Award-winning NZ businesswoman Joan Withers has been made a Dame Companion of the NZ Order of Merit for services to business, government and women. 

She’s led many prominent companies, including: The Warehouse, Mercury Energy, Auckland International Airport and TVNZ. 

Dame Joan Withers told Tim Beveridge “You’re the first person I've had call me that – it is weird.” 

Withers said “People with background like mine don’t expect to get that acknowledgement.” 

Dame Joan Withers has a message for younger women: "It doesn't matter where you come from. If you work hard, keep your integrity and do the right thing - you can do many things that you might not have anticipated."

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