Why Networking Matters
Many job opportunities are never advertised. An estimated 30% of IT jobs in NZ are filled through referrals and networks. Networking helps you:- Learn about roles before they are listed publicly
- Get referrals and recommendations
- Build relationships with people in your industry
- Gain insights into companies and career paths
- Grow your confidence through practice
Your Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a brief introduction (30–60 seconds) that explains who you are and what you are looking for.Structure
- Who you are — Your name and a brief background
- What you do or are interested in — Your skills, experience, or career goals
- What you are looking for — The type of role or opportunity you want
- A conversation starter — A question or comment that invites further discussion
Example
“Hi, I’m Sarah. I’ve spent the last few years raising my family and I’m now looking to return to the workforce. I’m interested in administration and office support roles, and I’ve recently been upskilling in digital tools through the HER WAKA programme. I’d love to hear about how you got started in your career.”
Networking Strategies
- Start with who you know — Friends, family, former colleagues, and community contacts
- Attend events — Industry meetups, job fairs, and community events (like SheSharp workshops)
- Use LinkedIn — Connect with people you meet, join relevant groups, and engage with posts
- Volunteer — Volunteering can help you build skills and meet people in your field
- Be genuine — Focus on building real relationships, not just collecting contacts
Coffee Meetings: The Power of the Flat White
In New Zealand, “catching up for coffee” is the standard way professionals meet informally. In the tech industry especially, coffee meetings are how many people find jobs, mentors, and collaborators. This is not an interview — it is a 30–45 minute conversation between equals.How to Set One Up
- Find someone interesting — A professional whose career path inspires you, someone at a company you admire, or a contact from a meetup
- Reach out — Send a short, friendly LinkedIn message or email. Be specific about why you would like to meet and what you hope to learn
- Suggest a time and place — Offer to meet at a cafe near their workplace. Keep it to 30 minutes
- You buy the coffee — You asked for their time, so you pay
What to Talk About
Come with 3–5 thoughtful questions. Good topics include:- Their career path and how they got to where they are
- What they enjoy about their role and company
- Trends they see in the industry
- Advice for someone at your stage
What NOT to Do
- Do not ask “are you hiring?” or treat it as a job interview
- Do not bring a printed CV unless they specifically ask for one
- Do not overstay — respect the time you agreed on
Etiquette
- Dress in smart casual (clean, tidy, professional but not formal)
- Be on time
- Put your phone away
- Send a thank-you message the same day
- If they suggest connecting you with someone else, follow up promptly and mention their name
Physical Tech Hubs & Events
Innovation Spaces
GridAKL
Auckland’s tech and innovation hub in Wynyard Quarter. Hosts regular events including the Migrants in Tech meetup — a welcoming space specifically for newcomers to NZ’s tech scene.
B:HIVE
Award-winning co-working space in Takapuna (Auckland’s North Shore). Home to 130+ companies with regular community events and Friday networking sessions.
Key Events
| Event | What It Is | When |
|---|---|---|
| Techweek | NZ’s national technology festival — hundreds of free events across the country | May 18–24, 2026 |
| Migrants in Tech | Regular meetup at GridAKL for newcomers to NZ tech. Pizza, talks, and networking | Throughout the year |
| Government Innovation Week | Public sector tech showcase — useful if you are interested in government IT roles | 2026 |
Techweek 2026 celebrates its 10th anniversary. Volunteering at a Techweek event is an excellent way to meet people across the industry while contributing to the community.
Regular Meetups
Find your community on Meetup.com. Here are some active Auckland groups:| Meetup | Focus |
|---|---|
| GDG Auckland | Google technologies, Android, Flutter, Gemini AI |
| Auckland Data Engineering | Data pipelines, analytics, data architecture |
| IT Social Events Auckland | Casual after-work networking for IT professionals |
| DataEngBytes | Annual data engineering conference |
Following Up
After meeting someone:- Connect on LinkedIn within 24 hours with a personalised message
- Reference your conversation — Mention something specific you discussed
- Stay in touch — Share articles, congratulate them on achievements, or check in periodically
- Be patient — Relationships take time to develop
Online Tech Communities
Looking for online spaces to connect with others in tech? See our Tech Communities page for Slack workspaces, Discord servers, forums, and communities for women in tech.The SheSharp Community
As a HER WAKA participant, you are part of the SheSharp community. This gives you access to:- Ongoing events — Workshops, networking sessions, and community gatherings
- Online community — Connect with other women in tech and career changers
- Mentorship opportunities — Learn from experienced professionals
- Job leads and referrals — Members often share opportunities within the network