Hastings Leader
NZ Herald
September 2016 Suffragette Celebrations
Wow, what a fantastic month we have had with our September celebrations!
On September 1st we had the opening of an exhibition on the history of New Zealand Suffragettes here at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre.
On the 6th of September we had ephemeral artist Susan Berry working with the community to create a unique ‘footprint’ . The footprint was a 2.5 meter shape on the ground filled with items that were collect and and bought along from the natural environment, for example, nuts, leaves, pods, soil,sticks, flowers, shells….. The footprint was created to represent our culture and sense of identity , belonging and the nature and spirit of your place.
On the 10th of September we had both the National Council of Women Suffrage breakfast, and a Blossom parade float where we will be dressing up as suffragettes.
On the 16th of September we celebrated Women’s Friendship day with a friendship day luncheon here at the Women’s Centre.
On the 19th of September we had a special screening of the superbly cast and exciting move Suffragettes at the Focal Point Cinema in Heretaunga Street, Hastings.
And finally we had our first ever, very successful, women’s forum ‘Giving Voice to Women in Need‘ on September 24th, here in Hastings, with a fantastic panel of speakers (key note speaker is Dame Diane Robertson – ex Auckland City missioner). We also presented our ‘Unsung Heroine Awards’, and the recipient of the unsung heroine award was the lovely Kate Howard. This was a fantastic afternoon where information and knowledge flowed, allowing us to come together to discuss objectives that we will be able to implement to further support women in need within our community.
International Women’s Day 2016 Message
Each year International Women’s Day gives us the opportunity to celebrate our successes and prepare for the challenges ahead. The theme this year challenges us to build momentum for the achievement of the sustainable development goals by 2030 and to “step it up for gender equality”.
As a nation, New Zealand has a proud of history of commitment to gender equality. We were the first country in the world to grant universal suffrage and have gone on to enshrine equal rights for women in our legislation, opening the doors for them to participate at all levels.
We have won an award!
7 December 2015
We were delighted to receive the Landmarks Trust Great Things Grow Here award for our historic community service! Pictured here are ex-Chair Genevieve Beech and Committee member Carolyn Hooker.
The Heretaunga Women’s Centre has been a place women from all walks of life can come, whatever their situation, and find free, confidential support and a variety of social activities and opportunities for nearly 100 years. We’re proud to serve the women of Hawke’s Bay and plan to be here for you for many, many years to come!
New Committee Chairwoman
15 October 2015
On 5 October, we were delighted to appoint Eileen Lawson as the new Chair of our Committee. Eileen takes on the role from previous Chair, Genevieve Beech, who has stepped down after four successful years in the post. Eileen has a background in Rural Banking and Business and, more recently, she has completed a Bachelor of Applied Social Science majoring in Counselling.
Eileen is excited about the opportunity to further develop the services provided at the Centre as she’s passionate about women’s affairs and making a difference in the community. She strongly believes that, by having strong women role models, the whole community benefits from one generation to the next. She’s thrilled to take on this new role at the Heretaunga Women’s Centre, which embodies her values of sharing skills and strengths to provide women with resources to take responsibility for their own wellbeing. Eileen is committed to ensuring the Centre continues to offer a safe environment for support and companionship.
Have your say on family violence law
4 August 2015
The Domestic Violence Act 1995 and related family violence law is being reviewed to ensure the Government has effective legal tools and powers to keep family violence victims safe and hold perpetrators to account. The consultation highlights aspects of the law, raises ideas, and asks for your feedback. Submissions about any other parts of family violence law are also encouraged.
Have your say by taking part in the consultation. The consultation is open until Friday, September 18. The link takes you to the consultation, which includes a video from Justice Minister Amy Adams, information about family violence, and the discussion document both in full and in summary.
Submissions are welcome on any aspect of family violence law. You can request a paper copy of the consultation discussion document, or leaflets explaining how to have your say from familyviolencelaw@justice.govt.nz
RACK goes live!
29 July 2015
The HWC’s new group, Random Acts of Community Kindness (RACK), will be launched on Wednesday 19 August 2015 at morning tea at the Centre. Come along and see what the group is all about (you can read about the project in our article) and find out how you can get involved. Tea and cake supplied!
NZME Hastings City Business Awards
20 July 2015
We’re over the moon to have been nominated for the Not-for-profit award at the NZME Hastings City Business Awards this year! We’re up against some tough competition but we’re thrilled to have made it this far. The awards, which celebrate business excellence in Hastings’ CBD, will be decided at a glittering ceremony at the Focal Point Cinema in the town on Friday 31 July. Thank you to our anonymous supporter! Take a look at our Facebook page for an overview of our nomination.
Dancing with the Stars
19 July 2015
We had a fantastic night on Sunday at the lovely 1024 Restaurant in Hastings, who hosted The Breeze‘s Dancing for Charity evening. The event coincided with the live final of TV3’s Dancing with the Stars which was shown on a big screen in the packed restaurant. The evening culminated in a show-stopping cha-cha from local celebrity Anna Lorck and her dancing partner Evan. Anna had chosen the Heretaunga Women’s Centre to be the recipient of all the fundraising efforts of everyone involved and we couldn’t be more grateful. Thank you Anna!! Read more about the evening on our Facebook page.
New programme
15 July 2015
We’ve just launched our new Term 3 programme! Take a look at our Events page for details of the activities we’re running this term. We’re focusing on physical wellbeing so we’ve added activities such as pilates and polarity therapy, so we’re sure there is something for everyone on at the Centre this term!
Dancing for Charity
15 July 2015
Come along and show your support at this Sunday’s (19 July) Dancing for Charity event. Anna Lorck, Labour’s Tukituki spokeswoman, is taking part in the dance spectacular all in aid of your Heretaunga Women’s Centre. Hosted by the Breeze radio station, the charity event is being held to coincide with the grand finale of TV3’s Dancing with the Stars. Tickets are $10 which also gets you drinks and nibbles at Ten Twenty Four restaurant in Hastings. You can buy your tickets from the Heretaunga Women’s Centre so pop in and show your support!
Helping Others to Help Yourself
14 July 2015
Boosting our mental wellbeing is high on the agenda for most of us. We love to feel good about ourselves, and one of the best ways to enrich your own emotional and psychological health is to help improve the lives of others. Read more…