Rotorua is the adventure capital of the North Island and a must-visit destination for international tourists. Tauranga is the largest and fastest-growing city in the region. We all know that. But do we know who makes things happen in the area? We’re shining a spotlight on some of the businesswomen running exciting local companies.
Eloise Roxburgh, Customer Experience Manager at Rotorua Canopy Tours
I … connect guests with true-blue NZ nature in our beautiful ancient forest and set up special moments, such as romantic proposals in the treetops! Conservation is a huge focus of Rotorua Canopy Tours, and I began my BSc in biological studies in 2012 and joined this team in 2018.
I’m inspired by … a very good friend of mine who guides at-risk teenagers towards becoming amazing early childhood educators. She’s got the absolute best attitude towards her work, which isn’t always easy. She’s also a fantastic single mum! I’m constantly inspired by her kindness, empathy and dedication to the community.
It’s important to recognise incredible women because … it leads to empowerment for the whole community. Humans are social creatures and we learn from watching others, so seeing successful women means that young people – especially girls – know that they can strive for success too. It keeps building and building!
I would have a coffee and a chat with … Jane Goodall, the chimpanzee expert! Her passion for the environment and wildlife is just so intense and unique. I reckon we’d have a great chat.
Advice for young women? You can’t substitute kindness and warmth for anything. Building relationships and people skills are invaluable in any workplace. People will always remember how you treat others.
Helena Keenan, Retreat Day Spa Manager, Polynesian Spa
I… oversee the operation of the Day Spa facility at Polynesian Spa, managing an amazing team of 20 who look after hundreds of guests per month. I work to help clients feel their absolute best after a visit to our facility.
I’m inspired by … a wide network of women running businesses in our local community, such as friends who own technology companies, product developers, and more. I’m always in awe of my sister who, after working as a nurse, went back to the University in her thirties to become a barrister!
It’s important to recognise inspiring women because … there’s still much to be done in achieving equal recognition of value and worth of women’s work in society. I believe that small changes ripple out and affect everyone.
I would have a coffee and a chat with … Michelle Obama! I’m reading her book Becoming at the moment, and it’s fabulous. I’ve got a lot of respect for her and I think she’s led a fascinating life.
Advice for young women? Take risks! Try not to be too cautious or careful when it comes to new opportunities. Fantastic things are waiting around the corner – it takes courage to make change! And quit asking yourself whether you’re good enough. You are.
Suzanne Franken, founder of Ballet.Culture and Beauty.Interrupted
I … am the owner, manager and main choreographer for Ballet.Culture, a boutique dance studio in Tauranga. I started doing ballet at four years old, and I’m absolutely passionate about empowerment through dance. I’ve been sharing my love of ballet with my community in the Bay of Plenty and helping women get in touch with themselves through music and movement!
I’m inspired by … my amazing mum! She’s my superhero – her strength and independence inspired me to pursue my own dreams. Mum worked hard as well as single-handedly raising three kids. She’s even started dancing herself, at 62!
It’s important to recognise inspiring women because … today’s society is highly competitive, especially for women. Sometimes it might be tempting to tear down the successes of other women because we all want to be successful! I believe we should all find a tribe of women to support and compliment, no matter what.
I would have a coffee and a chat with … Margot Fonteyn, one of the first prima ballerinas. She was a beautiful, natural dancer – who wasn’t super skinny! She just exuded grace and confidence, and I think she’s an incredible role model.
Advice for young women? Be brave, take risks! It’s cliché but just do it. Take the next step, whatever that is. Don’t let your inner mean girl tell you that you can’t do it.
Janicke Harmens, director of Mount Crossfit
I … am a trainer and often act as the ‘face of Mount Crossfit’ – I meet and greet all the members as they come in the door. My focus is on improving the lives of people who come to our gym through moving better, feeling stronger and more powerful, as well as building a supportive community around our business.
I’m inspired by … one very special member of our gym. She’s a single mum of five kids who has the most incredible attitude and outlook in the world. I know so many other people at Mount Crossfit who are inspired by her too. She pays not only for her own membership but for all of her kids as well, after seeing how much it helps them.
It’s important to recognise inspiring women because … backing each other and banding together is one of the most powerful things we can do. Knowing that it’s not ‘them vs us’, it’s all of us together. Camaraderie is the most inspiring thing ever.
I would have a coffee and a chat with … Korrin from Life Unlimited. She’s an ex-colleague of mine and is a prime example of staying positive when the going gets tough. This woman is absolutely incredible. Do yourself a favour and read up about her.
Advice for young women? My key bits of advice are 1) believe in yourself, 2) constantly research what you are striving for and 3) stick it out! Stay with it even when the going gets tough. And never ever think that you don’t have any more to learn. Learn from absolutely everyone!
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