Celebrating International Women’s Day 2026

For International Women’s Day 2026 celebrated this month the theme is ‘Give to Gain’ which encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. We are proud to spotlight a leader whose journey reflects embracing opportunity.

“My plan was simple – learn the business from the ground up and see where it could lead” reflects Kristy Leader, Nelson and Blenheim Branch Manager of NZ Van Lines.

From starting in a part‑time admin role to becoming Branch Manager, her career path shows what is possible when curiosity, resilience, and a supportive team come together. 

Tell us about your career path and what led you to take on your current role at NZ Van Lines?

Before joining NZ Van Lines, I spent a number of years working in sales and marketing roles. After a while, I was ready for a change and wanted to find a role where I could grow with a company long term.

Nearly seven years ago I joined NZ Van Lines in a part-time administration role. My plan was simple – learn the business from the ground up and see where it could lead. Over time opportunities opened up and I moved into regional sales, then to an external sales role covering Nelson and Blenheim, before eventually stepping into my current role as Branch Manager.

Starting in admin gave me a solid understanding of how the business operates. It meant that when new opportunities came along, I already had a good appreciation of the operational side as well as the customer experience.

Even now, I still feel like I’m learning something new every day, which is one of the things I enjoy most about the role. I’m fortunate to work alongside a supportive team who are willing to share their knowledge and work together to get the best outcome for our customers.

What achievements or milestones have been most significant in shaping your journey?

A significant milestone for me was stepping into branch management and taking responsibility for not only operational performance but also the culture and development of a team. Leading a branch requires balancing customer expectations, operational logistics, and team leadership all at once.

Another key achievement has been building strong teams that take pride in the service they provide. In the moving industry, success often comes down to teamwork and communication, so seeing a team work together to deliver great outcomes for customers is incredibly rewarding.

Which leadership principles guide your approach to managing teams and driving business outcomes?

Communication is probably the biggest one for me. Making sure everyone is on the same page and feels comfortable raising issues or ideas makes a huge difference in how smoothly things run.

I also believe in giving people the opportunity to learn and grow and learn, that’s how most of us develop in our careers. At the end of the day, a strong team culture where people feel supported and respected tends to lead to the best outcomes for both the business and our customers.

Share a decision you led that improved the business or customer experience.

One of the most important things in our industry is communication and coordination, especially because moving can be such a stressful time for individuals and families moving house.

A big focus for me as Branch Manager has been making sure our internal communication is strong between operations, sales, and the crews. When everyone has the right information and works together well, it makes the process much smoother for the customer.

When you see a complex move come together successfully and know the customer feels supported through the process, that’s when you really see the impact of good teamwork.

Who have been your key mentors and how have they influenced your leadership style?

I’ve been very fortunate to have some great mentors throughout my time at NZ Van Lines.

Tofi, who originally hired me into the admin role nearly seven years ago, has had a big influence on my career. He gave me the opportunity to grow within the business and trusted me to step into new roles as they came up. One of the biggest things I learned from him was the value of letting people learn through experience, even if that sometimes means making mistakes along the way.

Jo was also instrumental in helping train me early on and is still one of my go-to people whenever I need advice or support.

Nathan has also been a huge help, particularly when it comes to understanding the numbers and financial side of the business, which has been really important as I’ve moved into branch management.

Each of them has supported my development in different ways, and I’ve taken a lot of those lessons into how I approach leadership with my own team.

What does International Women’s Day represent for you, and how do you see its relevance within the industry today?

For me, International Women’s Day is about recognising the progress women have made across all industries while also encouraging more women to step into roles they might not traditionally have considered.

Industries like moving and logistics have historically had fewer women in leadership positions, so it’s great to see that gradually changing. Representation matters, and when people see others succeeding in these roles, it helps open the door for more diversity in the future.

What guidance would you offer to women considering a career in the moving industry?

There are so many different roles within the industry, from operations and logistics through to sales, management, and customer experience.

If you’re willing to learn, work hard, and get involved, there are plenty of opportunities to grow. Starting in one area can often open doors into others, which is exactly how my own journey progressed.

Any finishing thoughts?

One of the things I enjoy most about this industry is that no two days are the same. Every move represents someone starting a new chapter in their life, and it’s rewarding to know we play a role in helping make that transition easier.

Be willing to step outside your comfort zone – that’s usually where the best opportunities are.

Kristy’s experience shows how strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to grow can make a real difference in both customer outcomes and personal development. Her journey reflects the spirit of Give to Gain and highlights how stepping into new challenges can lead to meaningful opportunities and rewarding work.