Newsletter – February 2024
Kia Ora and nau mai haere mai!
Welcome to 2024 with New Zealand Women in Roofing!
Kia ora and warm wishes to all our incredible wāhine in the roofing whānau as we step into the vibrant landscape of 2024! Aotearoa’s rooftops continue to rise, shaped by your skilled hands, sharp minds, and unwavering determination. We, at New Zealand Women in Roofing (NZWiR), stand alongside you, celebrating your achievements and cheering you on as you pave the way for a more diverse, inclusive, and thriving roofing industry.
Looking back at 2023, we witnessed remarkable accomplishments by our members. Laura Cross, of Bremick Fasteners the recipient of the prestigious Outward Bound Scholarship, pushing her limits and inspiring others. To the new members joining the committee and sharing their passion and expertise to help our mission to grow and support our members. Congratulations to all who have had a promotion, change of position, and growth within the sector.
As we embark on this new year, we’re brimming with excitement for what lies ahead. We invite you to:
- Join us in our mission: Become a member of NZWiR and gain access to our valuable network, mentoring opportunities, educational resources, and career-boosting tools. We’re stronger together!
- Connect and empower: Attend our upcoming events, workshops, and conferences—vibrant spaces to share experiences, learn from fellow professionals, and forge lasting connections.
- Raise your voice: Share your stories, insights, and challenges. Your voice matters, and we’re here to amplify it. Let’s advocate for a workplace that embraces change and creates equal opportunities for everyone.
- Embrace the future: Be part of shaping the future of the roofing industry. Share your ideas, contribute to our initiatives, and help us build a sustainable and inclusive industry for all.
Remember, wāhine toa, you are the backbone of the roofing industry. Your strength, resilience, and expertise are invaluable. With NZWiR by your side, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
So, let’s embrace the challenges and opportunities that 2024 presents with confidence and collaboration.
Ka kite āno
Debbie Wickliffe
On behalf of the New Zealand Women in Roofing team
Meet the sponsors
From the iron sand of the west coast to the roof over your head – it takes a village. New Zealand Steel is proud NZWiR is a part of that village!
New Zealand Steel, the only steel mill in New Zealand, has been leading the way in producing high-quality products for over 50 years, with a product range central to major markets including
manufacturing, infrastructure, packaging, agriculture, and construction – including roofing & cladding with our flagship brand, COLORSTEEL®.
Proudly New Zealand’s favourite roof, COLORSTEEL® is renowned for its durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic appeal.
Beyond our commitment to creating and inspiring smart solutions in steel to strengthen our communities for the future, New Zealand Steel actively supports and empowers women in the steel, construction, and roofing industries. While these industries have traditionally been male-dominated, New Zealand Steel is working to change this by actively promoting gender diversity and inclusion, recently winning the Diversity NZ Inclusive Workplace (Medium-Large organisation) category, in recognition of our efforts to create a more inclusive workplace for both working caregivers and pregnant employees.
This commitment to equal employment opportunities has seen a continued and steady increase in the number of women employed by New Zealand Steel, now sitting at approximately 20% of our workforce. 2018 saw New Zealand Steel hire the first female CEO, Gretta Stephens, now BlueScope’s Chief Executive Officer, Climate Change and Sustainability.
With Zealand Steel actively promoting and working to achieve a stronger workplace and industry diversity and inclusion, when the opportunity to support New Zealand Women in Roofing at its conception came up, it was a no brainer. Partnering with NZWiR and encouraging employees to become members, allows us to better understand the needs of the industry, exchange experiences, to learn from and support females within the roofing community.
Here are some of New Zealand Steel’s superstars that turn steel making into an art form, from the very start of the process of making steel to delivering COLORSTEEL® for your roofs.
Thanks, NZWiR for having us as part of your team.
Achieving Optimal Health Through Lifestyle Medicine: A Guide for Women – Nuture By Ange
In a world brimming with fad diets, miracle supplements, and quick-fix solutions, the concept of achieving optimal health can often seem like an elusive goal. However, there’s a holistic and scientifically backed approach that’s gaining traction for its effectiveness in promoting well-being: lifestyle medicine. In this blog, we’ll delve into the world of lifestyle medicine and explore its significance in helping women achieve optimal health.
What is Lifestyle Medicine?
Lifestyle medicine is not just another passing trend; it’s a fundamental shift in how we approach health and wellness. Unlike conventional medicine which often focuses on treating symptoms, lifestyle medicine aims to address the root cause of health issues by adopting a comprehensive and personalised approach. It recognises that the choices we make in our daily lives play a pivotal role in determining our overall health outcomes.
Significance for Women’s Health:
For women, the impact of lifestyle choices is particularly profound. The unique physiological and hormonal makeup of women means their health needs can differ from those of men. By embracing lifestyle medicine, women can harness the power of their choices to optimise their well-being across all life stages. Here’s why lifestyle medicine is especially significant for women:
- Empowerment through Knowledge: Lifestyle medicine empowers women with knowledge about their bodies and health. By understanding how nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management affect their well-being, women can make informed choices that align with their personal goals.
- Prevention and Longevity: Many health conditions that women commonly face, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and hormonal imbalances, can often be prevented or managed effectively through lifestyle interventions. By adopting healthy habits, women can enhance their longevity and quality of life.
- Holistic Approach: Women’s health is not solely defined by physical well-being; emotions, mental, and social aspects also play a crucial role. Lifestyle medicine encourages a holistic approach that takes all these factors into account, promoting a balanced and fulfilling life.
- Natural Hormone Balance: Hormonal fluctuations are a natural part of a woman’s life, from puberty to menopause. Lifestyle choices can greatly influence hormone balance, leading to reduced symptoms during these transitions.
- Positive Role Modelling: Women often play pivotal roles within their families and communities as caregivers and influencers. By adopting healthy habits through lifestyle medicine, they set positive examples for their loved ones and contribute to healthier communities.
Final Thoughts:
As we embark on this journey into lifestyle medicine, remember that it’s not about drastic overhauls but rather gradual, sustainable changes. By making conscious choices in what we eat, how we move, and how we care for our minds and bodies, we can unlock the potential for optimal health. By embracing lifestyle medicine, women can embark on a transformative journey that not only enriches their lives but also sets a positive example for future generations.
In upcoming newsletters, we’ll explore practical steps that women can take to integrate lifestyle medicine principles into their lives and reap the benefits of improved well-being. So, let’s begin this journey of empowerment, self-care, and holistic well-being together.
Angela Smith – Nurture By Ange
New Zealand Women in Roofing Sweatshirts
Sweatshirts are available in White and Navy. Talk to your branch leader about ordering one today!
