large infrastructure organisations and projects,” she says.
REUNIONS
At the conference, Sarah was invited to the WIN (Women’s Infrastructure Network) breakfast, and learnt about the global WIN network operating in the UK, USA, Canada and Australia. It was clear she needed to bring the concept back to New Zealand, and in 2016 she founded NZ WIN. “Today we have a network of seven chapters and 1300 members across the country working to increase the visibility of women in the industry, promote more women into leadership roles and support all women working in the infrastructure industry.” The infrastructure industry includes those working in contracting, engineering, banking, insurance, public sector and legal, consulting and financial professions. “It’s a very male dominated industry and there was no one body advocating for women across the sector.”
A reunion with a twist: 60 years since Primer 1 In February 1958, 36 little girls started in the Lower Preparatory or Primer 1, as it was then known at Diocesan. A chance meeting with some of these girls led them to organise a ‘Friends for 60 Years’ lunch at school on Saturday 3 November 2018.
Sarah says establishing the network to give women a voice and some visibility has been a game-changer. Many more women are now on boards, speaking at conferences, and acting as role models for younger women coming through the industry. As if that weren’t enough, Sarah has also championed the establishment of many Māori employment initiatives in Auckland and Northland, including the placement of over 200 Māori employees into jobs across the region. And her advocacy for the rights of the homeless has seen her establish the Regional Homelessness Taskforce. Given all that she has done to help raise others up, it’s not surprising that Sarah was also nominated for 2019 New Zealander of the Year. 80
DIO TODAY
Starting with a little black and white class photo, after some serious research, most of these girls were tracked down. Sadly, three of their number are no longer here, and three proved impossible to find, but 16 gathered on the day, and others who couldn’t come sent information of what they are up to now.
For some, the only things recognisable were the Chapel, the Hall and School House itself. The new Performing Arts complex was much admired. The ladies enjoyed a hilarious trip down memory lane over a buffet lunch, champagne and a wonderful 60th birthday cake. Dio memories included Miss Clark, floor mats for the afternoon rest, wet woollen bathing suits, warm milk, and the outdoor toilets! Not to mention those flower pot uniforms, one of which was on display along with a rather worse-for-wear Panama hat. Thank you to all involved and to the School for a magical afternoon.
CHINA REUNIONS AUGUST 2019 These are for Old Girls as well as past and current parents of Diocesan pupils. We plan to host reunions in Shanghai, Chengdu and Hong Kong in the week beginning 18 August 2019.
Details will follow via email. Contact Angela Coe acoe@diocesan.school.nz with any questions.
