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PPSEAWA New Zealand
Greetings from New Zealand to all our sisters in PPSEAWA. Our Annual General Meeting was held in Nelson 28 February - 2 March 1997 and was opened by Mrs. Chan Woolaston, Mayoress of Nelson and Patron of the local Area Group of PPSEAWA Mrs. Jo Raine, Nelson City Councilor, welcomed delegates to Nelson on behalf of the Mayor and City Councilors.After the Prayer, which was written by Mrs. Eunice Nieukerke OBE International Hon. President, and read by International Vice President Rev. Valerie Hogan, greetings from our Associate Groups were read. There were also special messages from International President, Dr. Betty-Lou Girardi; PPSEAWA Australia; National Patron Dame Catherine Tizard GCMG, GCVO, DBE, QSO; International Councilor at Large Latulu Fetaui Mata'afa; U.S.A. Ambassador, the Australian High Commissioner, and our National Life Members: Lettie Coleman QSM; Edna Gardiner; Eunice Nieukerke OBE; Tara Satyanand; Stella Rolls QSO; Nancy Price and Ivy Fernando.
President Teresa Friel then explained that this year in conjunction with our AGM: the seminar "Family and Health:" was being held under the sponsorship of UNESCO. and Nestlé with workshops to follow. This was chaired by Alison Roxburgh, Past National President of the National Council of Women of New Zealand and board member of the International Council of Women. Guest Speaker was Jenny Black, National President of the Dietetic Association of New Zealand, while the Panel consisted of a Trainee Nurse from Tonga at the Nelson Polytechnic School of Nursing, and students from the Pacific Islands at Nelson Girls College. The focus was on the effect on the health of these women and girls away from their families and homes and proved very interesting and stimulating, so much so that we went into overtime during the workshop.
Mrs. Teresa Friel was re-elected President and will be leading our delegation to Conference in Kuala Lumpur. The meeting was also very pleased to honour Nelson President Mrs. Joy Fitzgerald with Life Membership of PPSEAWA NZ, a well deserved recognition.
Our various Trust Funds are in a strong financial position and the following grants were made: from the Annie Williams Fund, Primela Singh 14 years of age in Fiji will receive all uniform, fees and textbooks; from the Naomi Tuti Trust Fund, two wives of Solomon Island students at the St. John's Theological College a gift of $ NZ 50-00 each; from the Medical Trust Fund, Textbooks for the student at the Nelson Polytechnic School of Nursing will be purchased and possibly medical equipment for two doctors in the Pacific if they should require it.
On Saturday evening we enjoyed a delightful dinner and entertainment. Two groups from Nelson Girls College - one Maori and the other Solomon Islanders - performed for U5, followed by three young Chinese who did the "Welcome to the New Year Dance". This was followed by a bracket of songs from one of our up-and-coming singers. We also heard from Sister Maureen of her work in the Philippines, and it was a special delight as it was she who had been responsible for our sponsoring the young lass who graduated as a midwife in the Philippines. All in all, a delightful mix of age, culture, art and personalities.
The Sunday church service was held at St. Mary's Catholic Church where President Teresa Friel was asked to read one of the Lessons. Afterwards the Parish entertained us to morning tea. Those who were staying on in Nelson then journeyed out to Val Hogan's home at Ruby Bay to swim, lunch and enjoy Val and Carry's hospitality. A fitting end to a well run Conference.