President Janet - May 2026
Tena koutou katoa
As I pen this message, I am sitting in Terminal 5 at Heathrow Airport London – half a world away from Aotearoa NZ and home. What a small world we live in these days. People are people the world over and have similar issues, especially women and children.
I’ve had time out with friends on a canal boat on the Oxford canal. A slower pace of life for sure – we can all use that from time to time. Reading up on the history of the canal and seeing the countryside – different to our own, animals also not farmed the same way, many dogs and walkers, bikers, runners. Humans are humans – we need contact with each other and support. If you ever want a team building exercise, try canal cruising in the narrow boats, narrow beds, close quarters for ablutions and cooking. Teamwork steering the boat, winding up locks and opening water gates – all takes patience and working together.
We have had our 2026 Annual General Meeting online this year and that certainly showed how well our BPW NZ executive and members work as a team. I thank all who attended and especially IPP and Resolution Chair Christine Berridge, Executive Treasurer and zoom operator Siobhan Dilly, other executive members who participated in the AGM reports. We were privileged to have BPW International Executive Secretary Carolyn Savage and Oceania Sub-regional Coordinator Susil Nelson address our attendees. Messages from International President Diana Barragan and Asia Pacific Regional Coordinator Dr. Herlin Chien along with BPW Australian President Gillian Lewis were read out on their behalf.
Congratulations go to the award winners – clubs and individuals. I know your work is done not to receive accolades, but it is extremely valued by us all and advances the status of women in Aotearoa NZ and around the world. Club of the Year – BPW Franklin have worked extremely hard in raising awareness of our organisation in their community. They join with other clubs and members who have submitted resolutions to add to our policy. All resolutions were carried, and during the meeting we were advised that submissions were open for curriculum changes regarding food education in schools. Timely that we now have this in policy and can submit on it – thanks to Robyn Davison.
In July I plan to visit BPW Clubs – Gisborne, Hawera and Franklin. I will have some trophies to present too and look forward to candle lighting ceremonies and seeing members in person.
Take care – Be safe.
Ngā mihi nui
President Janet
