| Building Momentum Together: Pathways into Tech |
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The She Sharp newsletter team apologises that the earlier version fell short of our usual standards; this is the corrected version. |
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| | | April has been a month of building momentum around what inclusive, future-ready work can look like in Aotearoa – especially for women and underrepresented communities in tech. A big part of that journey for She Sharp this year is our partnership with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD), working together to open real pathways into sustainable employment, not just inspiration from afar. Through this partnership, we’re co-creating spaces where women can build skills, confidence and networks that translate directly into opportunities – from first steps into tech, to leadership in AI-driven workplaces.
Alongside this, our events are designed to meet our community where they are. And this month, we’re shifting the focus to you and your career with “Own Your Energy with Candice Murray – Career Mindset Workshop”, in partnership with Metlifecare. This Thursday, 16 April, from 5:00–7:30pm at Metlifecare, we’ll be digging into practical tools to manage your energy, strengthen your mindset, and show up with calm, confidence and self-belief in the moments that matter.
If you care about where AI, work, and inclusion are heading – and want to be in a room where those futures are being shaped, not just discussed – I’d love for you to join us.
Hope to see you at our upcoming Thursday event.
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| Ngā mihi nui
Mahsa McCauley
Founder and Chair
She Sharp Charitable Trust |
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| | | She Sharp & Candice Murray: Own your Energy! |
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| This practical Career Mindset Workshop with Candice Murray helps you recognise and intentionally shift your emotional state, whether you need calm, confidence, clarity, or self-belief.
You’ll learn simple, effective techniques to manage your energy on demand, helping you navigate workplace challenges, important conversations, and everyday situations with greater intention and impact.
The session is interactive, supportive, and immediately applicable, leaving you feeling empowered, energised, and equipped with practical tools for both your career and personal life. Date: Thursday 16 April 2026 Time: 5:00 pm – 7:30 pm (NZDT) Venue: 110 Carlton Gore Road, Newmarket, Auckland
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| AI Empowerment: Shaping an Inclusive Digital Future |
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| The HER WAKA – Navigating Pathways into Sustainable Employment session, held on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 in Auckland, formed part of the “AI & the Future of Work” series. Delivered by She Sharp in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development and academyEX, the programme brought together up to 25 participants in a structured, high-impact environment focused on strengthening pathways into employment. The session emphasised building job readiness, confidence, and practical understanding of the New Zealand labour market.
Participants gained a clearer understanding of the evolving job market, with a specific focus on Artificial Intelligence and its influence on employment opportunities in 2026. The session provided practical insights into employer expectations, recruitment trends, and the skills most relevant in the current landscape. Participants were supported to strengthen their CVs, refine interview approaches, and enhance their professional presence to better position themselves competitively.
The session fostered a supportive and inclusive environment where participants engaged in open conversations and shared experiences. A panel discussion featuring industry professionals, alongside contributions from a guest speaker representing RCSA, provided real-world perspectives on hiring expectations and workplace trends. This created a space where participants were able to build confidence, develop communication skills, and gain clarity on their employment pathways.
The programme included a combination of panel discussions, a short hands-on workshop exploring practical AI tools, and structured learning activities designed to translate insights into action. Participants also received guidance on employment rights and opportunities to engage directly with industry representatives. The session concluded with networking, enabling participants to build connections and leave better prepared, informed, and confident in navigating their next steps towards sustainable employment. |
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| The April 2026 session of Her Waka brought together up to 25 participants for an energising two-hour programme focused on one powerful idea: that every one of us has a remarkable story worth telling. Held on 7 April, this second cohort session continued She Sharp's monthly employment-readiness series running from March to June 2026, delivered in partnership with the Ministry of Social Development. With a theme of #IAmRemarkable, the evening blended inspiration, self-advocacy, and direct access to industry recruiters, all within a warm, supportive environment designed to build real confidence for the New Zealand job market.
The evening opened with a 55-minute workshop facilitated by She Sharp Founder Dr Mahsa McCauley (Mohaghegh), drawing on the #IAmRemarkable movement born at Google. Participants worked through practical exercises to recognise their strengths, articulate their impact, and grow comfortable sharing their story with confidence.
A 30-minute networking activity gave participants dedicated time with RCSA-affiliated recruiters from Potentia and Elevate Consulting, including Abe Naus, Anabella Bianchi, and Sri Nanduri. It was hands-on practice in a low-pressure environment, exactly the kind of experience that builds real-world confidence.
Running from March to June 2026, each monthly session combines inspirational speakers, employer panels, practical job-readiness skills, and employment rights guidance. The result is a cohort of women who leave better informed, better networked, and ready to take their next step. |
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| | Mentorship Programme Update |
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| | The first cycle of the 2026 Mentorship Programme is well underway and enthusiasm is running particularly high. At present, there is a pressing need for additional mentors. If you have ever considered sharing your experience, now is the time to make a most immediate and lasting difference for women in tech.
Express interest here: |
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| | Prospective mentees are, as always, warmly encouraged to register for future intakes. |
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| | | | 2026 NZ Hi-Tech Awards – Finalists Announced
New Zealand’s top tech awards return with a record 300+ entries. Finalists were announced on 26 March, with the Gala Dinner on 22 May 2026. With 13 company categories plus individual and emerging awards, it’s a key event for the NZ tech ecosystem.. Read more… |
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| A Guide to Which AI to Use in the Agentic Era
AI has moved beyond chatbots, and it’s time to pay attention. Ethan Mollick breaks today’s AI landscape into three layers: Models (intelligence), Apps (interfaces), and Harnesses (systems that act on your behalf). His advice: pick a major provider, subscribe, and start using AI in real work. The biggest shift is from AI that talks to AI that acts.. Read more… |
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| National Commission welcomes two new UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders
The New Zealand National Commission for UNESCO has welcomed two new UNESCO Aotearoa Youth Leaders: Ryn Peni Matenga and Zana Monaghan. They join four existing members, with Saeyavan Sitsabesan appointed as Special Advisor Youth to lead the 2026 rōpū. Read more… |
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| AI and Creativity Summit 2026
The AI and Creativity Summit 2026, by AI Forum of New Zealand, runs 5 May in Auckland and 6 May in Wellington. Now in its third year, it explores how AI is reshaping creative industries, with topics like deepfakes and creative rights. A highlight is the One Minute AI Film Festival Aotearoa, open to all, especially rangatahi. Read more… |
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| | | | P: +64 020 4188 9241 E: info@shesharp.org.nz www.shesharp.org.nz |
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