Thrive Women in Leadership Series: Women in Investment

20 May 2026

The Thrive women’s leadership event brought together senior leaders to explore the evolving role of capital in shaping long-term economic, organisational, and personal financial outcomes. The discussion examined how capital was flowing, how stewardship expectations were changing, and what effective strategic leadership looked like in an increasingly scrutinised investment environment.

Featuring Jo Townsend, Zoie Regan, and Lisa Connor, the conversation moved beyond markets and short-term performance to focus on judgement, responsibility, and influence in capital decision-making. The panel also explored wealth creation more broadly, including institutional investment and the personal choices women make around money, risk, and long-term financial security.

The session provided practical perspectives from leaders working across investment and wealth management, highlighting how thoughtful financial decisions and responsible stewardship could influence outcomes for organisations, communities, and individuals.

The Venue
Dentons, 18 Viaduct Harbour Avenue, 1142, Auckland

Event Speakers

Louisa Kraitzick
Partner - Corporate
Pead
Zoie Regan
Senior Investment Analyst
Fisher Funds
Jo Townsend
Chief Executive
NZ Super Fund
Lisa Connor
Executive Director Wealth Management Adviser
JBWere

Event Partners

Dentons

Dentons is a leading full-service law firm in New Zealand and part of one of the world’s largest global law firms. With offices in Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch, Dentons brings together more than 150 legal professionals and 50 support team members across New Zealand, supported by a global network spanning more than 80 countries and 160 locations. The firm advises businesses, government organisations and other institutions across a broad range of areas including corporate and commercial law, employment, technology, privacy and cybersecurity, regulatory matters, financial markets, infrastructure and public law. Its Wellington team includes specialists working closely with government and public sector organisations on complex regulatory, technology and organisational issues. Dentons combines international capability with local market knowledge, helping clients navigate legal, commercial and regulatory challenges while identifying practical solutions to support their strategic objectives

Pead

Pead is a New Zealand communications and public relations agency that works with organisations across corporate, consumer, technology, property, healthcare and government sectors. The agency provides strategic communications, media relations, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, content and brand support, helping clients communicate clearly and build trusted relationships with their audiences. Based in Auckland, Pead works with both New Zealand and international organisations, combining local market knowledge with integrated communications expertise.