Top women inducted into Business Hall of Fame

Three Kiwi businesswoman have been inducted into the Business Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs this evening.

Wine industry pioneer Erica Crawford, WooHoo NZ Tax Refund founder Cilla Hegarty and Kindercare founder Glennie Oborn were induced at an event held in Auckland.

My Food Bag founder and chair of Co.OfWoman Theresa Gattung said the Hall of Fame initiative celebrates women who have had a significant impact in specific sectors and in turn to the New Zealand economy.

"The high calibre of this years inductees is a testament to the depth of talented female entrepreneurs we have in New Zealand," she said.

"Erica, Cilla and Glennie have all achieved incredible success in their chosen industries and we applaud their achievements."

New Zealand Business Hall of Fame for Women Entrepreneurs was launched in 2012 by Co.OfWoman. It has a total of 15 members including Dame Trelise Cooper, Diane Foreman and Sharon Hunter.

Co.OfWoman founder Tara Loragan said the organisation is about cultivating successful female entrepreneurs.

"Tonight's inductees, Erica, Cilla and Glennie are wonderful examples of business success that other ambitious business women can aspire to," Loragan said.

Crawford, Hegarty and Oborn were selected through an open nomination process launched by Co.OfWomen during Women Entrepreneurs Week in March.

Last year's Hall of Fame inductees include Dr Lee Mathias, Annette Presley and Julie Christie.