Petra Bagust and Niki Bezzant: Changing the Conversation on Menopause

Menopause is no longer a whispered word. Around the world it’s a billion-dollar industry, but two trusted voices are helping women cut through the noise with wisdom, empathy, and humour: Petra Bagust and Niki Bezzant.

Niki is an award-winning health writer and the author of This Changes Everything, a bestselling book that brings science-backed knowledge and expert interviews to anyone navigating perimenopause and menopause. Petra is one of New Zealand’s most loved broadcasters and the host of the acclaimed Grey Areas podcast, where she has opened up conversations on ageing, wellbeing, and life’s big transitions with her trademark warmth and curiosity.

Together they’re taking their kōrero live with the Hot Mess Tour, a nationwide road trip bringing fresh perspectives to audiences. Their message is clear: menopause is not an illness to be “fixed” but a life transition that deserves honesty, compassion, and even celebration.

Petra encourages women to approach this season with curiosity. Rather than focusing only on symptoms, she reframes menopause as an opportunity to ask bigger questions: What do I need to thrive? What boundaries do I want to set? Who do I want to be in this next stage of life? Niki echoes that sentiment, encouraging women to use discernment in the face of overwhelming information online, and to look to credible, science-based resources alongside lived experience.

Both Petra and Niki also highlight the importance of cultural perspectives. In te ao Māori, for example, menopause is called te ruahinetanga – the second womanhood – a term that places value on wisdom and respect for kaumātua. It’s a reminder that menopause doesn’t diminish women, but can instead strengthen them and the communities around them.

The Hot Mess Tour has already resonated strongly with audiences who are hungry for real talk and practical advice. But beyond the stage, Petra and Niki are available for corporate events, keynotes, and workshops, offering organisations the chance to lead from the front in supporting women’s wellbeing in the workplace.

Petra brings her decades of experience as a broadcaster and MC, making her the perfect host for conferences, awards nights, and large-scale events. Niki delivers engaging corporate speaking engagements, panel discussions, and tailored workshops, drawing on her deep knowledge of health, nutrition, and midlife transitions. Together or individually, they bring authenticity and expertise to any stage.

For businesses serious about employee wellbeing, especially in supporting women at all life stages, Petra and Niki offer more than a talk – they bring connection, clarity, and action.

If you’d like to book Petra Bagust as an MC, or Niki Bezzant for corporate speaking, panels, or workshops, get in touch with us at Collaborate.