Engineering New Zealand Te Ao Rangahau and the New Zealand Association for Women in the Sciences will launch the three-day 19th International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists (ICWES19) on Sunday 3 September.

Engineering New Zealand General Manager Tania Williams FEngNZ says, “It’s crucial that women can see themselves represented in, and leading, engineering and the sciences. That’s why I’m really proud we’re able to co-host this event and the significance of doing so is huge – it’s the first time ICWES has been held in Aotearoa.”

The core conference includes 28 speakers, five keynote sessions, and workshop sessions.

Williams says there are many ways to get involved “no matter where you are in the country or what piques your interest – and many of these options are very affordable.”

Individuals and groups can participate remotely, and education providers and non-for-profit organisations can access sessions for affordable ‘group watch’ events.

A STEM Diversity session will be perfect for senior leaders and champions looking to advance diversity and equity in their organisations. A ‘Shaping Space’ breakfast will provide senior secondary students with the chance to hear from a panel including a rocket scientist, space lawyer, astrophysicist and Māori astronomer about the different ways STEM is advancing our understanding and exploration of space.

“I’m looking forward to welcoming engineers and scientists from all over the world to ICWES19, and I urge all engineers to get involved in this terrific event,” says Williams.

Find out more or register for ICWES19

Notes to reporters

  • ICWES19 will be held at the Aotea Centre, Auckland, from Sunday 3 – Wednesday 6 September 2023.
  • ICWES is the flagship triennial conference of the International Network of Women Engineers and Scientists (INWES). ICWES19 is being hosted by the New Zealand Association for Women in the Sciences (AWIS) and Engineering New Zealand.
  • ICWES19 is grateful for support from its sponsors – Stantec, the University of Auckland, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, NIWA, Plant & Food Research, Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research, Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, and Te Pūnaha Matatini.
  • Engineering New Zealand is New Zealand's professional body for engineers, with some 22,000 members. We represent – and regulate – our members. We also act as the Registration Authority for Chartered Professional Engineers.
  • For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Lachlan McKenzie on 021 479 885.