Womens institute NZ AGM

To recently be one of three hundred and fifty women in New Plymouth for the ninety fourth AGM of Womens Institute in New Zealand was an amazing experience.

Betty Finlayson and Nolene White from Martinborough Institute were visitors as were twenty other Wairarapa women who travelled to the venue in two mini buses and two cars.
The opening is always a serious affair with the Mayor Andrew Judd and MP Mr Jonathon Young in attendance. Knitting was prohibited at conferences in 1965 so there was no clicking of needles.

Guest speaker Courtney Gray thanks the organisation for the $1,010 contributed to Kidney Kids in New Zealand which was supporting four hundred and seven families.

Business included a remit by the National Committee to increase the subs to $25,00 which was carried. Another to Minister of Industries Nathan Guy to consider a ban on the use of neonicitnoid pesticides was carried. A remit to the Hon John Key to ensure that aged services meet requirements was carried. The Minister of Police was asked to reconsider the government plan to introduce a law to charge community groups for police checks. Another to the Minister of Justice to investigate the relaxing of laws around how we are able to talk publicly about suicide if so desired.

The Minister of Communications and NZ Post Mr B Roche was asked to carry out a survey of postal services being adhered to, with special reference to North/South Island delays and some city deliveries.
An announcement was made that the National Council of Women had been granted charity status.

There were eight deserving members receiving the highest Institute award, the Gold Honours Award. Our Betty Finlayson was granted this Award at last year’s AGM.

The Minister for Women, Hon Louise Upston was one of the most interesting of speakers, later Craig MacFarlane spoke of how from small beginnings he grew to be a world wide business in the Café industry. Long distance runner Lisa Tamati told of her goals. Jean Dobbs a St John volunteer told of events during her job in a comedy style, it couldn’t have been funnier. The Rev. Jacqui Paterson presided at the Thanksgiving Service.

Monday evening was a dress up as the 1960s . Entertainers were ‘The Three Birds’ three teenage girls raising funds to further their education going afield in different directions. They were dressed in army style khaki with glengarries and sung Andrews sisters songs such as We’re in the army now’. They were paid $100 each for their performance., however members were so impressed with their efforts that a collection was taken up and the girls were given and extra $500 each (well deserved).

Conference hosts, Taranaki, presented executives with goodie bags which held, among other things, bright yellow cow udder like gloves. The three hundred and fifty ladies were each given a bag of homemade cookies.

The Tinui ladies won the decorated mask part of the competitions and the scrap book competition was won by Ann Duckett of Masterton.

The four days were interesting, fun and informative, that the Spirit of Womens Institute is very much alive was in evidence. There was never a boring moment .
Nolene White.