Celebrating 50 Years of Zonta in New Zealand

Celebrating 50 Years of Zonta in New Zealand with National Conference in Rotorua

Rotorua will host a National Zonta Conference, on 18 – 20 of September. Zonta is a global organization of professionals who work together to empower women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Zonta will collectively celebrate 50 years in New Zealand at the conference. The first Club was chartered in Auckland in 1965. The theme for the conference is “Embracing the Challenge”.

Close to 200 delegates, made up of Presidents, past Presidents, International Past Presidents, District Governors, other Zonta dignitaries and Club members are expected to attend the conference, with representation from all 28 clubs around the country.

Zonta International was founded in 1919, and now has more than 30,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 67 countries. There will be representation from three countries at the Zonta Conference in Rotorua.

Highly regarded guest speaker Winnie Teoh, Zonta International Representative will be sharing examples of Zonta’s International Biennial Goals of Conviction, Commitment and Courage and her vision of how Zontians can empower women.

National speakers include Louise Upston, Minister for Women and Minister of Land Information. Hon. Upston will be discussing progress on the Ministry of Women’s priorities of greater economic independence, more women in leadership and increased safety from violence. Also relevant to the Zonta Conference is an update on New Zealand’s obligations for international reporting on progress on the role and the status of women.

Other national speakers include Dr Jackie Blue, current Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner. Speaking on Suffrage Day (September 19),
Dr Blue will be speaking on gender equality in employment and violence against women. Suffrage Day is significant in New Zealand’s history as in 1893; New Zealand became the first nation in the world to grant women the right to vote.

Zonta District 16 Governor, Dr Janette Irvine said that in calling all New Zealand Zontians to Rotorua, “I want them to leave feeling inspired, challenged, stimulated and invigorated, with fresh enthusiasm for Zonta. I hope they have a better appreciation for the wider perspective - that they belong to a truly global organisation.”

Pam McGrath, Zonta Club of Rotorua President says the Conference Organising Committee have been working hard to bring delegates a special ‘Rotorua’ welcome.

“We’re very proud to live here and we want them to leave with a great impression of how we do things in Rotorua,” says McGrath.

Delegates will be welcomed to Rotorua by Her Worship the Mayor of Rotorua, Hon Steve Chadwick. A flag and banner bearing ceremony is an important part of the Opening Ceremony, with flags representing the International reach of the organisation and from every club in New Zealand.

Zonta’s ‘Woman of the Biennium’ is also expected to be announced during the Conference.

ENDS

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