Robinson bags top honour
Helping improve the cooking habits of many Kiwis has earned My Food Bag founder Cecilia Robinson top honours in the 2017 Women of Influence Awards.
Robinson, who also won the business enterprise category, was named the supreme winner at a gala dinner held in Auckland yesterday. The awards are backed by Westpac and Fairfax Media.
‘‘It is not only a great business idea – it has also had a wider influence on family life,’’ Westpac chief executive David McLean said. ‘‘My Food Bag has meant less time planning meals and shopping in supermarkets, and more invaluable time spent with loved ones.’’
Robinson created the meal kit delivery service in 2013 with her husband James Robinson, chef Nadia Lim and businesswoman Theresa Gattung.
It now has more than 50,000 customers, as well as 120 employees and projected revenues of more than $135 million a year.
Former prime minister and United Nations development programme administrator Helen Clark received a Lifetime Achievement award.
Clark spoke at the Women of Influence forum earlier yesterday, telling the audience about running for secretary-general of the UN, the gender bias and sexism she experienced and her legacy.
Fairfax chief executive Sinead Boucher said that what was remarkable about the finalists was the breadth of talent across so many categories.
‘‘There was someone to inspire in every field, whether it was law or conservation or finance or broadcasting. These are some of the smartest and savviest women in New Zealand, with their success exemplified by the exceptional work of Cecilia Robinson and her team.’’
Arts and culture: Denise L’Estrange-Corbet, co-founder of fashion label World.
Board and management: Anne-Maree O’Connor, head of responsible investment for the NZ Superannuation Fund.
Community and not for profit: Lisa King, creator of Eat My Lunch, which has provided around 450,000 healthy lunches to children in low-decile schools over the past two years.
Diversity: Minnie Baragwanath, founder of Be. Accessible, a social change agency shifting how Kiwis value accessibility.
Global: Sian Simpson, director of community at Kiwi Landing Pad, helping take New Zealand technology to the world.
Innovation and science: Hinemoa Elder, leader of Ma ori strategy at the Centre of Research Excellence for the Ageing Brain.
Public policy: Rebecca Kitteridge, director of security at the Security Intelligence Service.
Rural: Nicola Shadbolt, professor of farm and agribusiness management at Massey University.
Young leader: Sharnay Cocup, founder of the Taupiri Youth Group Trust.