Come along and listen to inspiring stories from exceptional women who have climbed their way to the top! 

Some of the best lessons we can learn are those we are taught through the experience of others. 

Listen to Colleen Upton and how she climbed to CEO for Hutt Gas and Plumbing and how she is changing the trades industry for women, Mia Tracey and how she found the love for sour dough in difficult times, and Kristy Grant from Lane Street Studios and all the awesome people she has met along her journey. 

You will also go into the drawn to win a flight voucher with $400.00 for travel on Air New Zealand. 
Terms and Conditions apply.

Colleen Upton | CEO | Hutt Gas and Plumbing

Having been involved in the industry for over 30 years, Colleen brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Hutt Gas and Plumbing team. She is particularly passionate about helping young apprentices succeed in their new career.

In 2021 Colleen was made an Officer of the NZ Order of Merit for services to the plumbing and gasfitting industry and women. She is well respected by her peers and was awarded the inaugural Jackson Women in Plumbing Award at the 2020 New Zealand Plumbing Awards. She also won the Helen Tippett Award in 2019. This is the Supreme Award of the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and was awarded for her outstanding and enduring contribution to supporting women in trade. She has vast experience in governance and currently serves on the board of NAWIC and the board of the Interim Regional Skills Leadership Group.

Previously held positions include:

• Member of the NZ Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board.
• President of the Hutt Valley Wairarapa Master Plumbers Association
• Director on the NZ Master Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board
• Member of a SKILLS Working Group reviewing New Zealand certifying qualifications.
• Member of the SKILLS Leadership and Governance Group
• Member of the WelTec Advisory Group (for over 10 years)
• Member of the Masterlink Ltd Board; and
• Member of the Plumbers Journal Board

Outside of work Colleen enjoys following her adult children's sporting pursuits and spending time with her four young grandchildren.

Mia Tracey | Owner | Dough Bakery

Co-owner of Pickle and Pie and now Dough Bakery, Mia Tracey and husband Tim Tracey spent weeks experimenting with sourdough (like many of us during lockdown) before a lightbulb moment in 2020. They realised there was a gap in the market for quality artisan products in their hometown of Upper Hutt, so they established Dough Bakery. Their passion for producing quality food from scratch is evident in every mouthful. A lot of their produce is from nearby Mangaroa Farms. For Pickle and Pie, they even grow their own cucumbers on a farm in Ōtaki. 

Kristy Grant | CEO and Founder | Lane Street Studios 

Kristy is a highly innovative and experienced businesswomen who has a wealth of knowledge in the establishment of organisations to build the future sustainability of the New Zealand creative sector through the development of infrastructure. Kristy worked alongside Wētā co-founder and Oscar winner Jamie Selkirk for several years, collaborating on many creative infrastructure build projects including the Miramar Creative Centre in partnership with Victoria University. 

Kristy also brings over 20 years of executive business experience and has a background in international marketing and trade development - skills which are pivotal in ensuring the overall success of Lane Street Studios, both locally within NZ and in our critical international markets. 

WHEN | Thursday, 7th March 2024 
TIME | 9:00am - 11:00am
WHERE | Boulcott's Farm Heritage Golf Club Inc, 33 Military Road, Lower Hutt
COST | $40.00 + GST (Chamber Members), $50.00 + GST (Non-Members)

Kindly sponsored by Equip Recruitment