Whangarei Business Womens' Network - April 2026

Learnings from the Icehouse Owner Management Programme

Guest speaker: Lisa Halvorson - WorkReadyNZ & Workspace

Are you busy? Or are you 'business-ey'?

From an idea on a serviette to celebrating 10 years in business last year, Lisa Halvorson certainly knows how to shoot for the moon and leap into biz with trust and confidence. In 2025 Lisa wanted a challenge and found the Icehouse Owner Management Programme might be the stretch she wanted. One of five female owners on the year-long programme, she graduated in December 2025 and has been methodically applying her knowledge into her various businesses, WorkReadyNZ, Ara Whakamaua, E2E, Well Work and Workspace. Whew! That's a lot of business growth in 10 years Lisa!!

We're delighted she's returning to our event calendar this year to share not just the 'what' of her Icehouse journey, but some of the 'how-to's' so you can benefit your business and community.

From selling up everything in 2014, including her husband's beloved Commodore, Lisa has invested in a values based way into her vision, creating a business entity to support her family. She created Workspace, Whangarei's very first co-working space and WorkReadyNZ followed closely behind along with Ara Whakamaua, E2E and Well Work. She has a huge heart for her blended family and her work family, and every choice she makes is rooted firmly in her values, one of which is family first. She's a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and Nana and fills herself up by strapping on a backpack and hiking boots and getting 'off-line' and out into one of our glorious bush walks or by travelling south to visit her grandies.

Join us and guest speaker Lisa Halvorson this month, where you will come away with: • A structure for getting into the 'flow' state easily to generate creativity; • An understanding of the 'levers' in your business which when pulled, can accelerate your leverage; • Ways to get intentional around choosing what you want, as well as a reality check around your choosing process; • Ways to think big with an eye on the future.

Join us for kai, kōrero, connection and a presentation from one of our local women in business who doesn't like fanfare, and yet is the generator of work opportunities for thousands in Te Tai Tokerau. You'll want to register early for this one ...

Remember: There are no credits offered for this event. You may send a substitute in your place if you’re unable to attend—simply email details of your substitute person through as soon as possible before the event. If you need to cancel you may request a refund only if it’s before our event close off time (5pm on the Thursday before the event). You must email Eventfinda directly at support@eventfinda.co.nz to submit your request. Eventfinda will email Barbara to seek approval, and they will arrange to credit your ticket fee back to you.