EVENTS
Women & Girls Have-A-Go Day
7-8 March, time varies
Locations vary
Cost: FREE
Women & Girls Have-A-Go Day welcomes females who are new to table tennis or returning after a break, providing a relaxed, friendly environment to enjoy the sport and meet others.
Whether you’ve never picked up a bat or haven’t played in years, or are simply keen to give the sport a go, this is your chance to enjoy table tennis, get active, and be part of a supportive community.
Find more information and register here
TechWomen and Westpac - International Women's Day 2026: Give to Gain
Hosted by TechWomen
Sat, 8 Mar, 11.30am
Locations vary
Cost: Free for TechWomen members, Westpac team and partners | $30 for non-members
The TechWomen and Westpac team invite you to celebrate International Women's Day (IWD) with a special event focused on the IWD 2026 theme: Give to Gain. This year’s theme encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration, emphasising the power of reciprocity and support. When people, organisations, and communities give generously, opportunities and support for women increase. Giving is not a subtraction, it's intentional multiplication. When women thrive, we all rise.
Find more information and get tickets here
Working Women's Week
Led by NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi
Week of 2-8 March
In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, Working Women’s Week is a nationwide week of action for Pay Equity.
Pay equity is a cost-of-living issue. Women’s work keeps Aotearoa running - in our workplaces, homes, and communities. From care and education to health and care and support roles, women’s work must be respected, valued, and paid fairly.
Across the country, people are coming together to talk about women’s work, highlight inequities, and get enrolled to vote! Each action shares one simple, collective call to action: Enrol to vote for Pay Equity.
Check out the events happening around the motu and register
AUCKLAND AREA EVENTS
She Sharp & academyEX: International Women's Day 2026
Hosted by She Sharp and academyEX
Fri, 6 Mar, 5-7:30pm
academyEX (99 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton, Auckland 1023)
Cost: $15-$20 + fees
She Sharp is partnering again with academyEX for International Women’s Day 2026, creating space for our community to connect, reflect, and take meaningful action toward gender equality.
This year’s IWD theme, Give To Gain, is a reminder that progress grows through community. When we give our time, support, knowledge, and encouragement, we help open doors for women and girls - and everyone benefits.
Join us for a welcoming evening focused on honest conversations, shared experiences, and building connections. This event is about showing up for one another and taking small but meaningful steps together.
AGWN joint event: International Women's Day Celebration 2026: Empowering Women, Strengthening Public Service
Hosted by Auckland Government Women’s Network, Auckland Transport Women’s Network, Te Rōpū Wāhine Auckland Council’s Women’s Network and PSA Women’s Network
Wed, 5 Mar, 10am-12pm
Auckland Transport office, Auckland and online
Cost: FREE
Mary Haddock-Staniland is our inspiring keynote speaker. A powerful panel of wāhine from across the public sector will discuss DEI and career progression for women in the public sector.
Get more info and register here
IWD2026: Give To Gain with NZNWS and N4L
Hosted by The New Zealand Network for Women in Security (NZNWS) in partnership with Network for Learning (N4L)
Thurs, 12 Mar, 12-1:30pm
Level 5/8 Tangihua Street, Auckland Central, Auckland 1010
Cost: $5 + booking fee
Join us for an inspiring International Women’s Day session as we gather to celebrate, connect and champion the advancement of women and girls.
This year, we are exploring the powerful theme "Give to Gain." We’ll be discussing how a culture of generosity, collaboration, and intentional investment in one another can accelerate progress for all women. In alignment with the official UN Women theme, "Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls," this event serves as both a celebration of our achievements and a call to action for a more equitable future.
Celebrate International Women's Day 2026 with SHAKTI NZ
Hosted by Shakti NZ
Mon, 2 Mar, 9-11am
Auckland and online
Cost: FREE
Join Shakti for a special International Women's Day commemoration centred on Women and Social Justice. This women-focused event brings us together to listen, reflect, and honour the voices and lived experiences of women working in social justice spaces across Aotearoa New Zealand.
This event is open to women from all walks of life who care about and support our kaupapa of women of colour supporting each other, building collective strength, and advancing social justice.
HASTINGS EVENTS
HWC International Women's Day 2026
Friday, 6 Mar, 7-9 am
Hastings Community Arts Centre, 106 Russell Street South
Cost: $50.00
Join us for a meaningful International Women’s Day Breakfast as the Heretaunga Women’s Centre launches its 2026 Give to Gain campaign. Proudly supported by Hastings City Business Association.
The event will bring together community leaders, supporters, partners, and advocates to explore a simple yet powerful idea: when we support women, we all gain.
The morning includes breakfast networking, a facilitated panel discussion, and an opportunity to be part of a year-long movement for collective gain. The event is open to both men and women.
WHANGANUI EVENTS
La Fiesta Women's Festival
Hosted by Women's Network Whanganui
8 Feb - 8 Mar
Various locations
Cost: Variable
The Women's Network proudly presents this annual festival in Whanganui, New Zealand. Established in 2010, La Fiesta is Aotearoa New Zealand's best and longest running women's fest.
Explore art, music, workshops, educational talks + lectures, give-it-a-go sports activities, guided tours, yoga and a whole heap of fun. It's a great way to build confidence, get motivated + meet awesome new people.
Info about events for the festival here
WELLINGTON AREA EVENTS
UN Women Aotearoa NZ International Women’s Day 2026 Parliamentary Reception
Hosted by UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand
Thu, 5 Mar, 4:15–8:00pm
Banquet Hall, Parliament Buildings, Wellington
Join UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand at the New Zealand Parliament Buildings for our flagship International Women’s Day 2026 Parliamentary Reception, marking the United Nations’ global observance of International Women’s Day.
The evening will feature:
- Meaningful connection and conversation over curated refreshments
- A keynote address from Award Winning Journalist and Co-Founder of Tika, Alison Mau, offering insight and inspiration
- A moderated panel discussion with Mele Wendt MNZM, Emma Powell, Aleisha Amohia, Kararaina Te Puni and Zoe Wallis exploring leadership, lived experience, and pathways for change
Get more info and tickets here
IWD Breakfast 2026
Hosted by Zonta Club of Wellington
Thurs 5 Mar, 6:30-9am
Parliament, Beehive, Wellington
Cost: $70
The theme for 2026 is #Recognise the Remarkable. This year is about remembering that "remarkable" isn't always synonymous with "famous." It’s about the women whose absence would cause the system to collapse, but whose presence is often treated as a given. We want to recognise the quiet giants, the women who sustain other women, communities, industries, and families without a spotlight. It is time to Advocate for these Invisible Pillars and recognise the Unseen, Unsung, and Unstoppable.
Our keynote speakers are:
- Hon. Nicola Grigg, Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Minister for Women, Associate Minister of Agriculture and Associate Minister for ACC
- Emma Lewisham, Co-Founder of Emma Lewisham Skincare Company
- Diana Minnee, Founder and CEO of Ask Astro - AI that Amplifies the Advisor/Business leader relationship
- Theresa Setefano, Black Fern and Rugby Sevens Representative, Rugby Union Player
Get more info and purchase tickets here
International Women's Day Lunch
Hosted by the Kāpiti Business Chamber and Wakefields Lawyers.
Thur 5 Mar, 11:30am-2:30pm
Paraparaumu Memorial Hall, Aorangi Road Paraparaumu 5032
Cost: $70.00 per ticket or $650.00 per table of 10
We are very excited to bring to you the 2026 International Women's Lunch along with our supporting sponsor Wakefields Lawyers.
It's that time of year to get some friends, work mates together and come along, enjoy and celebrate International Women's Day 2026.
We are excited to be welcoming Suzanne Paul as our Guest Speaker for 2026.
Inspirational speaker Suzanne Paul arrived in New Zealand from the working-class streets of Wolverhampton in 1991 with just $18 in her pocket and a fierce determination to succeed.
Get more info and register here
International Women's Day High Tea
Hosted by Zonta Mana
Sun 8 Mar, 2pm
Paremata Plimmerton Rugby Football Club
Cost: $35
This will be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon – beautiful outlook, easy access, easy parking, fabulous food and a great opportunity to relax with your friends and family (males are very welcome).
Come on your own or come as a group. If you let us know you are in a group, we will reserve seating for you (after your guests have paid).
Funds raised from the afternoon go to Foster Hope which is the national project for Zonta NZ.
Foster Hope believes that every child in care deserves to know that their community cares about them. They strive to make this mission a reality by providing children with necessities to ease the transitional period for them and their new caregivers.
CHRISTCHURCH AREA EVENTS
Eliot Sinclair International Women's Day 2026
Hosted by Eliot Sinclair
Wed, 4 Mar, 4-6:30pm
Eliot Sinclair Office, Christchurch
Cost: $30 + fees
Celebrate strong, inspiring women with talks, fun, and connections at Eliot Sinclair’s Women’s Day 2026!
The event will feature short talks from three inspiring speakers, Michelle Sharp, Lisa Plato and Jane Bryden, who will share their perspectives on this year’s International Women’s Day theme, Give to Gain. Together, they will explore how generosity, leadership and community support can create meaningful and lasting impact.
Join us for canapés, drinks, and an inspiring discussion on supporting women in business and leadership. By purchasing a ticket, you will also be entered into the draw to win some great prizes.
All proceeds from ticket sales will be donated to Dress for Success Christchurch, supporting their work empowering women into employment. Bring along good quality, work appropriate clothing on the night to donate to this cause.
Join us for an inspiring and uplifting celebration of women, connection and giving back.
Get more info and tickets here
International Women's Day Breakfast
Hosted by Dress for Success
Fri 6 Mar, 7:30am-9am
Aldersgate Centre, 309 Durham Street, Christchurch, Christchurch
Cost: $45 + fees
Dress for Success Christchurch is hosting an International Women's Day Breakfast event, celebrating the achievements of women globally and continuing to work towards making our world diverse, equitable and inclusive. The event will include a mix & mingle handheld breakfast followed by three inspiring women speaking and sharing their stories.
- Maria O’ Halloran, CEO of Nutrient Rescue
- Courtney Giddens, Founder of start up company ‘The Beauty Exchange’
- Dr Sarah Anticich, Clinical & Organisational Psychologist
International Women’s Day 2026 Event
Hosted by Zonta Christchurch
Mon 2 Mar, 5:30pm-7pm
Christchurch Golf Club, 45 Horseshoe Lake Road, Shirley
Cost: $20 + $2 fee
Zonta Christchurch is delighted to be part of a combined International Women’s Day event for Zonta District 16 Area 3, bringing together members and supporters from across the region to celebrate the achievements of women and highlight the importance of gender equality.
This special evening will offer a welcoming space to connect, be inspired and stand in support of women and girls, both locally and globally.
Tickets include one drink and nibbles. We are grateful for the support of Forsyth Barr, who are proudly supporting International Women’s Day and Zonta International Christchurch clubs for this event.
ONLINE EVENTS
Give to Gain: International Women’s Day luncheon
Hosted by Institute of Directors
Tues, 10 Mar, 12-2pm
Locations vary
Cost: $40 for members, $60 for non-members
To mark International Women’s Day 2026, the Institute of Directors invites members and guests to a special luncheon on the theme 'Give to Gain'.
Join us in-person for lunch, connection and conversation before the national live-stream begins at 12.30pm. The live-streamed panel discussion will explore how women in governance grow their impact by giving their time, experience and influence.
Get more info and reserve tickets here (Wellington)
Get more info and reserve tickets here (Auckland)
Step Up International Women's Day 2026 Virtual Celebration
Hosted by Step Up Education
Sunday, Mar 8 at 11pm to Monday, Mar 9 at 12:15am NZDT
Online
We are bringing amazing women and organisations together to empower female educational and aspiring leaders.
Two years ago, we hosted a virtual celebration as part of IWD, we want to come back to that this year.
We are bringing together a great group of people from a range of organisations and background to celebrate women in (educational) leadership.
We still have a huge gender pay gap in education; inequalities relating to workplaces being female friendly and flexible working environments - we must work together to combat this.
We are pleased to be hosting this event in partnership with several other organisations:
- Claire Platt Coaching Consultancy
- Devon Women's Leadership Network
- EduPulse
- Menopause in Schools
- WomenEd
Leadership in Action: Indigenous Women on Boards
Hosted by Australian Indigenous Governance Institute
Weds 4 Mar, 2pm-4pm NZDT
Online
Cost: $88 AUD ($105 NZD)
Embrace this powerful theme and seize the opportunity to attend a must-see webinar with the remarkable Georgina Richters, Dr Bianca Beetson and Julie-ann Lambourne, three highly respected Aboriginal women leaders, as they share their experiences, insights, and reflections on leadership, governance, and the role of Aboriginal women in shaping strong and culturally grounded organisations. The session will conclude with a live Q&A, offering participants the opportunity to engage directly with our speakers.
This empowering webinar celebrates Aboriginal women’s leadership, the value of lived experience, and the importance of creating spaces where women uplift and support one another.
Register and get more info here
International Women's Day with Shama Ethnic Women's Trust
Hosted by Shama Ethnic Women's Trust
Mon, 9 Mar, 12-1pm
Online via Zoom
Cost: Free
Connect with inspiring speakers Jennifer Janif and Juliana Carvalho, enjoy fun interactive activities, and meet incredible women from diverse communities.
Email [email protected] to register for Zoom link.
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