Supporting local women to learn

Jo Kent

The latest recipient of the Soroptimist International of Waimea’s education grant is Marise Bainbridge from Richmond.

The 27-year-old single mum applied for the $3000 grant to help her continue studying a Bachelor of Counselling degree at NMIT.

“I chose that course because I was looking for a greater purpose in life and I found that I have a passion for working with women and mothers and giving back to my community.”

Marise left school at 14 with no qualifications, and when she found herself pregnant at 17, decided to go back to school via correspondence.

“My son is now 9 and I’ve been raising him on my own since birth. I do not have family that live locally for support, so I have faced many challenging times over the years. But this has made me a strong, motivated, and empathic individual.”

She says, finding a job as a solo mum was hard, so when she was 19 she completed a diploma in small business management and set up her own business to work flexible hours from home.

“I now find myself in a position to help other women and mothers in my community. This year I have been accepted to complete my placement position for my degree at Perinatal Support Nelson where I will volunteer a minimum of 150 hours as a student counsellor and work with a lot of mothers and children.”

Marise says she can see the increasing need for more counsellors across New Zealand, as the mental health system is overloaded.

“I expect to graduate from my degree in 2024 and I plan to work as a counsellor in the Nelson/Tasman region. I feel privileged to be able to give back to my community in this way.”

Secretary for the SI Waimea Soroptimists, Annette Smith, says the group received 14 applications this year.

“We started the annual grant in 2013. This was to fulfil our international theme of Educate to Lead. It is called a grant rather than scholarship because it is always dependent on us raising the funds each year. Last year’s nurse Jenny Q&A evenings were a blessing as we made our 2023 grant money in those two nights.”

Since 2013, SI Waimea have had 102 applications and awarded the grant to 11 women.

“It is always a difficult decision on who to choose, and we have had comments that we should give more smaller grants annually. However, the feedback from recipients tells us that the larger amount means they can pay childcare, replace laptops, fix cars and so on.”

“Grant recipients report twice a year on their progress. One thing we are very pleased about is that none of our recipients have stopped their study and have all qualified.”

As a student counsellor, Marise says her values and beliefs align with the Soroptimists values as she too hopes to empower women, promote gender equality and facilitate positive changes in people’s lives.

“I believe that all women should have access to education. However, there can be many barriers, including financial hardship. This is why I am grateful for the opportunity to be awarded the grant.”

Soroptimist International of Waimea is an organisation which works towards advancing the welfare and status of women. For more information on the grant or how to apply, email si waimea@siswp.org

Richmond Composting Workshop

Friday 12 May, 12-1pm

Richmond Library

Rethink Waste is hosting a free Coffee and Compost workshop to celebrate International Compost Awareness week.

Play Pickleball

Friday 12 May, 9.30-12.30pm

Richmond Tennis Club

No experience needed. Just turn up and play, equipment supplied. Richmond Tennis Club Member free, non-member $3 per person. More info: visit https://clubspark.kiwi/Richmond/Pickleball

Skate Jam - Tasman Youth Week

Saturday 13 May, 11-3pm

Richmond Stake Park

Come along to Skate Jam for a cool afternoon at the Richmond Skate Park with competitions, demos, music, and kai. This event is part of Youth Week and free for all.

Cat shooting ends with amputation

I’m the owner of the cat which was recently shot in Hope. When I went to settle the remaining $300 vet bill last week, I was told it had been paid. I said there must be a mistake, but she said an anonymous donor had settled it after reading my story in the Waimea Weekly. I was so overwhelmed, I burst into tears. It’s beautiful to know someone had done that, alongside the support I’d already received from the community, friends and family. There really are some wonderful people out there. I only wish I knew who it was so I could express my gratitude, so I hope they read this letter. Thanks to everyone who helped, I’m so, so grateful.

Cherame Mossley

Decades of service recognised

Di, you absolute legend

Natalie Ewing

An absolute legend of the club. Kyle’s comments are 100 per cent correct, the place wouldn’t be what it is now without everything Diane has done. Great recognition!

Grant Newport

Well deserved. Diane does so much for Brightwater clubs.

Kerri Le Cheminant

Congrats Diane, great recognition for years of service.

Timothy Morton

One of first persons who made me feel like at home! Congrats

Diane! Well deserved.

Vicente Jose Soto

Absolutely deserved!

Nola Timpson

Lovely lady and made me very welcome when I played at the club.

Tony Wolke

Well done Di, love your work

Kimberley Anderson

Amazing contribution to the Wanderers RFC and also to the community at large. Congratula tions.

Bill Liddell

Pomeranian breeder used ‘toilet roll’ splint on injured dog’s leg

Dog farmers should be outlawed in NZ. Unless you’re registered and meet all the requirements to breed animals humanely, my opinion.

Duncan Renwick

From Wakefield? Regardless, that fine is not enough.. it needs to be 10x the cost to fix it properly

Jessica D’Evereux

She should not be allowed to breed an animal ever again!!!

Wretched awful person.

Janelle Thorpe

This woman needs to be closed down and banned from ever breeding dogs.

Carey Gary

Wood-fired BBQ’s sizzle out

The taste is better with the fire bbq.

Michael Albert gas, if they even work at all, at least with these ones you’re guaranteed to get it lit!

Mandi Halliday

The gas ones are temperamental.

Teressa Obrien

Plans for less slash from forest harvest

Anything left behind should be chipped, faster breakdown.

Tania Lee Somervail Beynon

Keep up the good work!

Christine Boal

Wakefield thefts spark

CCTV fundraiser

I’ve got an idea..... Put up a red light camera on the Queen Street traffic light intersection and use the proceeds to fund security cameras.

Kathy Kempton

Maybe make these 4 pay a donation towards the cctv on top off the reparation.

John Jenkins

Now when they catch such toerags make sure there’s proper consequences and harsh punishment, not wet bus ticket slaps.

Dennis Goodman

These teenage crimes numbers such a thing as ACTUAL PUNISHMENT.

Beanz Sandrey

Make the parents pay. Lorraine Tunnicliff

Good work Jamie. Amie Brewerton

Dancing for

a Cause

contestants prepare Amazing group. Donna Tregidga

Amazing work, Ben. Paulette Redstone