The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias. To celebrate we would like to introduce three fantastic new members of the Taituarā team. Going clockwise from the top we have Jen Coatham, Annie Bond and Wendy Moore. We feel so lucky to have you all on board!
The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias.
Imagine a gender equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together we can forge women's equality.
Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias.
So let us introduce our three new kaimahi wahine, all of whom are passionate about the work of local government...
Jen Coatham
Jen Coatham is our Advisor, Strategy and Reform. Jen’s work here at Taituarā focuses on the upcoming reforms to the local government sector, particularly in the area of resource management. Jen’s interests include climate change, good governance, and community wellbeing.
Before moving to Taituarā, Jen worked at Dunedin City Council in the sustainable transport space. Prior to that Jen completed a BA/LLB at Otago University and spent five years advocating for climate solutions with Generation Zero. In her spare time, Jen enjoys longboarding, baking, and trying all the wonderful eateries Wellington has to offer.
Annie Bond
Annie Bond is our Senior Advisor, Events and Communications. Annie has previously worked in membership, communications, events, and training roles. She is excited to learn about a new industry and putting her passion for organising to good use.
Annie prides herself on working hard, while keeping energy levels high, and values learning and development for all. She is putting in the mahi to improve her use of te reo Māori. Annie enjoys running (trails are her favourite), mountain biking, live music (and having a dance), road trips, beautiful skies, reading thrillers, bourbon (!), and adventures with friends.
Wendy Moore
Wendy Moore is our Principal Advisor and is contributing to the work Taituarā is doing on the Future for Local Government. She is currently on secondment from Hutt City Council where she leads the Strategy and Planning team formulating policy and strategy development including the LTP and Annual Plan, policy advice as well as research and evaluation.
Wendy points out that women are often the mainstay of community organisations, and yet are still underrepresented in many local government roles. Wendy is keen to that the Future for Local Government reforms empower women to more easily contribute to their communities.
We are especially proud that in a previous role Wendy worked at the former Ministry for Women’s Affairs (we now have a Ministry for Women) as a senior policy analyst helping finish the legislation that enacted paid parental leave. This ground-breaking legislation has given Aotearoa New Zealand something so incredibly valuable to women and their families that many Kiwis now simply take it as a given. Ka pai tō mahi!