WellingtonNZ: backing young women to influence the future

If you’ve ever thought, “STEMM sounds cool, but is it really for me?” - WellingtonNZ is here to say a loud yes.

WellingtonNZ is the region’s economic development agency. It is our job to grow prosperity, vibrancy, and wellbeing across the Wellington region. Everything we do is aimed at making Wellington an exceptional place to live, visit, study, work, do business, and invest in.

With its workforce development hat on, WellingtonNZ has been supporting Innovative Young Minds (IYM) since the programme began in 2017, and it’s not slowing down. Their reason is pretty simple: they want young women across the greater Wellington region to have real chances to explore science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine, not just read about them in a textbook.

“IYM is exactly the kind of space where young women can see what’s possible,” says Anita Ravji, WellingtonNZ’s Workforce Development Specialist. “When you’re surrounded by people who are curious and passionate, it helps you realise you belong in these worlds too. We want every student to feel that spark.”

WellingtonNZ’s support for IYM isn’t just about funding, it’s part of the region's long-term Regional Economic Development Plan to grow a diverse, future-ready workforce for the region. Wellington already has the largest research, science and innovation workforce in New Zealand, and programmes like IYM help young people see how they can be part of it.

“STEMM skills open doors,” Anita says. “By helping students explore these areas earlier, we’re building clear pathways from school into future careers that matter for Wellington’s economy.”

Anita Ravji, WellingtonNZ’s Workforce Development Specialist.

IYM’s six-day residential programme, and its online course, line up perfectly with that mission. It brings together researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs who are doing amazing things right now in STEMM. The point isn’t just to learn cool stuff (although you totally do), it’s to meet people who look like you working in exciting careers, and to imagine yourself there too.

For WellingtonNZ, the impact is regional as well as personal. IYM connects students, businesses and STEMM organisations in one space, creating a spark that continues long after the programme week ends.

“When young women go on to study or work in STEMM, they make our region stronger,” Anita says. “A more diverse talent pool drives innovation, and that helps build a more vibrant, resilient Wellington region.”

WellingtonNZ has funded annual scholarships, helping more young women take part in IYM, no matter their background.

So, if you’re an IYM student or alumna wondering where this path could lead: WellingtonNZ is cheering you on, and they can’t wait to see what you do next.