An Introduction to our National Chair, Liz Watson.

Ko Mokau ki runga, Ko Taamaki ki raro,
Ko Mangatoatoa ki Waenganui, Ko pare Hauraki, Ko pare Waikato
Ko te Kaokaoroa O te Patetere
Tihei mauri ora

Te mihi tuatahi, Te Arikinui, Kuini Ngaa wai hono I te po,
Me tona whaanau, me te whare kaahui Ariki,
Paimarire

Te mihi tuarua, te rangatira o NZWIR,
Mihi mai, mihi mai karanga Mai

Teenaa Raa Koutou Katoa,

I’m truly humbled to be stepping into this role as National Chair, representing a network of women who bring heart, grit, and talent to every edge of our industry.
I pay respect to all of those waahine toa before me who have led and paved the way for us today – thank you.

Earlier on, I picked avocados from hydraladdas, harvested kumara on the back of a harvester, operating Tractors, ATV Quad Bikes. I went on to spend eight years in roading and infrastructure, working across road construction, drainlaying, asphalting, big dig outs and special projects like Te Uku Wind farm building fences. I operated rollers, diggers, dump trucks, loaders, earned my RTW ticket, and was never afraid to get behind a shovel when it mattered most. I also worked in traffic management, holding certifications as both a Traffic Controller (TC) and a Site Traffic Management Supervisor (STMS)—keeping teams and communities safe while navigating busy worksites.
These experiences taught me resilience, adaptability, and the dignity of labour—lessons that still guide me today.

For the last 14 years, Roofing has been my craft and passion. I am fortunate to co-own a Roofing company in Waikato with my partner Dan, where we pride ourselves on delivering excellence while growing talent. I’m qualified in tiles and roof & wall cladding, and I teach our New Zealand Apprentice Roofers as a Trainer with Vertical Horizonz, passing on hard-earned skills and wisdom and even learning a thing or two.

Along my journey, I’ve been honoured with some extraordinary accolades; 2017 Roof Trainee of the Year, 2019 Finalist – COLORSTEEL Roofer of the Year, 2019 NAWIC/BCITO Tradeswoman of the Year.
I help founder and chaired NAWIC Waikato, co-lead the Waikato branch of NZ Women in Roofing, and sit on the National Governance Board for NAWIC, where I help shape industry change for women across the trades.

Outside of work, I’m a proud mum of two—my 14-year-old daughter and 9-month-old son—plus our furry crew: two dogs and a cat. Balancing family life and trade life has its challenges, but the work we do is to benefit our whanau and lifestyle.

As Chair, I’m committed to celebrating women’s stories, advancing real opportunities, and creating spaces where we’re not just seen—we’re supported. Whether you are brand new to roofing or decades deep—we’re building something together.

We don’t just raise roofs. We raise futures. We raise each other.

I’m honoured not just as Chair, but as part of a dynamic and deeply committed board. Each member brings a unique perspective, a wealth of experience, and a shared passion for our mission. Together, we form a team that’s not only equipped to meet the challenges ahead—but energized to turn our vision into reality.

I encourage you to meet our Board over on the member’s page and I invite you to see not just the individuals, but the collective force behind our strategy, our decisions, and our drive to make meaningful progress. These are the people who will help guide us, challenge us, and support us as we work toward our goals.

“Mahia te mahi, hei painga mo te iwi – work for the betterment of the people” – Princess Te Puea Herangi

Nga mihi nui,
Liz Watson
National Chair – New Zealand Women in Roofing