INFINZ Initiatives

In 2024, INFINZ released a landmark DEI report focused on two key areas: advancing women into senior leadership roles and increasing engagement with Māori in our industry.

These priorities remain central to our mission - to empower a more prosperous, inclusive, and sustainable Aotearoa New Zealand by improving the capability and effectiveness of the finance ecosystem and our members within it.

Free memberships plus a chance to win 1 of 3 Powrsuit memberships

INFINZ is proud to launch the Parental Leave Return-to-Work Initiative - a new campaign designed to keep professionals in finance connected during parental leave.

The initiative offers complimentary INFINZ membership and access to networking events for either current or previous INFINZ members (within the last 6 years) caring for children under five while working less than 15 hours a week in paid employment or contracting. The goal is to maintain engagement with the industry, nurture confidence, and smooth the transition back into the workforce.

To celebrate the launch, three complimentary Powrsuit memberships (valued at $500 each) will be offered as prizes to encourage participation. Powrsuit is a career accelerator for women at every stage.

By helping parents stay connected, INFINZ continues to strengthen diversity and inclusion within New Zealand’s financial community.

Click the button below for more information, plus how to apply and how your organisation can support.

Submissions are sought by the close of business on 11 February 2026 for Foundation North “Te Tohu Kahukura” the Māori Leadership in Finance Award, a category of the annual INFINZ Awards.

Kahukura comes from a Māori whakatauki – “Mā te kahukura, ka rere te manu”
This saying means “adorn the bird with feathers, so that it may fly” The kahukura are the feathers.
It is used to describe those who have achieved great things (the feathers are the great things).
And because of that, they are flying.

The purpose is to acknowledge, honour and celebrate the achievements of Māori leaders from within the financial services ecosystem in New Zealand.

This individual Māori finance professional will have contributed to the successful economic development of Māori and the wider community.

The financial services ecosystem of professionals includes those working in banks, financial services firms, legal and accounting professional firms, regulators, academics, fund managers, those entities providing services such as the stock exchange, registries and all those working in finance-related roles (such as CFO, CIO, treasurer) within entities such as iwi, trusts, listed and private businesses. Directors and consultants to organisations outlined above are part of the ecosystem.

First Foundation helps high-potential young Kiwis from lower-income backgrounds access the education, mentoring, and professional networks they need to succeed. Through financial scholarships, one-to-one mentoring, and early exposure to the world of work, they create pathways that would otherwise be out of reach. As part of our commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion, and opportunity across Aotearoa’s finance community, INFINZ is proud to support two students through the university journey.