Women’s Women’s Day Day

International Women’s Day (IWD) 2022 is celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political and socio economic achievements of women. Purple is the symbolic colour of International Women’s Day while the combination of Green, Purple and White colours represents women’s equality.

When it comes to New Zealand, we are pioneers in leading the way whether through women’s rights, business or political bastions. Take Kate Sheppard, who was the driving force behind women’s suffrage to give women a voice in local elections. The Electoral Act 1883 was her legacy.

Dame Whina Cooper dedicated her life to fighting for Māori land rights and improving living conditions for Māori women. Dame Whina gained notoriety in 1975 for leading a hīkoi (march) from the Northland community of Te Hāpua to Parliament in Wellington.

In recent times whether in the sporting arenaDame Lisa Carrington or Zoe Sadowski-Synnott come to mind on their cultural influences on their respective codes and the morals and values they bring to their professional and personal lifestyles.

Locally there are any number of Marlborough women who have stood tall over their male counterparts and have achieved in every definition of the word whether that is in the arts, business, viticulture or tourism.

K Ate HORRey - Coordinator Digital Support

Introducing Kate - Kia ora, I am the new Coordinator for Digital Services. I see my job as helping groups and individuals work together to become more comfortable using technology in everyday life. I am not a technical expert and have been known to shout at the computer myself from time to time.... so I quite understand how challenging it can feel. The good news is there is lots of help out there, and it’s my job to let you know who to contact. Outside of work I enjoy the country life on our tiny lifestyle block in the Wairau Valley, complete with a few chickens, too many pet cats and, at the moment, my sister’s bachelor herd of alpacas are also in residence. I love animals, books, and quiet rural living. My personal challenge for 2023 is to learn to play table tennis.

Sara Harwood - Adult Community Education (ACE) - has joined our team and is based in Picton at the Mariner’s Mall on Mondays so pop along to the old Resource Centre space in the Mall. Come and have a kōrero with Sara and find out what REAP is all about and have a think about what courses you would like us to deliver in Picton/Waitohi.