MANGAWHAI'S NO.1 NEWSPAPER
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Zonta - Yellow Rose award winner inspired by motherEvery year on International Woman’s Day, roses the colour of the sun become a gift to an extra special woman, selected unanimously by peers for admirable qualities of dedication and service to her community.
Members of Mangawhai’s branch of worldwide women’s advocacy and human rights organisation, Zonta, gathered on March 8 to celebrate this year’s recipient of the Zonta Yellow Rose Day Award – founder and Unit Commander of Mangawhai Cadet Troop, Sandra Grayson. At an early breakfast in Harvest Blue Cafe, Grayson was honoured for her inspiring leadership and commitment to young cadets. Mangawhai’s Zonta President, Jan Fisher applauded Grayson’s achievements saying Sandra was also a successful farmer, entrepreneur, role model and mother of five children. Attended by sister Zontians, former Yellow Rose recipients, friends, one of her daughters and 5-year-old granddaughter, Grayson spoke about the joy she gets from watching cadets grow in confidence and develop leadership skills. “It is a real honour and I actually felt overwhelmed that I had been selected,” she says. “I don’t even know how they [Zonta] knew about what I did, I was just doing what I do.” Grayson also acknowledged her mother who was always active in community service. “She is my inspiration,” she says. Mangawhai Cadet Unit has been running for eight years and boasts a long list of achievements. In this time, the Unit has won the regional title for seven years straight in addition to five National Skills Competitions and hold the National RSA Community Services Award for two years running. Two female cadets were also selected in the past years to represent New Zealand at commemorative celebrations in Gallipoli and Casino. <<ends>> <<side bar>> Chance for a second chance Although Mangawhai’s Zonta meeting for monthly dinners and fun and friendship is an important part of the club, members also work closely with other local organisations to promote women’s health and well-being and help reduce domestic violence, supporting national bodies such as the Sophie Elliot Foundation. They are part of an international-wide effort to aid projects that help women overcome barriers to equal education, health care, legal rights, and employment. The name ‘Zonta’ was derived from ‘Laknota’ the language of the Sioux Indians, meaning honesty and trustworthiness. The local club is now receiving applications for their Second Chance Study Award. The successful applicant will receive $2500 towards tuition fees for a NZQA approved course of study towards a sustainable career path. Any woman wishing to return to the workforce who is resident in the Mangawhai, Kaiwaka, Maungaturoto, or Bream Bay area is eligible to apply. n The Club welcomes new members and would love to hear from you. For information contact mangawhai@zonta.org.nz or text/call Helen on 027 236 1557. WORTHY: President of Zonta Mangawhai, Jan Fisher (left) with Yellow Rose Award recipient, Sandra Grayson and 5-year-old granddaughter Victoria Kingi. |