Accelerating Action Together
Holcim New Zealand celebrates International Women’s Day
We are proud to spotlight two women in our business who are driving change in their own space: Vicky Wright, Ashby’s Ready Mixed Regional Administrator in Ōtautahi Christchurch, and Claire Ziegler, Senior Lab Technician in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
The Holcim Spirit—Purpose, People, and Performance—guides us in everything we do. Our success is built on the strength of our people, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce helps us grow, innovate, and thrive. Embracing different perspectives and experiences enables us to drive positive change—both within our business and in the communities we serve.
Vicky Wright
Driving Progress through Transformation and Collaboration
Holcim’s New Era of Growth is powered by the people who take action, embrace challenges, and drive meaningful change. One of those leaders is Vicky Wright, Ashby’s Ready Mixed Regional Administrator in the South Island, whose commitment to progress is helping shape the future of our industry.
Since joining Holcim in our ready mixed concrete business Ashby’s in September 2020, Vicky has gone beyond simply adapting to change—she has proactively transformed processes to enhance efficiency and team collaboration.
Vicky highlights the collaborative mindset that fuels success. Her dedication to learning and teamwork reflects Holcim’s belief that real progress happens when we take initiative together.
“We are developing a great team who are willing to share their learnings and help each other out.”
Outside of work, Vicky brings the same passion and creativity to her personal interests—whether it’s cross-stitching, diamond dot art, or gardening, she values balance, growth, and continuous learning. As we accelerate forward, we know that our New Era of Growth is only possible when we create an inclusive environment where women like Vicky can lead and thrive.
Claire Ziegler
Continuous Learning and Career Development
At Holcim, we’re entering a New Era of Growth, driven by innovation, sustainability, and the incredible people who make progress happen. We’re proud to spotlight Claire Ziegler, Senior Lab Technician at our Auckland Cement Laboratory, whose journey is a testament to continuous learning and action.
Claire’s career has been built on proactive development—from starting as an aggregates lab technician at the Bombay Quarry to expanding her expertise across multiple labs before stepping into her current role. Her dedication to quality, safety, and data-driven solutions plays a key part in shaping the future of our materials and processes.
Beyond her technical expertise, Claire’s passion for sports, travel, and literature reflects her well-rounded approach to life. She recently returned from Melbourne, where she attended the Women’s Ashes test—a perfect example of how she embraces new experiences.
“I love having a hands-on role where I can see my contributions. We make (and break!) concrete regularly, using data to support our team and customers. It’s fascinating to have such a variety of tasks, and I appreciate Holcim’s strong focus on safety and quality.”
As we continue to grow and innovate, we recognise that our strength lies in empowering people like Claire—those who take action, embrace change, and contribute to a more sustainable and inclusive future.
From History to Action
The first official International Women’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on 19 March 1911 in Austria, Denmark, Germany, and Switzerland, with over a million people attending rallies advocating for women’s rights, including suffrage and equal work conditions. Aotearoa New Zealand holds a special place in women’s rights history, being the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in 1893, thanks to the efforts of suffragist Kate Sheppard.
IWD is now celebrated worldwide as a day to recognise women’s achievements, advocate for gender equality, and highlight ongoing struggles. Each year, the United Nations and organisations worldwide set themes to focus on pressing issues, such as equal pay, women's leadership, and ending gender-based violence.
IWD 2025 is observed on March 8, with the campaign theme “Accelerate Action”. In alignment with this, the United Nations has designated the 2025 IWD theme as “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”
