About W&B

Women & Business is not just about women and business. It’s about so much more. 

W&B is a Manawatū based social enterprise with links throughout New Zealand. Our monthly events are designed for guests to connect with each other, share resources, experiences and learnings and to exchange ideas and inspiration for personal and professional growth.

W&B was established in 2013 by founder Pauline Meredith-King, and in June 2023, Emma & Michelle took over the reigns.

Kia ora!

Your hosts:
Emma Brown &
Michelle Jurgens

Your MC
Wendy Carr

FAQ

Networking events can be a bit intimidating - we understand that. We strive to make W&B events fun & worthwhile. Events that our guests look forward to and thrive at.

Below are a few questions we get asked all the time. If we haven’t put your mind at ease with the below, please reach out!

  • We kick-off with our networking session between 5.30-6.00pm. We run as close to schedule as we can, and we usually finish up right at 7.00pm, so you know you can get home and carry on with your evening.

  • Our events are held at the Globe Theatre, 312 Main Street, Palmerston North.

    Paid parking is available at the front of the venue, either within the carpark or on Main Street.

    Accessible parking is available.

  • If you would like to attend our events, and have an access need, no problem!

    We just ask that you send us a quick email to info@womenandbusiness.co.nz before the event so that we can ensure your needs are met from when you arrive at the Globe Theatre.

  • Ticketing and sponsorship income allows us to cover venue hire, food and drinks at all events, speaker fees / koha, flights & accommodation for out-of-town speakers, event administration, marketing, necessary subscriptions and sundries (name tags, banners etc).

    W&B events are made possible with the generosity & belief of our sponsors, and our fabulous event guests!

  • Your ticket includes one drink (not just wine - you get to choose whatever you like) and some nibbles to get you through to dinner-time! If you would like to purchase another drink, you can do this at the bar.

  • Your hosts, Emma Brown & Michelle Jurgens are the women behind the brand - they are the ones behind the scenes planning, sorting, doing - right up to and at each event. 

    Emma is the creative director at Emma Brown Design, a design studio specialising in architectural & interior design + construction project management.

    Michelle also works at Emma Brown Design, as project manager - business.

    Wendy Carr is our MC, and takes the lead at each event. We love her energy! Wendy is also the general manager at Te Tira Ahu Pae - Massey University’s student association.

  • Nope! Pick and choose the events you want to come to, no pressure. We aim for a nice mix of key-note speakers to keep you interested and inspired through the year. If you have ideas for speakers we could invite, please let us know.

  • Definitely not! We have an opportunity at the beginning of the event for those who have fun news to share (a new business, an award win etc) but there’s no pressure, and just being there to take it all in is 100% ok!