ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The Wāhine in Forestry Conference is New Zealand’s premier national event celebrating and empowering women across all areas of the forestry sector.
Set on the beautiful Spencer Beach coastline, this three-day gathering blends professional development, connection, and adventure. It’s where future leaders meet today’s change makers – from students to experienced professionals.
At a glance
- Three days: Sunday to Tuesday (finishing 3pm Tuesday)
- Venue: Spencer Beach Surf Club, Christchurch
- Accommodation: Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park (2-minute walk)
- Just 20 minutes from Christchurch Airport
PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS
SUNDAY – Sunday Funday (Students and Professionals)
Kick off the conference with a day of connection and challenge at Adrenalin Forest, followed by an evening quiz night — a chance to relax, meet others, and start building networks.
MONDAY – Workshops and Luau (Students and Professionals)
Start the morning with an uplifting session designed to bring focus and energy to the day, then dive into a full programme of interactive workshops built around leadership, communication, and problem-solving.
Networking hour begins at 5pm, followed by a Luau-style BBQ dinner with food trucks, music, and great company under the sun.
TUESDAY – Professional Pathways (Working Wāhine Only)
A focused day for women currently working in the sector.
Sessions run from 8am–3pm and include advanced workshops, strategic discussions, and peer networking to drive long-term impact and sector growth.
The full programme and workshop details will be confirmed and released in the coming months.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Partner with us to empower wāhine in forestry.
Wāhine in Forestry represents a dynamic, inclusive community of women across New Zealand’s forestry sector.
The 2026 Conference offers a unique opportunity for sponsors to support this kaupapa while gaining visibility, connection, and influence across the industry.
Sponsorship benefits include:
- Logo placement on the conference website, e-newsletters, and printed programme
- Recognition across all Wāhine in Forestry communications
- Opportunity to share a short company video (under three minutes)
- “Sponsor Spotlight” feature on social media
- Verbal recognition at the event
Contact
discover@discoverforestry.co.nz
Erica Kinder – 027 329 0498
LOCATION & ACCOMMODATION
Spencer Beach Surf Club, Christchurch
Nestled in a 70-hectare forest reserve just steps from the ocean, Spencer Beach offers the ideal mix of inspiration and relaxation for our 2026 conference.
Accommodation – Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park
Spencer Beach TOP 10 Holiday Park has kindly reserved accommodation for our group until 14 February 2026.
- Students: Accommodation will be arranged for you – no action required.
- Wāhine from the sector: Please contact the Holiday Park directly on (03) 329 8721 to make your booking.
Feedback from a 2023 Conference participant
What an amazing opportunity for the students and all of us there. It really does give me solid hope that the world is a changing place and the importance of my own leadership from whatever position I am in relating to that.
Thanks for the inspiration for the young and all the generations represented there!
Being new to Forestry, though having 20 years in Fishing – It’s probably one of the most useful conferences I’ve ever been to in my professional life.
Who are Wāhine in Forestry?
Wahine in Forestry is a professional development group that combines women enrolled in the New Zealand School of Forestry and working in the forest sector of New Zealand to further connections, mentoring and skills for women entering the forestry workforce and within their careers.
When using the term ‘women’ in relation to this group, the term includes all those who identify as a women.
