10 Women-Led Aotearoa Businesses To Back This International Women’s Day (And Every Day)
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
International Women’s Day (IWD) is on the horizon—8 March to be exact. This year’s theme is Give to Gain which encourages people and organisations to give women the support and opportunities needed to begin to counterbalance gender inequities.
As a women-founded and women-led publication, Urban List is proud to spotlight women and gender diverse humans who are doing spectacular things.
Here are ten female- or gender diverse-led businesses and initiatives based around Aoetearoa to support this International Women’s Day, and always.
Thea Matcha
Online
Image credit: Thea Matcha | Instagram
If you’re obsessed with matcha, you ought to thank Enna Ye and May Chen, the cousins who practically put matcha on the map in Aotearoa with Thea Matcha stockists up and down the motu, from Blackdrop and Parable House in Tamaki Makaurau to Pour and Twist in Wellington and Untouched World Kitchen in Christchurch. Fast forward and there are now a handful of players in the matcha supplier biz but Enna and May’s unique approach (think: stunning community activations, education and a matcha throwdown), keep Thea Matcha on top. Find Auckland’s best matcha here.
Layla Kaisi Collection
Shortland Street, Tāmaki Makaurau & Online
Image credit: Layla Kaisi Collection | Instagram
Iraqi New Zealander Layla Kaisi studied biological science and psychology thinking she was destined to work in a lab. But shortly after graduating in her early twenties, she instead founded luxury jewellery label, Layla Kaisi Collection, which has since adorned the likes of Cardi B, Minnie Driver, Radwa El Sherbiny, Aesha Scott, Selena Gomez, Christina Aguilera, and Jennifer Lopez. Layla offers limited edition edits alongside bespoke creations that blend personal narrative with precious stones and exquisite artistry.
Flo & Frankie
Various locations & Online
Image credit: Flo & Frankie | Website
Born in a bedroom and powered by pure girl-boss energy, Flo & Frankie began with founder Chrissy Conyngham’s one big idea: make clothes women actually feel amazing in. Inspired by her three daughters, Lucy, Bella and Ruby, Chrissy stocks elevated staples that don’t just sit pretty on a hanger but are shaped to real bodies, with every single style tested on women in the office.
From humble beginnings in 2013, the brand has now grown to more than 20 boutiques across Aotearoa and Australia. And, it’s backing women globally too, partnering with Tearfund to provide education and resources for women and children in rural Nepal—all the more reason to support the proudly female-founded biz.
Amuse Snack Bar
178 Willis Street, Pōneke
Image credit: Amuse Snack Bar | Instagram
Dreamed up and brought to life by Dori Raphael after travelling abroad, Amuse Snack Bar is open for your morning espresso right through to evening aperitivo. Between times you’ll find all manner of brunching, lunching and snacking fodder from sandwiches and snack plates, to sandwiches, cake and spritz and a welcoming, laid-back atmosphere.
Hi Mama Productions
Various locations
Director and wahine Māori Nicole Horan (Ngāti Maniapoto) created Hi Mama Productions in response to gender and indigenous inequities in the local film and television industry, as well as lack of support for working families. The team has since made countless tikanga Māori-informed docs, kids shows and lifestyle and scripted series, and in October 2025 Nicole was awarded the Te Tohu Aorangi overall Supreme Award at the Māori Women’s Development Inc. Māori Businesswomen’s Awards.
Melitta Skin
Online
Image credit: Melitta Skin | supplied
PSA: You’ve been sunblocking all wrong. If you’ve been guilty of forgetting to reapply sunscreen (and had to deal with the all-too-crispy consequences), you need to swap in GLOWGUARD by Melitta Skin. Co-founded by Melitta Adam, Jenny Jung and Isabel Klaja, Aotearoa’s first daily-wear SPF 50 with four-hour protection is lightweight, invisible and is easily applied using the (gorgeous) 1.25mL pipette which just so happens to be the perfect amount fo prep your face and neck for the sun.
Miss Diabetes
Online
Image credit: Janina Gaudin | supplied
Janina Gaudin a.k.a. Miss Diabetes transforms complex medical information into relatable, educational comics to support people living with Type 1 diabetes. As a self-employed illustrator, creative health communications specialist and the founder of Portmanteau Digital, Janina's 'graphic medicine' has been comissioned by the likes of the World Health Organisation, The University of Auckland, Brain Tumour Support NZ, and more.
Radiqal Movement
Various locations
Image credit: Radiqal Movement | supplied
The fitness industry isn’t exactly known for being inclusive but Lauren Hartridge (she/they) is setting out to change all that with Radiqal Movement. The registered charity has been offering body-liberating, queer-affirming personal training, group fitness classes and social events since November 2021. Check out their website for the current lineup or, if you’ve got a bit of cash to splash, donate here.
BO & KO
Online
Image credit: BO & KO | Instagram
When friends Dayna Slade and Amy Barratt became hapū, they began searching for baby products that reflected their Māori and Pasifika heritage. Finding nothing that hit the mark, they created BO & KO, a range of baby clothes and accessories steeped in culture. The duo has since added a homeware line to their offering and, in 2025, won the Te Whakatairanga & Tauhokohoko (Marketing & Sales) category for their mahi in the MWDI Māori Businesswomen’s Awards.
Healthy Hospo
Various locations
Image credit: Healthy Hospo | Instagram
People who work in hospo power the city with their energy, creating things that can never be manufactured like atmosphere and a sense of belonging. These people are why many of us love the cities we live in. But hospitality is a double-edged sword and often the industry takes a toll on hospo worker's physical and mental health. Lorietta Bahr brought Healthy Hospo to Aotearoa in 2020. The non-profit initiative, which is supported by Lion, focuses on improving the wellbeing of hospo workers through support, advocacy, education, and community events.
Forest
243 Dominion Road, Mt Eden, Tāmaki Makaurau
Image credit: Forest | Alex McVinnie
Plabita Florence and Kate Underwood haven’t just created a multi-award-winning vegetarian restaurant, they’ve created a whole other dimension. Forest is all the comfort of a home dining room with the intrigue and excitement of curious, colourful dishes. Alongside fan favourites like seaweed dusted fries with chili goop and their seasonal deep fried feijoa, you never quite know what to expect—a case in point: the restaurant is currently operating as a dessert and cocktail bar. And it’s an 11/10.
Want more? Check out:
- 13 More Women-Led NZ Businesses You Should Know About
- Auckland's Best Restaurants Worth Bookmarking
- Wellington's Best Restaurants To Hit This Year
Main image credit: BO & KO | Instagram (Your Home And Garden via BO & KO)