through the challenging and controversial first MMP Parliament and through the demands of the Asian economic crisis, returning New Zealand to impressive economic growth of 4%+ which laid the ground work for New Zealand's strong subsequent economic performance.

As PM she was the first woman to chair the highly successful APEC in New Zealand in 1999, advancing the free trade agenda, promoting economic cooperation, forging new tourism agreements and advancing positive regional relationships while also actively promoting New Zealand's export and tourism sectors.

Mrs Shipley had many high profile reforming roles during her political career. As Women's Minister, Health Minister and Social Welfare Minister she oversaw reform on the human rights area which eliminated discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation, disability, age, and health status. Mrs Shipley is passionate about leadership, best management practice, entrepreneurial endeavor and the merits of competition and markets. She brought these interests to bear by leading major change in the State Sector. The restructuring of Departments and Ministries, the introduction of public private partnerships in welfare and health delivery, the down sizing of the public sector, and the introduction of performance pay and performance contracts were all areas in which she made a major impact.

Having gone into parliament at 35 years old, she retired from politics after 15 active years, determined to build a challenging and rewarding new career. Mrs Shipley now uses her experience and relationships worldwide as she runs her own Consultancy Company, is a Director of a number of companies, and speaks at different events around the world. Mrs Shipley is also a Director and Chair of the Board of Mainzeal Property and Construction Ltd.