2 | Friday, July 3, 2026 | www.times.co.nz
Five habits of successful women in business Success in business doesn’t happen overnight. Behind every thriving business is a combination of passion, consistency, and a willingness to keep learning. Whether you’re running a growing company, managing a side hustle, or dreaming of taking the next step in your career, developing the right habits can make all the difference.
1. Build strong relationships Business is built on people. Taking the time to genuinely connect with clients, suppliers, and your local community creates trust, referrals, and long-term opportunities. Networking isn’t just about selling – it’s about building meaningful relationships.
2. Embrace technology The right tools can save valuable time and improve productivity. Cloud-based accounting software, online booking
systems, social media scheduling platforms, and AI-powered assistants can help streamline everyday tasks, giving you more time to focus on growing your business.
3. Keep learning Markets, technology, and customer expectations are constantly evolving. Successful businesswomen invest in themselves by attending workshops, listening to podcasts, reading industry news, or joining local business groups. Even learning one new skill each month can have a significant impact over time.
4. Look after your well-being Running a business can be demanding, but burnout benefits no one. Prioritising sleep, exercise, healthy eating, and taking regular breaks helps maintain energy, creativity, and clear decision-making. Look-
ing after yourself is one of the best investments you can make in your business.
5. Celebrate progress It’s easy to focus on what’s next, but recognising how far you’ve come is just as important. Every new client, completed project, or milestone is worth celebrating. Success isn’t always measured by huge achievements – often it’s the small wins that build lasting businesses. Women continue to shape industries, strengthen communities, and inspire future generations of entrepreneurs. By investing in relationships, embracing innovation, committing to lifelong learning, and maintaining balance, every business owner can continue to grow with confidence. No matter where you are in your business journey, remember that progress is built one step at a time, and every step forward is one worth celebrating.
ZARA KOTWAL Solicitor, Sutcliffe Matson Law Ph 09 279 8351 ext 206 | Email zara@smlaw.net.nz www.sutcliffematsonlaw.net.nz Zara supports clients through what is often one of the most difficult periods of their lives, providing clear, practical advice to help them understand their rights and navigate the legal process with confidence. One of the most common misconceptions Zara encounters is that if an asset is in your name, it belongs to you if a relationship ends. Under NZ’s relationship property laws, most assets acquired during a relationship, including the family home, savings, investments, and KiwiSaver contributions, may be considered relationship property regardless of whose name they are in. It’s important for people to understand the difference between relationship property and separate property, as this distinction can significantly affect entitlements. In most cases, a contracting out agreement can be used to clearly record how assets will be treated and help safeguard what each person brings into or acquires during a relationship – a key way to protect both parties. Zara’s focus is on making what can be an overwhelming process feel more manageable by providing practical guidance, answering difficult questions, and helping clients make informed decisions at every stage.
ANNELIES ANDERSON Travel Specialist, Travel Culture Ph 021 103 2107 Email annelies@travelculture.co.nz www.travelculture.co.nz For Annelies, a career in travel was always meant to be. Her passion began in tourism and geography classes at Pakuranga College, before studying at travel school and heading to the USA with Camp America. Travelling across the United States, from the energy of New York City and the awe of Niagara Falls to the bright lights of Las Vegas and the magic of Disneyland, confirmed that helping others experience the world was her calling. Over the past 20 years, Annelies has built a diverse career across the travel industry, creating luxury New Zealand itineraries for international visitors, working for an Australian travel wholesaler in Brisbane, and gaining valuable experience in corporate travel. After a three-month journey around the world with her husband, she returned home to work in the fast-paced world of corporate travel before establishing her own travel business four years ago and joining Travel Culture. Today, Annelies combines first-hand travel experience with extensive industry knowledge to create personalised holidays that inspire adventure, meaningful cultural connections and unforgettable memories, whether that’s an African safari, a Vietnamese adventure or a tropical island escape.
JULIET TE TUCKEY
CLAIRE ENDEAN
THERESA BOSCH
NICOLA KOCK
Cheif Executive, HBH Group Ph 09 538 0800 | Email enquiries@hbh.org.nz www.hbh.org.nz
Director, Dawsons Lawyers Ph 09 272 0319 | Email claire@dawsonslawyers.co.nz www.dawsonslawyers.co.nz
Director – Owner, Kip McGrath Tutoring Howick Ph 027 271 1013 | Email howick@kipmcgrath.co.nz www.kipmcgrath.co.nz/howick | kipmcgrathhowick
Owner, Stonewood Homes Ph 021 222 2668 | Email nicola.kock@stonewood.co.nz www.stonewood.co.nz
At HBH Group, leadership starts with a shared purpose: to help older people age well and live fully, with dignity, choice and connection. As chief executive, Juliette Tuckey sees her role as helping people contribute their strengths. She places emphasis on capable leaders, staff support, and a culture of trust, so teams can provide care that reflects each person’s needs and aspirations.
Hi, I’m Claire, the director of Dawsons Lawyers. Most people only see a lawyer a handful of times in their life, and it’s usually at a big moment. Buying a home, writing a will, losing someone. After nearly 20 years in practice, I still think it’s a privilege to be the person people call at those times. Outside of work, I’m mum to a young family, and like most east Auckland families, we spend our weekends outdoors and on the water.
As the owner of Kip McGrath Tutoring in Howick, I am passionate about helping children build confidence, develop essential learning skills, and achieve their academic potential. With a background in senior leadership roles at some of New Zealand’s leading schools, I understand that every child learns differently and deserves support tailored to their individual needs. At Kip McGrath Howick, we provide personalised tutoring in the sciences, maths, reading, English, and comprehension for students from primary through to secondary school.
Reflecting on the past decade in the industry, the greatest lesson I’ve learned is that empathy and resilience go hand in hand. Navigating the construction world as a woman has taught me that true leadership isn’t about being the loudest voice; it’s about listening closely and finding collaborative solutions.
HBH’s Eden Alternative philosophy shapes this approach. This internationally recognised model puts relationships, purpose, and choice at the centre of ageing. It also challenges ideas about ageism and ableism, encouraging us to reflect on a simple question: does each person still feel valued, connected and able to live a meaningful life? As one of east Auckland’s largest not-for-profit aged care organisations, HBH supports older people through homes, care, community services and advocacy. Juliette believes the organisation’s future depends on collaboration with residents, families, staff, volunteers, and the wider community. “The greatest measure of success is not the buildings we create. It is the lives we help people continue to live.”
Something I hear a lot is that people put off seeing a lawyer because they think it will be complicated or expensive. So, wherever we can, we give you clear pricing upfront, so there are no surprises. We talk to you like a normal person, because you shouldn’t need a law degree to understand your own affairs. Our team helps with buying and selling property, wills and enduring powers of attorney, trusts, estates, relationship property agreements, and business law. If your will is a few years old, or sorting your affairs has been sitting on the to-do list for a while, give me a call. It’s usually easier than people expect.
This year, I was honoured to be recognised at the Kip McGrath 50th Anniversary Conference in Sydney, receiving awards for delivering the highest number of lessons for a single-unit operator centre in New Zealand and for more than 10 years of service. I was also nominated for Franchisee of the Year and invited to participate in the inaugural Leaders in Learning Programme. These achievements reflect the dedication of our students, families, tutors, and the wider community. My mission remains simple: empowering local young people with the skills and confidence they need to succeed at school and beyond.
Every challenge we face at Stonewood Homes reinforces my belief that diverse perspectives build stronger foundations. Whether I’m managing timelines or guiding a family through their design choices, I lean into the unique strengths we bring to the table. For me, success is seeing a family step into their new home, knowing that our dedication made it all possible. I also want to encourage any woman considering a career in construction to back yourself. The industry needs your perspective, your empathy, and your drive. Over the years I’ve seen how a woman’s touch transforms not just the design of a home, but the entire experience of building one. Don’t be afraid to take up space — your voice matters.