The inaugural Keynote Award recipient, sponsored in 2018 by Mitre 10 Trade, was the inspiring Pip Buunk of Fulton Hogan.
Pip received the award for her groundbreaking role as New Zealand’s only registered female driller. She worked with Speechmarks public speaking coach Diana Thomson to refine her story and pump up her presenting skills.

Pip did an amazing job on the night sharing her inspiring story with the attendees and encouraging them to follow their hearts and pursue the career that's right for them, not what might traditionally have been expected of them.

Pip then joined the panel discussion that followed sharing the challenges and opportunities for women considering a trades career.

Pip loved being part of the event and has taken the coaching and experience she gained and run with it. She is now the Tradeswomen representative on the national Women in Trades Committee and has spoken on other panels about her experience as a tradeswomen.

If you would love to share your own story and beef up your public speaking skills then apply for our 2019 Keynote Award.

Read about Pip's inspiring journey in her own words here.