Gemma McCaw Hopes To Reduce Barriers For Women With New Partnership
From camping trips as a child to adventure racing through rugged terrain and spearheading her Ladies Who Venture group, Kiwi icon Gemma McCaw has always been deeply connected to the outdoors.
Gemma's journey is one of inspiration—a Black Sticks Olympian, a strong advocate for women's wellbeing, and now, a champion for empowering women to adventure outdoors and embrace the positive impact spending time in nature has on our lives.
That's why when New Zealand's most iconic outdoor brand, Kathmandu, reached out to Gemma to join forces, it was an easy yes.
'My goal is to break down barriers that prevent women from experiencing and embracing the outdoors,' Gemma says.
The mother of three knows first-hand how the right gear can help women to feel confident and empowered.
"As women, we're all at different ages and stages. I want outdoor experiences to be accessible to everyone, whatever is going on their lives. Whether it's your first hike or a multi-day trek, the key is feeling confident and comfortable."
Kathmandu and Gemma have a shared vision to inspire women to connect with the outdoors, embrace exploration, and overcome barriers that have held them back.
Kathmandu Chief Executive Megan Welch says partnering with Gemma felt natural.
"At Kathmandu, everything we do is purpose-led. We are in the business of improving the wellbeing of the world through the outdoors and clearly, so is Gemma, who is doing so much to help more women get outdoors. She embodies the values we champion: authenticity, courageousness, community, and the belief that getting out there changes our lives for the better.'
During the three-year partnership, Gemma will be actively involved in the design phase of Kathmandu's Outdoor Active range.
Gemma will get out there and test the products herself, provide practical advice, and give honest feedback to ensure the gear meets the needs of women outdoors.
"Getting outdoors looks different for everyone. It's all about pushing your own boundaries and embracing the challenge to take that first step into nature," Gemma says.
'Kathmandu's commitment to using responsible materials is so important to me, and I'm proud to be part of this. With their innovative designs, I can't wait to help shape gear that makes a difference to how women feel,' Gemma says.
Having led Ladies Who Venture, a group that guides women to tackle New Zealand's Great Walks in a single day, Gemma understands the importance of building confidence through education and practical advice.
Kathmandu's General Manager of Product Karinda Robinson says she is really looking forward to working with Gemma.
'We'll have Gemma working alongside us during the design process of the Outdoor Active range. While all Kathmandu product is made for performance, our goal is to design gear that supports women in all forms of outdoor adventure, both casual and technical.
'Every garment is robustly tested for quality, a standard practice for Kathmandu gear. We use some of the most sustainable materials available and we do not compromise on performance. Having Gemma directly involved in this will be invaluable, as we work to support more women getting out there.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NZ Autocar
3 hours ago
- NZ Autocar
Terron 9 Elite arrives and LDV is taking preorders
The LDV Terron 9 has dotted down in New Zealand in Elite specification and pricing kicks off at $59,990 plus on roads. Powering LDV's new full-sized ute is a 2.5L turbodiesel engine producing 164kW power and 520Nm torque. It has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg. The 4WD workhorse comes with multiple terrain modes, and off-road expert information, including altitude, compass, wading sensor and approach angle. It also has an 1100kg payload, and a spray-on tray liner with four fixed tie-down points as standard. Inside are cloth seat covers, a six-way powered driver's seat, and a four-way manual adjustable passenger seat. Other features include a keyless entry and start, a surround camera, DRLs and LED headlights, dual 12.3-inch screens, and wireless phone hook up. Safety items include auto headlights and auto high beam assist, lane keeping, traffic sign recognition and blind spot monitoring. Kym Mellow, GM of Inchcape New Zealand which handles LDV product, introduced the model and announced pricing at Hamilton's Fieldays event. 'This Terron 9 ute is the ultimate reinforcement of LDV's brand DNA, in that it aims to be dependable, durable and value packed. It also offers up to 1100kg of payload and exceptional off-road capability thanks to its double-wishbone suspension up front and sturdy leaf spring suspension in the rear. Terron 9 comes backed by LDV's seven-year warranty, seven-year roadside assistance, and seven years of WOF, giving peace of mind for fleet companies, corporate customers and Kiwi families alike,' he added. The LDV Terron 9 Elite is now available for preorder here.
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
Wool Carpet Decision A ‘Parachute' For Farmers
Press Release – Federated Farmers 'Our wool industry is in major freefall, and this move from Kinga Ora is the parachute we desperately need,' Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says. Kāinga Ora's decision to use wool carpet in its social housing is a massive win for wool growers but won't be enough to save the industry on its own, Federated Farmers says. 'Our wool industry is in major freefall, and this move from Kāinga Ora is the parachute we desperately need,' Federated Farmers meat and wool chair Toby Williams says. 'This will slow our drop a bit but, in reality, what we really need now is an updraft to lift wool back up into being the number-one fibre globally. 'It's certainly a massive step in the right direction, though, and we're very pleased with the announcement yesterday.' Williams says Kāinga Ora is New Zealand's largest landlord, so its contract has the capability to soak up large volumes of wool, which in turn will help drive up prices. As well as transitioning to using wool carpet in its new social housing, Kāinga Ora will also use wool carpet in existing homes if the whole house needs recarpeting, such as when renovating older properties. The decision comes after a recent Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting both wool and nylon carpet providers to tender for the supply of carpet and underlay in its properties. 'Last year Federated Farmers slammed Kāinga Ora for initially deciding to categorically rule out using woollen carpets in its social housing,' Williams says. 'Our homegrown wool is an incredible product and it beggared belief that Kāinga Ora weren't even giving wool the chance to compete against nylon products. 'That was a total slap in the face for struggling Kiwi sheep farmers and rural communities, and we made it very clear it was a ridiculous, short-sighted decision. 'It's great they saw sense and allowed wool to have a crack – and even better that a wool provider has won the contract. 'It just goes to show that when wool is given a fair chance, it comes out on top as a natural, sustainable and renewable alternative to cheap and nasty plastic alternatives.' Williams says the decision is the result of a massive collaborative effort across the entire wool industry. 'Federated Farmers and other groups have been working really hard for years to get the Government engaged with, and listening to, wool growers. 'We recently launched our SOS: Save Our Sheep campaign to hammer home the message that we need urgent action if we're to keep our sheep and wool industry from collapsing entirely. 'Farmers are sick of woolly ideas – they want solid actions like this. 'It just shows that strong leadership from the Government can be a factor in restoring confidence to our embattled wool industry.' Williams says the housing agency's decision is also a big step forward for environmental sustainability. 'Using cheap, nasty plastic carpets might save a few bucks, but at what cost to the environment? 'If Kāinga Ora had picked a fossil fuel-derived synthetic carpet over a sustainable New Zealand-grown woollen product, just because it's cheaper, it would have been a disaster.' Williams says he's also really pleased that high-quality, sustainable Kiwi wool will be in the homes of some of New Zealand's most vulnerable tenants. Kāinga Ora will transition to using wool carpet in its new homes from 1 July 2025, when the supply arrangements come into effect.
Scoop
5 hours ago
- Scoop
New Zealand Hits Digital Economy Milestone
Press Release – New Zealand Government The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each business a unique identifier that makes it easier to work with government, other businesses and suppliers saving time, cutting duplication and reducing admin. Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing A key milestone in the push for a more connected digital economy has been reached, with over one million businesses now registered with a New Zealand Business Number (NZBN), Small Business and Manufacturing Minister Chris Penk says. 'The NZBN is a simple idea with a big impact. It gives each business a unique identifier that makes it easier to work with government, other businesses and suppliers – saving time, cutting duplication and reducing admin. 'The NZBN creates a single, trusted source of business data that government agencies can access in real time. Other businesses and individuals can also look up an NZBN to confirm the legitimacy of the company they're dealing with. 'The milestone includes nearly 200,000 sole traders and unincorporated businesses, which aren't legally required to register but are choosing to. That shows they see real, practical value in it – especially smaller operators who may not have large digital systems and need tools that help them get on with the job. 'Today's achievement reflects a broader trend: businesses are increasingly embracing digital solutions that streamline operations and lift productivity. 'Since its launch in 2016, the NZBN has become a cornerstone of New Zealand's digital infrastructure, supporting everything from invoicing and procurement to compliance and emergency response. 'As more businesses sign up and keep their information up to date, the NZBN becomes increasingly valuable – enabling smoother digital transactions and smarter use of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. 'With improved data sharing between agencies, government can also deliver faster, more tailored services for businesses. 'This Government is committed to backing businesses and driving economic growth. Modernisation like this is key to helping Kiwi businesses thrive and compete globally. If you haven't registered for a New Zealand Business Number yet, now is the time.' Notes:
