We’re accelerating equality this international women’s day

This International Women’s Day we’re reflecting on this year’s theme, Accelerate Action, which is about collectively forging a more inclusive world for women. We sat down and spoke with our Head of People and Culture, Kate Weaver, and the many people that make up HG about how we focus on gender equality and parity in our sector.

“Although we punch above our weight when it comes to women in leadership roles and closing our gender pay equity gap, we know that within the professional consulting sector gender parity remains a challenge,’’ says Kate.

‘’At HG, we’re particularly proud of having a zero percent pay equity gap, a goal to reach 40:40:20 women in leadership roles by 2027, as well as being a founding member of The Diversity Agenda Accord.

‘’And the proof is in the pudding. Team members across HG are singing our praises for the support shown to them and the women in their lives.’’

Senior engineer, Loren King, says she ‘’feels lucky HG has great flexible working arrangements that have helped me be my best at work and at home for my family.’’

Our principal of Three Waters, Marissa Treacher, says ‘’ I really appreciate seeing women in leadership roles, being heard, and creating a culture shift in the office. This culture shift is not tangible, but it’s something that shouldn’t be taken for granted. As a woman in engineering, I’ve experienced workplaces where you don’t have a critical mass of women in leadership roles, and they’re not environments that I enjoy being a part of. My team leader is a woman who chooses to have a shortened workweek and is a great role model for having a flexible schedule without it negatively impacting career progression.’’

Auckland survey manager, Dan O’Neil says he feels blessed and grateful to work for a firm that actively promotes, supports and champions women's rights.

‘’I can't imagine working in an environment where women are not as valued as their male counterparts, and it blows my mind that 'pay disparity' is still a thing in the workplace (other workplaces that is). I'm super proud to work for a firm that truly and honestly has worked at smashing any vestige of the patriarchy to the kerb. HG gives me the freedom to care for my family and kids and allows space for my wife to in turn have time to focus on her career too. It can't be overstated, the reach and impact the flexible and 'high trust' working environment has on my family. My wife is grateful to be able to share the load and I can't imagine being locked into a rigid 8 - 5 situation. It just would not work. My first mentor at Harrison Grierson (nearly 30 years ago!) was a woman - Cynthia, one of the best humans and surveyors I have had the pleasure of working with. She taught me more than just surveying techniques and procedures. We would talk and discuss our lives and experiences, and she helped mould me in a very positive way and showed me that a woman has no less ability than any man out there and that the struggle was real. She was and still is an inspiration to me and no doubt all the other men and women she now works with.’’

And our Team Leader of Land Development, Walter Smith, says ‘’ I’m incredibly proud to work for a company like HG that is committed to achieving a 0% pay equity gap. As a father of two girls, it brings me great joy to see society moving toward a future where women are paid what they’re truly worth. It's wonderful to see and experience the positive impact that equality brings into our homes, where our partners not only contribute financially but also feel valued for their efforts.’’

Accelerating equality is an ‘’all round no-brainer’’ according to Kate.

‘’Our business is all about people and about creating sustainable and resilient communities for the future.

‘’This encompasses gender equality and reflects our clients, our communities, and our people at HG. I’m privileged to work in an organisation that does far more than pay lip service to equality, and I’m looking forward to the day when this is the norm within our industry.” 

International Women’s Day is on Saturday, 8 March 2025.