Unstoppable Women
The BWN Speaker Series 2025 lit up Tauranga with some big names, bold stories and infectious energy.
The BWN Speaker Series 2025 lit up Tauranga with some big names, bold stories and infectious energy.
WORDS CARRIE BROWN
Robyn Malcolm.
When actor Robyn Malcolm, global thought leader Cassie Roma, broadcaster Toni Street and fashion designer Kiri Nathan are all on one stage you know something special is about to happen.
This year’s Business Women’s Network (BWN) Speaker Series brought together an extraordinary lineup of inspiring women, each sharing stories of resilience, leadership, creativity and confidence. Held at Baycourt Theatre in Tauranga, the 2025 event was the largest and most dynamic BWN event to date, drawing 450 attendees for a day of insight, empowerment and connection.
Toni Street.
Toni Street opened the programme with a raw and heartfelt talk on navigating personal hardship, and how sharing your story can foster deep human connection. Kiri Nathan followed with her journey of cultural identity and purpose, offering a moving reflection on what it means to lead with authenticity.
Then came the laughs. Robyn Malcolm delivered a sharp, witty and candid talk that had the audience in stitches while also reflecting deeply on the power of living truthfully at every stage of life. Rounding out the speaker sessions, Cassie Roma brought electric energy to the stage with her call for women to lead with kindness and back themselves unapologetically.
Kiri Nathan.
The event theme ‘Unstoppable: Owning Your Story’ pulsed through every talk. Throughout the day, MCs Jase Reeves and Sam Wallace from Coast FM’s Morning Show kept the energy high and the atmosphere light, weaving fun and warmth through the entire experience.
Guests were welcomed with drinks and canapés before exploring the upstairs Connect and Nourish Hub, where a fresh, vibrant lunch was served alongside sponsor activations and tastings from local vendors.
Downstairs in the Style and Sip Lounge, the focus was on fashion, flair and indulgence.
Guests browsed Kiri Nathan’s garments and pounamu designs, enjoyed makeup touch-ups, sipped coffee and wine, and soaked up the relaxed, elegant atmosphere.
This year’s Speaker Series was more than just an event - it was a celebration of women showing up, owning their stories and lifting each other up.
Cassie Roma.
Tauranga Business Chamber offers a heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who made it all possible: principal partners Cooney Lees Morgan and Craigs Investment Partners, alongside partners Coast FM, KingSt Design, Hatch Consulting, Kale Print, Port of Tauranga, Rentlink Property Management, Toi Ohomai and Westpac. And to the hundreds of women who attended: thank you for being part of it.
The Business Women’s Network is a part of the Tauranga Business Chamber.