This booklet celebrates the achievements and important contributions women make to local government and their communities. It showcases to the sector and wider community the diversity, competence, influence, dedication and passion of both current and past female local government employees and councillors. The challenges faced by the women in this publication are also real and highlights the need change on a number of levels.

Our women’s stories are exciting stories. These stories have been an important fellowship and experience for our women. They all thought that their story was not worthy to be shared. Yet those that agreed to be interviewed and recorded in this publication have opened their private life and home for the world to understand and learn what our women and their families in the Pa Enua feel, live, and hold important.

This booklet takes us on a journey of change and challenge with women who identify as grandmothers, mothers, sisters and daughters. We are struck by the hard work and limited resources that each woman faces. Whether it is organisation building and management, peace dialogues, standing in local elections, investing in business or education – we gain a sense of courage and determination from these women to drive change for themselves and their communities.