Manukau Branch of NCW hosted a "Meet the Candidates" afternoon on Saturday 13th of September for women standing in the local government election representing the Manukau region.

We had 20 women candidates attend to speak with us about their reasons for wanting to be elected. It was a successful afternoon which saw all women interacting and supporting each other regardless of their political stripes.

We joined together in an afternoon tea where there was an opportunity of everyone to have an informal chat together. We presented each candidate with a fun "Women at the Table" survival kit which went down a treat.

Here's the contents for the "Women at the Table" survival kit:

Her Seat at the Table Pack

Remember: you’re not just running in an election—you’re running for every woman who ever thought she couldn’t.

Star – remember you are the star of your show, shine brightly
Peg – sometimes might feel like a square peg in a round hole, keep going!
Plasters – For those “battle scars”
"Pivot" Coin – To flip when a new direction is required.
Small Mirror – For a quick moment of self-reflection
Marble – for when you feel like you are losing yours
Jigsaw piece – you are an important piece of our future
Salt – take things with a pinch of salt
Toothpick – pick out the good bits of fellow politicians
Smartie - to remind you that you are smart and clever
Cross – when all else fails, pray!

To read more articles from The Circular (September-October 2025) issue 654, click on the tag below.