MCLStead’s Support for the Hawke’s Bay Branch of NAWIC

MCLStead were pleased to be one of five companies supporting the launch of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) on Wednesday 26 November.

MCLStead has been established for 14 months and on-site for six months delivering our first contract: Napier City Council’s Te Kete project.  MCLStead is at the beginning of our journey so timing was perfect to support the establishment of a Hawke’s Bay Branch of NAWIC, contributing to their journey starting well. 

MCLStead’s support for NAWIC’s Hawke’s Bay Branch extends well beyond the launch, with our Stakeholder & Comms Coordinator volunteering in the Branch Secretary role and a number of women employed by Stead Construction being early members.

Hawke’s Bay NAWIC Branch – Vision

The vision of the Hawke’s Bay Branch of NAWIC is to:

Amplify women’s voices, expand career pathways, and build an industry network that is connected, supportive, and reflects the spirit of Hawke’s Bay.

Hawke’s Bay NAWIC Branch Committee

• Chair – Kirsten Bell, Fulton Hogan

• Secretary – Fiona Clark, MCLStead Ltd

• Treasurer – Kelsey Frost, HEB Construction

• Events – Renee Smith, Carters

• Social Media/Comms - Queisha King-Panapa. TW Construction Group

• General Committee – Claire Hodson - EIT, Melissa Saxby – Higgins, Niki Russell - Higgins

  
  

Reasons to become a member

• Powerful professional network

• Mentorship and career support

• Giving back & inspiring the next generation

• Access to events and training

• Career growth & leadership development

• Industry recognition and awards

• Supportive community & belonging

• Community impact

  
  

Employer Benefits

• Invest in staff growth and wellbeing

• Foster an inclusive culture

• Connect with local industry talent

• Show commitment to diversity and excellence

  
  

Hawke’s Bay Branch Launch – Summary

The launch was held at the Taradale Campus of EIT and well attended by a range of local companies delivering and supporting construction across Hawke’s Bay.

Thanks go to the excellent line up of speakers:

• Kirsten Bell, Hawke’s Bay Branch Chair. Kirsten shared the vision of the branch, benefits of becoming a member, employer benefits and put a shout out to attendees for suggestions to shape Branch events in 2026

  
  

• Alison Thirkettle-Tawharu, Area Manager Lower North Island at Abodo Wood and NAWIC Life Member. Alison shared what NAWIC’s purpose is, what NAWIC offers, Regional & National events, 30years of NAWIC in 2026 and how NAWIC works with organisations to create opportunities that empower women, strengthen the sector and build a more inclusive future

  
  

• Katie Nimon, National Party MP for Napier, Chair of the Education & Workforce Select Committee and member of the Environment Select Committee. Katie spoke about the vital role NAWIC plays in supporting women in construction, the practical resources and encouragement NAWIC provides, the exciting pipeline of work and opportunities ahead in Hawke’s Bay, highlighting how a strong and inclusive workforce benefits our entire community and shapes the future of our construction industry.

  
  

• Korrin Barrett, Resilience Expert. Korrin shared her personal experience and expertise in living life unlimited, how we can all embrace life without limits, cultivate resilience and look after our own wellbeing both on the job and beyond.

  
  

• Oliver Postings, Area Manager Downer NZ. Oliver shared Downer’s commitment to an inclusive workplace culture, the importance of actively encouraging female staff to become NAWIC members, and how creating supportive environments opens up opportunities for women throughout the construction industry.

What’s Next for the Hawke’s Bay NAWIC Branch?

• The committee are meeting on Wednesday 10 December to develop a plan for 2026, including a schedule of events utilising all the ideas contributed by attendees to the launch. Comms will come out pre-Christmas on the plan for 2026.

• If you’d like to join the Hawke’s Bay NAWIC branch – you can register via this link

• If you’d like to support the Hawke’s Bay NAWIC Branch you can email infohawkesbay@nawic.org.nz