2020 Inner Wheel New Zealand Inc INNER LINK...Inner Wheel New Zealand Inc Inner Link 2020 7 District NZ294 Kapiti Our Sing-Along-Gals got into practice at the District 294 Conference

2020

Covid-19 Initiatives

Inner Wheel New Zealand Inc

I N N E R L I N KI N N E R L I N K

2020InnerLink.indd 12020InnerLink.indd 1 28/05/2020 9:48:45 AM28/05/2020 9:48:45 AM

Inner Wheel New Zealand IncInner Link 2020

2 Together we can

A message from Carol HaskettIIW President Phyllis Charter’s theme “Together we can” Clubs throughout New Zealand have embraced this theme and have continued to show what a difference we can make when working together. Clubs continue to support many groups and charities through donations, volunteering, sewing, knitting, supplying food and helping those in our communities that need support. We were able to assist victims of the Australian fires through donations and clubs are still knitting blankets throughout New Zealand to give their support. We received thanks from our Inner Wheel friends in Australia for the generous support shown from our members.

I have enjoyed attending the District Meetings in my role as President, especially getting to meet members. You have all impressed me with the different ways that members come together, sharing knowledge and sharing what their clubs are doing at the District Day and I encourage all members to attend these days whenever you are able.

Our Inner Wheel year has ended differently to other years with us all going into social isolation and working from our homes.

It has undoubtedly given us time to put our lives on pause and reflect on what is essential.Ithas been heart-warming to read the club newsletters throughout my term as President especially through our period of lockdown reading how you are all supporting each other. Friendship with a Purpose – what Inner Wheel is all about and you all do this so well.

Women Together – Inner Wheel is where dedicated women share their friendship, passion for community service and take action to create lasting change

IWNZ members working together to ensure communication and support in our communities continues. I have been so impressed with how members have embraced technology to keep in touch with meetings and social events over the internet, allowing many members to connect with each other throughout this trying time. Like many of you, I have had to quickly learn about Zoom and Google meetings so that I can continue to work with IW members throughout the lockdown.

Your National Governing Body members worked well together throughout the year, and I give my thanks to each and everyone one of them on your behalf. They stepped forward when asked to assist with any of the many tasks we have undertaken throughout the year. As always I am in awe of our Inner Wheel members - your passion, your friendships, your support for each other, your support for those in your communities and the support shown for those internationally.

I thank each and everyone of you for your generosity in giving your time to Inner Wheel and for your support throughout this Inner Wheel year.

Carol HaskettIWNZ President/National Representative

2019-2020

Margarette Golding AwardAt the IW Auckland East Christmas dinner, IWNZ President, Carol Haskett presented a Margarette Golding Award to Kate Hargraves. Kate, nominated by IW Auckland East, does everything with great enthusiasm and on an industrial scale. As Co-ordinator for Operation Uplift, she sent 20,000 bras to the Pacific Islands last year. Kate is very involved in the City Mission, the Breast Cancer Foundation, Middlemore Hospital Foundation, St Johns, and others. Through her network, she helps distribute Days for Girls, recycled glasses, children’s clothes and books to the islands.

Photo left to right:IWNZ President Carol Haskett, IW Auckland East President Diana Maher, Kate Hargraves, IW Auckland East Immediate Past President Juliet Allen, IWNZ291 Chair Brenda Paschke.

Helen Griffin, the recipient of the Margarette Golding Award, worked tirelessly to establish and support Days for Girls in New Zealand, the first chapter to be installed outside the USA. All of her work which averages 20+ hours per week, is voluntary.

Helen was nominated by IW Auckland East.

Photo above from left to right, IW Auckland East Immediate Past President

Juliet Allen, Helen Griffin and IWNZ Past President Darlene Westrupp



www.innerwheel.org.nz 3

IIW Board Director Report

“Together We Can”, IIW President Phyllis’s theme for 2019/20 could never have been more prophetic in this very different Covid-19 world. Not only in our personal lives but our Inner Wheel lives, “Together we have” in these last few months. It has been heartwarming reading all your newsletters; many have been very innovative with projects like making face masks, humorous tidbits, recipes and Inner Wheel news all to keep our members engaged with one another. We have been doing what we do best – Friendship, caring for one another and others in our communities and keeping in touch in times of trial.As IWNZ Membership Chairman, I know that this is what attracts new members to our wonderful organisation and keeps clubs engaged and motivated.I have noted reading your newsletters and from IWNZ Treasurer Anne’s figures that there have been many new members this particularly pleasing year. Apart from giving other women the chance to experience the benefits of membership that we all enjoy, it adds new life to our clubs and has the potential to future proof our organisation. Unfortunately, there will be two clubs closing as at 30 June 2020 and District NZ293 is disbanding. The remaining clubs in that district are being welcomed with open arms into Districts NZ291 and NZ294.On a brighter note, tremendous efforts have been made in West Auckland and in Cromwell to get new clubs formed.

We are hopeful that this will happen if not by 30 June, then later in 2020.We must remember not to keep doing the “same old” in our clubs, sometimes think outside the square and do something completely different now and again. Other club’s newsletters are a great source of inspiration. A significant task I had this year was to compile a Membership Toolbox as part of the IWNZ National Strategy. A toolbox to be shared in our national resources to give ideas to clubs on how to invigorate club meetings, enrichment and retention of members and formation of new clubs. With insights from many people and with massive help from Di Patchett, I presented a draft toolbox to the March NGB meeting, which was very well received and along with a Marketing Toolbox is to be “professionalised” before being posted onto the IWNZ website. Please lookout for this valuable resource.

Thank you all for your friendship and support over the last three years. As I step down from the NGB, I exit, knowing that we are in excellent hands to continue moving forward.

IWNZ Past PresidentDarlene Westrupp 2019-2020

Immediate Past President Report

IIW President Phyllis Charter chose the theme for 2019-2020 Inner Wheel Year as “Together We Can”. The year started smoothly, and I was given the International badge at NZ changeover in June and again at the Directors board meeting in Altrincham, near Manchester, in October 2019. The Board met in the first week

of October, and the meeting held over four days. It was easy to make friendships and bonds because everyone taking part in the meeting has held many roles in their own countries and were passionate about Inner Wheel and the promotion of Inner Wheel throughout the world. “Zoom” was introduced and we had a trial run so that in the months to come we could be part of a meeting. Little did we know how that would be so critical in March 2020. The world

has had to unite together, and Inner Wheel clubs throughout the world are helping in a thousand different ways. Discussions held about finances, membership, non-districted clubs, the constitution, e-clubs, training, United Nations, and the upcoming convention in India. The headquarters for International Inner Wheel was just a few doors down from the meeting venue. Forgive me if I list the countries involved in the meeting, but it was such an honour to be there. Great Britain, Belgium & Luxemburg, Australia, India, Italy, Croatia, Finland, Netherlands, Philippines, Sweden, Bulgaria, Germany, South Africa, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Switzerland and New Zealand. All with a common goal of promoting true friendship, encouraging personal service and fostering international understanding. 110,000 members in 104 countries and 3976 clubs. There are some fantastic stories and articles on the International website.

The meeting finished at mid-day, and a group of Board directors and myself went to Manchester by train to look for the Margarette Golding plaque which is on a wall in the city. It took us two hours to find it, but we were successful. That was a special moment.

The President and Executive and the Board have had two “Zoom” meetings in April and “Together We Can” is so relevant in our current world crises. It amazes me that technology allows us to do this from our own living room. Thank you for your continued support of Inner Wheel and the clubs and charities each member supports. Our strength is worldwide and vital as we stay home, stay safe and “TOGETHER WE CAN”.

International Inner Wheel Board Director

Christina King 2019-2020



4 Together we can

District NZ291

Howick

"Together We Can" – what an appropriate theme for the year.Before Christmas, we delivered much needed items to Middlemore Foundation for Kidz First. The Foundation Team were most appreciative of our timely donation.Christmas Lunch at a member’s home was extra special with visitors Rosario & Richard fromKota Kinabalu Sabah and Zarine from India. It was great to hear of the work, and get ideas, from offshore clubs.

We supported the Pakuranga Carnival in February with a fundraising cake stall.

Mt Roskill

In our efforts to advertise what Inner Wheel is all about and make ourselves known in the community; we organised a table display for the Onehunga Community Day last November. We were up early and arrived at the Community Centre with cars loaded with IW banners, IW information pamphlets and magazines, Look Good Feel Better information & balloons, handcrafts and handmade gifts & cards for sale. All of which had to carry up a steep flight of stairs! Once we had found our designated table, we set up our display, and members worked in shifts to cover the 4 hours of the Community Day.

During the day we found, to our disappointment, that while all the display tables had been erected inside the Centre, most of the 'action' -music, singing, dancing and food- was outside. Many people didn't realise there were display tables inside. However, it was an exciting day, with several other organisations also keen to advertise what they do in the community, and we did meet some interesting people.

Orewa & Whangaparaoa

Nouméa Plaisance

Shore City

Inner Wheel and Love Soup, "Together We Can" help those in need in the Whangaparaoa area.Our President Lynda is a volunteer with the charity Love Soup who provide food and meals for those in need. It was while she was helping with the meal they serve one Sunday evening she realised that there is a need for items such as toiletries as well as food. She asked our members to help with this, and now we each take an item such as shampoo/tissues/wipes/personal hygiene etc. to our meetings, these are put in a basket and given to Love Soup for people who are without such things.It is a simple donation that means so much to others. Together We Can just need a little thought and care to be of help.

Parahaki of Whangarei

2019/2020 has been a year of growth for Parahaki of Whangarei Inner Wheel Club. We started the year with 12 members and ended with 17!

In September 2019 we had a stand the local library's event "Big Day In" and showcased our club, resulting in one new member. Then in November, we held a High Tea with all proceeds going to Whangarei local branch of Look Good Feel Better.

It was a highly successful afternoon, and everyone went home well fed, well tea-ed and with a better understanding of Inner Wheel, and four new members have been inducted.

During these tough times, Chantal went to help at the home of the elderly of N'gea because the director was alone. Our members have delivered food bags several times. Each time we made around 60 bags then called the elderly to come to contact free collect their bag —what a pleasure to see them receiving their food parcel.

Shore City’s main fundraiser for 2019-2020 was the High Tea in September, all proceeds going to Look Good Feel Better.

The idea was Nancy Nielsen’s as was the early organisation, but it soon became a “Together we Can” effort, with members getting local sponsorships for lucky draw prizes, producing from their own collections the china tea sets and cake stands necessary for the sumptuous high tea, selling all tickets and enabling the Club to make a substantial donation to Look Good Feel Better.

Guests enjoyed a very special afternoon, with entertainment from singer Grace Morton, who donated her fee. The guest speaker, Hazel Hunter, gave a moving account of her own experience with Look Good Feel Better.




District NZ293

Fairfield

We have had many occasions which have followed the IIW President’s theme of “Together we Can”. One fun event we had working together was matching sketches with states in the United States – one humorous one was a diagram of a collection of false teeth which was the US state of Massachusetts! Our knitting project for the Newborn Unit at Waikato Hospital and Plunket is always well-supported by our members as well as friends of Inner Wheel members with over 150 Fish n Chip jumpers and matching beanies donated this year.

A special event was the celebration of our 30th Anniversary in October. IWNZ President Carol Haskett and District Chairman Vera Farmilo attended, and it was lovely to welcome back members who had served the club over many years. Sadly as time goes on, there are fewer members from the early days, but I know they all would have wholeheartedly supported “Together we can”.

Matamata

Together we can…enjoy and maximise unexpected opportunities to foster our Inner Wheel friendships in so many ways. Several IW Matamata members were delighted to meet IW Cochin (District 320 India) member Beena Suthan in February when she visited our little Waikato town with her husband as part of the GOBAC group. This group of ex-military attachés, representing seven countries, served together in Singapore in the 1990s. They have regular reunions in each other’s countries, and this year it was New Zealand, with IW Matamata member Carol Metcalfe and GOBAC husband Richard organising the itinerary. IW Matamata enjoyed catering lunch for the visitors and meeting Beena, whose club now added to Matamata’s email newsletter list. Beena pictured with IW Matamata members (l-r) Gaylene Bay, Sandra Hunter, Ineke Thissen, Sonia Scott and Carol Metcalfe at the lunch venue, Firth Tower Historical Reserve.

With many of our ladies at or over that particular age, and staying home, the telephone wires in the Bay have been very busy. Even President June added to the load as she rang every member making sure all was well. Baking, cooking and the swapping of successes seem to have to keep our ladies in touch and now looking very well indeed……

The knitting of teddies and the making of hospital dolls feels even more critical at this time. Members are asking for sewing while still knitting winter garments for Napier Family Centre. Yes our bubbles have remained small, but there is always a friendly voice that greets one, this seems to say: IT’S OK, THIS IS OUR NEW NORMAL AND TOGETHER WE CAN.

Western NapierOpotiki

“It was a beautiful warm, clear evening to enjoy each other’s company. Carole kindly offered her home, and we gathered on the front terrace. “The calm before the storm!” Ten members and significant others arrived plus Rotarians and friends. Five to 7 pm. They came from Lake camping, from being away, one with a bandaged hand, — how could a sparrow be so spiteful! — President Lana was relaxed and sporting a turquoise floaty tabard. Carole read out greetings and the IWNZ President’s message. The nibbles were delicious and kept coming round, so we kept talking and catching up on the last few weeks. “Bronwen was giving Jean sound advice! Lois warming to her subject in the background.”

Tauranga Central

The Tauranga Central Inner Wheel group have been involved in a couple of fun projects over the past year. Firstly we all collected handbags filled with toiletries and other essential items to be donated to the “It’s in the Bag” group who then provide these to women in need. We were able to put together ten bags which each had at least $100 worth of items in them. This also tied in nicely with our pre-Christmas get together. One of our members then entered the “Nude Dude Fundraiser” for Breast Cancer Support Services. This saw her stripping off and having a dip with several other hearty soles at a local beach.

A couple of our other members helped marshal on the day too to ensure that everything ran smoothly. This fundraiser saw our members team of three raise $3,680 for such a worthwhile charity which supports local Tauranga women through the Breast Cancer process.



6 Together we can

District NZ294

Feilding

The end of 2019 saw the Inner wheel club of Feilding celebrate their 40th anniversary with a dinner at the golf club. An excellent attendance of past members and members from other clubs in the district. 2020 saw members and husbands lunching at the Esplanade café in Palmerston North before visiting the wildlife centre.

Lockdown saw President Julia suspending her shift into town that only now she has been able to complete. Members offering to shop for each other, long walks with some beautiful photos of empty streets and sunsets.

Plimmerton

Manawatu

At our Christmas function last year instead of having a Secret Santa we decided instead to provide toys for children and mothers that would be given to the Salvation Army to distribute at Christmas time.After receiving such an enthusiastic vote of thanks from The Salvation Army for our gifts, we decided that a visit to their food bank would be an exciting club night out for our March meeting and provide us with a charity for the coming year.About 20 members attended to hear Lee, who manages this fantastic community service, talk about how the food bank works to help the ever-increasing numbers of needy and homeless in our city. Lee said the number of people needing assistance, not only with food and toiletries but also with counselling and addiction services that are offered and are continually increasing.

It is sad to hear of the number of people and families living in cars as the cost of house rental continue to rise and are out of the reach of so many. There are many different circumstances that people place them in the position of needing help.

The Salvation Army receives donations from many individuals and businesses, but it is never enough. We all left feeling that the problem is vast but we can make a difference by helping a little.

Our Secretary Robyn Cooper, on the right, presenting Lee with toiletries and cleaning products donated by members of our club.

The ladies at NP North have worked to spread the word of Inner Wheel and all the benefits it offers to members. We had a window display in an empty shop in the CBD and had a stand at the Women’s Lifestyle Expo. Both have done wonders for our membership,

and we have inducted 13 new members and now have a waiting list. It has been great to share the love of Inner Wheel and meet so many new ladies. That does not mean we have not had time for many fun activities with the garden and art group, coffee morning and walking on a Saturday, Mah-jong, knitting and book groups. The Knitting ladies have worked so hard to make items for Neonatal, Barnardos, Red Cross and Meals on Wheels. We have also fundraised to help local charities support the community.

New Plymouth

We were so lucky to hold our 30th Anniversary dinner before the lockdown saw us take to our “bubble”. It was a lovely evening with lots of good food, wine and of course fun and friendship. The Virtuoso Strings entertained us, and Meryl Evans gave a talk about our history. We had four Charter members present to cut the cake.

In August, our sewing group made kitbags for “Caninspire”, an organisation which helps people suffering from trauma, illness or loss through crafting activities. We make kitbags for the beading group, Canbead, as well as giving them our surplus beads. The group, “Canfish”, makes fishing lures.

We recruited some new members to our heart pillow sewing group and made thirty-nine pillows for the cardiac unit at Wellington Hospital. We were able to provide a pillow for one of our members who had a new battery inserted. They make a big difference when placed under the seatbelt to relieve pressure.Since March, we have been keeping in touch with members through our committee phoning list, holding meetings by zoom and sharing recipes, jokes and other material electronically.

Upper Hutt

Roderique Hope Trust that assists those in need. We also continue to support a local kindergarten with fruit baskets and hi-vis vests this year.




District NZ294

Kapiti

Our Sing-Along-Gals got into practice at the District 294 Conference late last year and realised their musical talents, along with the ‘dress for success ‘approach had everyone smiling and singing along. President Shirley Cressy has ‘been on air’ with Nigel on Beach FM radio to spread the word about our Club activities and to put the name out there for new members.Our chosen charity this past year has been “Sweet Louise”. PresidentShirley and Vera (Secretary) presented a cheque to Nicola Roy beforeChristmas (right).Members have donated time knitting, assisting with catering for local organisations & street appeals. We donated to Kapiti College to facilitate support for youth attending the Secondary Schools National Choir competition in Christchurch (Girls Barbershop 1st place) Plus donating 320 ‘Christmas Bears’ to Foster Hope. We supported the Kapiti Girls Equestrian/Gymnasts to compete in the World Champs (Came 6th out of 60 countries) Members have temporarily been denied their walking/talking and coffee mornings, or brainteaser groups, but with diligence, we will be able to re-instate these. PLUS, OUR 40th BIRTHDAY!!!!

We have had a busy few months both socially and also with various charity endeavours. Members continue to bring items to fill pamper packs each month for Camellia House which houses homeless women in Palmerston North.

We had Abbie Watson from Camellia House come and talk about the work they do. Pamper packs were presented to Abbie at the meeting.

Members have also been busy sewing toilet bags for the Maori Women's Refugee and the MAPU at P a l m e r s t o n North Hospital.

These toilet bags were filled with toiletries and presented to the hospital and to the refuge. Both were very grateful for all the work our club had done in making these bags for the women they serve and who are in need. At Christmas time we bought, wrapped and presented gifts to the LUCK foundation. Money was raised throughout the year to buy these gifts for the children connected to this foundation. The LUCK foundation helps

underprivileged people during the year with activities, meals and life skills. They were thrilled to receive these gifts when so many of these families go without.

Palmerston North

The Greytown Shared Pantry, initiated by Inner Wheel, was up and running thanks to a joint effort by seven South Wairarapa organisations until interrupted by Covid 19. It was open 24/7 on the veranda of the Greytown Medical Centre and launched by South Wairarapa District Councillor, Colin Wright on 21 June 2019. The general principle is, “take what you can or give what you can”.

We were given generous donations of food from the Community Board, Fresh Choice, Lionesses and Inner Wheel members. The MensShed built a magnificent pantry which they bolted against the wall and installed trellis in the garden to provide shade and privacy. To our delight it has been well patronised.

One Honoured Active Badge was awarded to founding member, Alisoun Werry, who has made wonderful contributions to teaching and Greytown horticulture. She advised us when we planted trees to commemorate our 25th Anniversary. (Photo on page 13)

South Wairarapa

Tawa

Our theme and emphasis this year has been ‘profile’ and ‘community’. The aim was to become involved with as many activities as possible which would help raise and enhance the concept of Inner Wheel as well as support local groups.

In December The Salvation Army foodbank were the recipients of a wide range of grocery items collected through a new initiative, to be colloquially known as ‘stuff the trailer’. ‘Spring Into Tawa’ - the annual festival day, was a chance to sell produce bags, made by members, to raise funds for our charities and promote Inner Wheel. A quiz evening during September raised funds for the Tawa Community Patrol. With an invitation to the general public, this was yet another opportunity to market and share the purposes of Inner Wheel with the wider community.

In March the club celebrated 38 years. A proud moment as five charter members shared memories over that time.

Tawa 38 Birthday

celebrations with Janice Lee,

Clare Russell, Rae Chaney and Marion

Patchett – charter members.



8 Together we can

We also supported the Salvation Army at Christmas time with our members being given small Christmas stockings in which to place a monetary donation.

These were bought along to our annual Christmas Breakfast at Untouched World and hung on a small Christmas tree.

A substantial amount was collected and donated to

the Salvation Army who distributed this to mothers so that they could afford to buy presents to give their teenagers on Christmas Day.

As usual, the Inner Wheel Club of Blenheim has been busy! President Jacquelene and Margaret Alexander handing over a cheque plus District items to Marlborough Girls College, all to help the students with their monthly cycle.

Our Blenheim Inner Wheel Solomon Project which was donating many bras along with children’s items for school etc. on our behalf, along with many other contributions from other community organisations taken part too. The photo was taken on the day the Islanders were filling the container to then be sent off to the Solomon Islands.

And of course, our on-going Heart Pillows which unfortunately are continuously needed, though the sewing friends amongst us enjoy our time together.

District NZ297

Ashburton

We have had a good Inner Wheel year in Ashburton, interesting speakers at meetings and plenty of social get-togethers. A highlight has been three new members joining our club.

Our major project has been sewing dresses for the girls in India. A group of ladies met with sewing machines at one of our member's homes, and we had a lovely afternoon sewing and chatting. Several people took home more dresses to sew. Thirty dresses completed from ages 2-10-year-old.

September is the Rotary Bookarama, and Inner Wheel always caters for this event. We provide food for sale to the public as well as morning/afternoon tea and lunch for all the Rotarians working at Bookarama.We have had a collection box at each meeting for a collection of coins to go to "Look Good Feel Good" It is always good to support such a worthy cause.

Avonhead

As one of our charities this year we have s u p p o r t e d the District Project for the Salvation Army. At our October Club meeting m e m b e r s bought along a variety of non-perishable food items which were donated to our guest speakers from the Salvation Army. The items would be used to make up food parcels for needy families. Our speakers told us about their work in the community which nowadays is busier than ever. There is an increasing demand for food parcels, not just from the homeless and unemployed but also from many single income families.

Blenheim

Christchurch West

We the ladies of Christchurch West have had a quiet few months since our last ‘proper’ meeting. At the beginning of March, when we had an exciting fun evening listening to members as we took turns to talk about our early working life, there were quite a few surprises and lots laughs.However, we have been keeping in touch with each other either by phone; the committee have a group of four to call each week, we have a weekly instead of the monthly newsletter, made up of just about anything we can think of to put in it, lots of photos of grandchildren doing beautiful things like lockdown camping, homeschooling cookery lessons, some beautiful Covid-19 poems, even a cookery corner when we get short of items!

We have just started having Zoom coffee mornings, which is proving so popular.

Photo:President Joy with new member Pauline delivering food parcels to the Salvation Army




In October we gathered for lunch to celebrate our 35th birthday in style. A delicious carrot cake, made by the café and sponsored by a generous member, completed our meal.Other meetings have included the movie “Fisherman’s Friends”, followed by afternoon tea at a member’s house, our Christmas dinner with gifts distributed by Santa and his Elves and a shared picnic lunch at Neudorf Winery on a gorgeous hot and sunny day.To celebrate International Inner Wheel Day, 23 members from the Top of the South Clubs joined together for lunch at Pelorus Bridge Café. Some members even went for a swim. Members have been keeping in touch throughout the lockdown via phone. At the same time, a letter from our President in the newsletter reminded the knitters among us that Winter will soon be here and that Plunket and Motueka birthing Unit can always use wool garments.

District NZ297

Motueka

Otautahi

Rangiora

RiccartonStoke Tahunanui

I feel like I am reporting on a year of two halves, from changeover 2019 our club worked together to hold a successful Quiz, held a fundraising movie event, cooked for the children and their families at Ronald McDonald House, and a running sausage sizzles.

We have enjoyed some exciting speakers and ran a successful campaign where we gained at least five new members. All that in just five months! Then came 2020-where plans of a new meeting venue, and all events have been put on hold.Together we have kept in touch thru the monthly newsletter and technology. Our AGM along with other plans have been postponed like many we are looking forward to getting our personal, work and Inner Wheel life back to “normal” whatever that will look like.

Rangiora Club had a busy first six months of the year supporting our charity

the Cholmondeley Children’s Centre as well as assisting the local Rotary Club with the delivery of phone books in the community.

Once again our Christmas celebrations have been at The Plough Hotel, and members contributed to the book collection to be given to the local Salvation Army for presents to the children at Christmas. Our Annual meeting was delightful and all members participated telling their activities over the Christmas period. March meeting speaker was our member Elaine Hannas who spoke on a recent enjoyable visit to Kenya.

We have contributed with a morning tea or lunch outing on the first Thursday of each month, but this too is now on hold.Meetings will resume when the lockdown is released.

Our club has enjoyed many activities together over the past year. Sharing with the 2 other clubs in our region. Motueka joined us locally for NZ Inner Wheel Day and International Inner Wheel Day Stoke-Tahunanui, Blenheim and Motueka Clubs travelled to Pelorus for lunch, walks & swims.

Members from all clubs attended the District Meeting in Blenheim in October. We have enjoyed the friendship of our own Inner Wheel ladies at our changeover luncheon, Pot Luck Dinner, Christmas Luncheon, Regular Coffee mornings, walks near local beaches.

Other activities were: Hosting a guest speaker from Hello World on International Travel. A tour of our brand new regional Hospice. An evening hosted by one of our members who inspired us all with her philosophy of using natural products for cleaning & personal use, no plastics, and healthy & sometimes unfamiliar foods for us to taste. Organisations we support are; Civil Defence, Salvation Army, Cancer Society, Hospice, Days4Girls & Victim Support. During lockdown many have kept busy sewing & knitting for these charities.

Our Club is continuing to foster a wide range of activities including craft, walking and talking, gym etc. We also continued Age Concern hosting, something the Club has been doing for many years.

The Committee has worked hard to provide interesting, informative and fun meetings once a month and special outings in-between times (the photo shows one of these special gatherings, a get together for International Inner Wheel day at Halswell Quarry). We have especially enjoyed the International President’s theme “Together we can”, finding that theme very easy to incorporate in our activities. We have also introduced the concept of Pop-ins. This is where members meet for coffee before heading out in twos to visit present or resigned members who for any number of reasons require our care. Many of these women have given hugely to our Club, and we don’t want any of them to be forgotten.

And a final photo, at our February meeting, we honoured Alison Dowson (shown here with Secretary Cecile) for her fifty years of service to the Club – from club president to president of International Inner Wheel, Alison exemplifies service.



10 Together we can

District NZ298

Our Inner Wheel Club has had a busy year volunteering at activities around our town. The first baby born in Balclutha in September receives a baby basket full of home knitting and baby clothes. This tradition is always gratefully received. In November we celebrated our 45th year of service with an enjoyable afternoon tea. The theme ‘Hats, Heels and High Afternoon Tea was greatly enjoyed by all in attendance. Joy West and Shirley Hargest received ‘Honoured Active Members’ badges for their long association and worked within our club. November saw the end of our year with a Xmas dinner attended by members and their extended families. February is our annual ‘Clear the Clutter for a Cause’ garage sale. This sale is always very successful, and this year we made enough money to donate to several causes around Balclutha.

The Balclutha Reading Programme, Police Youth Programme, Balclutha Hospital Palliative Care Unit, Anglican Family Care and the Mayoral Fund for COVID 19 assistance were our biggest recipients. There were donations also given to other smaller groups in our town. During the year the club donates emergency ‘Personal Care Packs’ to St John and the Balclutha hospital. Our club is quite small, but our members are very focussed in staying together and enjoying each other’s company, raising money or giving their time to others in the community.

Balclutha

Approximately two weeks prior to ‘lockdown’ on a beautiful early autumn afternoon several members of the Invercargill Club enjoyed an outing to Bluff.

The photo shows the ladies at the iconic signpost at the end of State Highway One.

It was ‘home town’ to two of the ladies and they took

great pleasure in showing off where they grew up. A visit was made to the Maritime Museum, a beautiful garden with outstanding views that has featured in ‘Home and Garden’ and finally a cup of tea at a Club member’s brothers home looking over the town of Bluff and harbour.

Invercargill

Invercargill North

Inner Wheel Invercargill North has had a busy year. One of our highlights was a series of interviews done of some of our long serving members. Each one was interviewed in the comfort of their own home which enabled them to be delightfully frank with their memories and what Inner Wheel meant to them. An interesting outcome for us as a club was that even though we “knew” our long serving members there was something new to learn about them. A copy of each member’s interview was given to them. Sadly we have lost a couple of our interviewees and these recordings are a happy reminder of their Wife, Mother, and Grandmother.

On Club nights we have had up to five of our members share with us their journey of Inner Wheel. That is a good way for newer members of the Club to get to know the ladies who are part of it.

Since our Christmas recess, we have lost two of our members which have left us in a sombre mood, and then with the Lockdown our three Fundraising events we had scheduled had to be cancelled. To bring a little sunshine into our lives, we have been producing Lockdown Bulletins to which our members contribute with anecdotes of their new way of life or a recipe or two. We have also been keeping in contact via the phone. We all can’t wait until we can have a proper face-to-face catch-up.

Invercargill South

Our Craft ladies are still working quietly in the background. I cut out six dressing gowns last week, Hazel and Margaret have three each to complete. At our previous meeting in February, we had Olivia Hyslop (a trainee nurse here in Dunedin) speak of her travels to Uganda to assist building a hospital at Mayindu Village. She took some of the cotton dresses we made for distribution to girls in need. The photo shows a little girl named Chanta wearing one of the cotton dresses; the smile says it all. The second photo is of a group of local children who Olivia made friends with.

Our group is getting smaller every year, with many members in the 70+ age group, we enjoy having mostly gatherings for Fellowship, fun and of course, food. A few of us still manage to knit and sew for Fosterhope Otago, Heart Kids, Pregnancy Help and any other local organisations that might need our help. We have a craft day at least once a month where we get together for the afternoon and cut out items for members to take home and sew and those who don't sew generally sit and knit. We then set

the world to rights over a cup of tea.

We have donated food to the food bank at Christmas, and have given funds to our local Representative of Look Good Feel Better, to provide lunch for those ladies that they have a pamper day for.

Oamaru

Mosgiel




District NZ298

The Inner Wheel Club of Queenstown has embraced the Theme ”Together we Can” in many ways. We have had speakers talking about issues we can overcome together. Our Mayoress, Karen Boult, spoke of her support for the LGBTTQt community and how she supported her young gay son for a life that presents challenges. Olivia Wensley is a former litigation lawyer and New Zealand #MeToo advocate. Olivia has inspired hundreds to share their sexual harassment stories. “Together we can.”

Our Club has supported Happiness House, a community based non-profit organisation that is a drop-in centre providing a safe, warm, non-judgemental, confidential and caring environment.

Together we can help many people, and the $5,000 raised by our Club for volunteering at the Queenstown Marathon went to Happiness House. Our Saturday Walk Group is one of the success stories of our Club. Organised by Jenny Mason, a walk is arranged every Saturday morning along with one of the many scenic tracks in our district. Because we have such a beautiful climate in all seasons, the Saturday walk is seldom cancelled. Those who can’t walk can meet up with the group for morning coffee. Together we can welcome new members to our Club through the walking group. Members bring friends, and this year we have had the pleasure of inducting three new members, who started by joining the Walking Group.

Queenstown

Temuka Inner wheel continues to enjoy our monthly meetings, often incorporating an outing to one of the many cafes around our area. We always adhere to the protocols of Inner Wheel and the International theme of "Together We Can " applies very well to this past few months. In particular, we are very mindful of the prevailing World situation and of course how it impacts on our own country.

Life goes on, and the photograph depicts our continuing association with Hospice when at Christmas times several of our members visit Timaru Hospice with a carton of goodies for their Christmas table.At one of our meetings, we experienced a World cruise from the comfort of a members lounge. Our past President, Gwenda and husband Don, did just that late last year, and no, it wasn't on the Ruby Princess!

Temuka

There are significant benefits serving two years as District NZ298 Chairman, especially when reflecting upon my first year and implementing those new ideas over the next year. National Past President Darlene Westrupp and National President Carol Haskett delivered a consistent focus on Growth, Membership and Uptake on Roles within Clubs, District and National – “Take A Risk” and “Step Up Into A Role” will always be with me. Even now, I see many insights as Together We Can help each other grow into our future. I have grown amazing friendships with Members and Clubs in my District and beyond. Together We Can discover some talented ladies, inspiring speakers, fabulous projects and fundraising for charities Local, National and International while prospering in friendship and fellowship. I appreciate everyone’s effort keeping a full calendar this year.

I wish to acknowledge a “Thank You” to all of our Members, and especially the District Committee – Dot Anderson Lee, Pauline Blampied, Josie Gilroy, Pam Henderson, Carole King, Maureen Malcolm and Jo Williamson. A “HUGE Thank You” to Josie Gilroy for being an amazingly efficient Secretary with the added bonus of “What’s Next” in our journey Together We Can. Dot Anderson Lee as you lead as incoming National President, I know you will embrace new challenges and exciting opportunities ahead. “Congratulations!” Yours In Inner Wheel Friendship.

District NZ298Alyssandra SkerrettDistrict Chairman Report

Temuka-Timaru Hospice-Jeannette Woodley Marion Wright (Hospice) Thea Scott Valerie Brown.

Waimate

We have many community projects that we undertake, just lately during lock down for Covid 19 we donated $50.00 to our local Pharmacy to help pay for the delivery of prescription’s for those who were unable to pay or get to the pharmacy for pick up. Our Pharmacist a local Rotarian was very grateful and gave us a huge thank you. Our club was recognised on the delivery bags as you can read above.

Although we haven’t had meetings our President Pauline and Secretary Julie have done a sterling job keeping in touch with members and also the club Bulletin continues on.



12 Together we can

How apt has the theme ‘Together We Can’ been, as I travel through my year as District Chairman for NZ294. This ties in nicely with my personal District theme of ‘Let’s Work

Together’ and I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the clubs and working with all the amazing Inner Wheel ladies. The hospitality and welcome I have received has been second to none. Special events attended have been Feilding’s 40th, New Plymouth’s 39th, Plimmerton’s 30th and a Margarette Golding presentation to Helen Griffin from ‘Days for Girls’ at Palmerston North Club. My emphasis this year has been to get to know as many members as possible and to present Project Revive.Our District have coped so well with the recent challenges of lockdown, connections being made with club members – from zoom coffee, committee, mahjong and book club meetings to virtual tours of European museums and sites. We’ve also enjoyed sharing friendship and some light humour in the wonderful newsletters. Sadly, so many well-planned events have had to be postponed or cancelled including our District Assembly (Rose Day), Kapiti’s 40th, Plimmerton’s Golf Trip, Tawa’s Women’s Expo to name a few, in addition to all our regular meetings.Our District Changeover and AGM will be a zoom meeting if we are not able to meet face to face.The Ruel Foundation has been our ISO District Project for the past 3 years - supporting New Zealand doctors and nurses who are changing the lives of children in the Pacific islands. District 294 is in good heart and I am extremely proud of all our Clubs’ achievements over the past year.Yours In Inner Wheel Friendship

District Chairman Reports

Together we can and have had a successful, if challenging, 2019-2020 year in District NZ291. I believe my goals for the year: "Together we can create change, increase awareness, support our Clubs, District and IWNZ, and empower women", have been achieved through teamwork. I enjoyed my visits to Clubs, including IWC Nouméa Plaisance, meeting members and sharing information about the National Strategy, Project Revive, and have been delighted at the many ways Clubs have taken up the challenge to engage with it; from changing the seating plan at meetings to creating Club pamphlets and participating in community events. I believe NZ291 have been supportive within and between clubs, especially evidenced in the latter part of this year. I commend all Clubs on the amazing amount and variety of community service undertaken, club committees on taking on the challenge of running their clubs and give huge thanks to the District Executive for their support and for taking on their roles with enthusiasm, exploring new ways of doing things and creating new opportunities throughout the year: starting a new club in West Auckland, Pink Star Walk, up-to-date website and Facebook posts, to name a few. Together we have achieved so much.

District NZ291Brenda Paschke

Members of District NZ297 continue to work hard in their communities and have a lot of fun and friendship along the way. It has been an enormous pleasure to meet these ladies during club visits, thus allowing me to make new friendships along the way. Thank you to those who have offered hospitality to allow this to happen. I have experienced firsthand the warmth and caring that belonging to an Inner Wheel club can bring. Having lost my club (Waimea Nelson), I was warmly welcomed into Stoke Tahunanui and given the support needed at this time. Having the opportunity to participate in and to attend NGB meetings has been a real privilege.I take this opportunity to thank all those who have taken the time to chat and offer to advise along the way. I feel that a telephone call beats an email any day when it comes to communication, and I have been lucky enough to have had the time to allow this to happen. Our district executive has worked well together, and I have used skype for numerous meetings, now finding this a very successful way to meet. Lets still embrace the theme “Together We Can" as we all navigate a different world thru the current pandemic. I, for one, will always pick up the phone whenever time allows.

District NZ297Sharon Martin

District NZ294Carol Woodfield

NZ293 members have been enthusiastically supporting the IWNZ National Project, “Look Good Feel Better” once again, as well as supporting many local projects where they see a need. The International Inner Wheel theme “Together We Can” sums up IW members achievements working together.One project many members are involved with is “Period Poverty”. Members have donated towards material, and many have been busy on the production line sewing “Days for Girls” kits. These have been distributed Internationally and Nationally, where there is a need for some mothers, in hospital, following birth.After 44 years of being such a productive District we disband, knowing that “TOGETHER WE CAN” move forward and join with NZ291 or NZ294. Thankyou everyone for your friendship and support. I have learnt so much. You have all made my role very pleasurable.

District NZ293Vera Farmillo

Period Poverty donations




Honoured Active MembersPeriod covered 1st July 2018-30th June 2020.

National Strategy

The National Governing Body identified early the need to make goals and have a strategy in place to achieve these goals and each NGB since has continued to work with this.

With IWNZ membership numbers dropping it has been wonderful to see clubs embrace the ideas given through the National Strategy and as a result welcome new members into Inner Wheel.

I give thanks to all the members who completed our survey for Covid-19 this allowed Michelle Atkinson to put together the Covid-19 toolkit which is now on our IWNZ website.

We will I hope by the time this Inner Link is received by members have a Membership and Marketing Toolkit on the website with ideas gathered from members and the Strategy team.

With our ever changing world it is vital that we all work together to ensure that Inner Wheel continues beyond our 100 year celebration in 2024.

Carol Haskett IWNZ President/National Representative

Front Cover :Front Cover :Members globally raise their Mug or Cup to celebrate the work of Inner Wheel.


Lynda Schuller (L)

InvercargillJosie Gilroy (L)

East Coast Albany Bays

Pam Ninness

Shore CityMary Bingham

South WairarapaAlisoun Werry (L)

Auckland EastJo Emmerson


Margaret Mullan (R)

PlimmertonMarie Press (R)

Howick Heather French (R)

Palmerston NorthDarlene Westrupp

Aotea AucklandMichelle Atkinson

Mt RoskillBev Lumsden (R)

Upper HuttJudi Newborn

BalcluthaJoy West

Shirley Hargest

Save the date:IWNZ CONFERENCE 2021

QUEENSTOWN14-16 MAY 2021



14 Together we can

Incoming District ChairmenDistrict NZ294

Carol WoodfieldDistrict NZ297

Judith Kingsbury

District NZ298Jo Williamson

District NZ291Rina Maxwell-Hesp

Many times, you hear people saying their life is like a book with many chapters; as one-chapter finishes, the next one opens ready to be written. I relate to this, I

enjoy transcribing those memories into stories, while reminiscing over the photos that begin to fill a scrapbook.The next chapter in my book will be about “Friendship with a Purpose”, reconnecting with people I meet during my visits to the Clubs, strengthen our Inner Wheel network amongst our Members and attract Members from a wider community. Why not share what we love, what we do well, and what makes us happy. Every time I meet women, I discover we have so much in common; we enjoy social times together, we enjoy getting behind a cause, we enjoy sharing ideas, and helping others in the community.What will I do, and how will I be? I know I will BE a continuing supporter of the rights of women and girls. By supporting and working together, we create a healthy, modern, and global Inner Wheel. I invite you to come on this journey with me, help me to write our next thrilling chapter, and BE actively involved. BE proud to belong to our Inner Wheel organisation, BE enthusiastic about promoting where you can, when you can, and most of all BE a Friend to all.

Hello Ladies of Inner WheelMay I introduce myself as your incoming District Chairman.I have been in Inner Wheel for approximately 40 years, and our Club was originally made up of two contributing Rotary Clubs in the Ashburton area.I have taken the role of President three times, secretary, twice and Club correspondent, many years ago when we had them.I am married to my Michael, and we have two married sons, five grandsons, a granddaughter and two great-grandsons.My aim for this year before the Corona Virus was to visit each Club and get to know you all, either for the first time or to renew old friendships. My aims throughout the next year are to see the Clubs firstly have fun and enjoy doing things together.I firmly believe that working together creates a great atmosphere for getting to know fellow members and at the same time you can be working for the benefit of people in need or a favourite charity.I hope during my year that if there is anything I can help you or your Club with you will feel free to contact me. I am here to talk to any time. Yours in IW Friendship

I am a member of the vibrant Plimmerton Inner Wheel Club, and I am taking on the role of Chairman for District 294 for a second year. Inner Wheel has been a big part of my life

for many years, and I thoroughly enjoy the friendship, activities and community involvement.

I am originally from Loch Lomond in Scotland with my schooling in Glasgow, and University studies in Edinburgh, where I trained as a social worker. I moved here in 1982 with my kiwi husband, Alastair and worked for many years with special needs children. We have four adult children and four beautiful grandchildren who keep us busy! I enjoy golf, pilates, cycling, walking, gardening, craft and travelling.

Our District is looking forward to welcoming Napier and Ahuriri Clubs after the sad disbanding of District 293.

I am also looking forward to another fulfilling year of Inner Wheel friendship, continuing the promotion of our new national strategies and working with my great team.

What a wonderful organization to be part of!

Kia Ora fellow Inner Wheel members.Over the last forty years, I have worked in Education, teaching at Primary and Secondary levels and currently working as a Resource Teacher Learning and Behaviour. My main interests include music (I play the violin and sing in a Barbershop chorus) and musical theatre. Recently I have become a Marriage Celebrant, which has been a delight, something I intend to do more of when I retire.I have been a member of the Invercargill North Inner Wheel Club for eleven years. I have been part of the committee as ISO twice and President twice. The highlight of my time would be my involvement with the Last Night of the Proms and see the community come together to produce a fabulous night of entertainment, providing valuable fundraiser for Hospice.I have really enjoyed my time with Inner Wheel at club level, being involved in community activities and fundraising for local, national and international organisations. One of the highlights for me during the last year was Project Revive and the plan to go create a modern, active and dynamic organisation. I am looking forward to working with the District on this plan and supporting the clubs through the action plan. I believe that COVID-19 has introduced many of our members to Zoom and Skype platforms, which will allow greater communication between clubs. I would intend to use these platforms that will enable clubs to keep in touch with each other.I believe that Inner Wheel enables us to share and use our skills. We need to be able to learn through leadership, meetings, speakers and the large variety of social activities.We are women in Action working together to make a difference and improve lives. Together we can.




I'm Dot Anderson-Lee, incoming National President for Inner Wheel NZ, and I'm very much looking forward to this role. The new Theme for the Inner Wheel year 2020-21 has been approve. Unfortunately, I would prefer that it was announced so that I could share this with the incoming Presidents at their upcoming AGM. I do hope the year will be based around our IIW Theme. I was born in Invercargill 67 years ago and have lived most of my life there. In my late teens, I had a 3-year stint in Sydney. During my second year, I began my profession as a Travel Agent, which I am passionate about to this day. In 2003, after my first husband passed away, I had a 3-year stint in the UK. I have two unmarried grownup children, and hence no grandchildren yet. Since 2012, Ryan has lived in Queensland, Australia, but has now upped sticks and has moved to Blenheim with a Managerial role at Wine Works. He started during our Covid-19 Lockdown. Apparently, the Wine Industry is an Essential Service. Todd has lived in Queenstown since he left school and has a Managerial role at Bidfood. Now, I am married to Wayne, my second husband. In 2012, we married in a surprise ceremony celebrating my 60th birthday. Recently, we sold our Invercargill home, and we are moving to Blenheim - by the time you read this, we hope to be ensconced in our new home, which has been disrupted by the Level 4 Lockdown. Wayne was a Rotarian in the Rotary Club of Invercargill North, and it wasn't long before I was being approached to become a Member of Inner Wheel. I joined in 2006, and soon afterwards, I joined the Club Committee. I stepped onto District NZ298 as ISO. At the time, I never knew what an ISO was but soon learned that it fitted with my Travel Agency background of keeping in touch with people around the world. During my 3-years on the District Committee, I learned much more about Inner Wheel, and I found that time invaluable for future roles within my Club and District. I became our Club President with an excellent Secretary and Committee around me, and then followed that by District NZ298 Chairman. Currently, I am District NZ298 Membership Chairman completing 2-years, as our current District Chairman has been in her role for 2-years, too. This extra time has allowed me to invest in new potential Club growth and Membership ideas. I was nominated as Inner Wheel NZ Vice President. On 1 July 2020, I will officially become the Inner Wheel NZ President for this year. I believe that if you are a Member of a Club, then you put your heart and soul into it. Although the thought of even being Club President was daunting, with a great committee and mentors around you, you suddenly find that you wondered why it was such an alarming prospect. I used to look at District Chairmen and think they were almost like Royalty - all the protocols in the Manual that are in place for their visit to our Club, etc. Now, I see that they are all like me - passionate about Inner Wheel, taking on the role for fulfilment and because encouraging people around help you realise you can do it. I would never have imagined myself as the National President of Inner Wheel, following in the very large footsteps of our previous Presidents. At the end of the day, they are all down to earth people who love to impart their knowledge and expertise, and they want you to do a great job for Inner Wheel. So, that's hopefully what I am going to do. I look forward to meeting you all when the country returns to near normality. I must say having my wings clipped is not my usual style. My husband likes to tell people that I'm not happy unless I have my passport in one hand and a suitcase in the other. Yours in friendship

Carol HaskettImmediate Past President IW Club Ashburton

Dot Anderson-LeePresident National RepresentativeIW Club Blenheim

IWNZ National governing body

JudiNewbornSecretaryIW Club Upper Hutt

Anne JoyceTreasurerIW Club Upper Hutt

Annabelle ValentineConstitution ChairmanIW Club Auckland East

Sue WoffindinEditorIW Club Parahaki of Whangarei

Michelle AtkinsonDeputyNational RepresentitiveIW Club Aotea Auckland

Brenda PaschkeMedia Manager/Webmaster In collaboration with IW Club of Aotea Auckland

Executive Committee 2020-2021

Appointments

Incoming PresidentDot Anderson Lee


National Representatives 2020-2021 Year.Front row: IWNZ Past President Carol Haskett

IWNZ President Dot Anderson-Lee IWNZ VP Michelle Atkinson

Back row: NZ294 Carol Woodfield, NZ291 Rina Maxwell-Hesp,

NZ298 Jo Williamson, NZ297 Judith Kingsbury

"Inner Wheel New Zealand have been supporting Look Good Feel better for many years and as the recipient of their National

Service Project it was an honour to attend the National Conference to celebrate the service achieved across the country by 1500 women

in 50 Inner Wheel Clubs".

Clare O’Higgins General Manager

IW Aotea Auckand supporting LGFB at

Cotton on Half Marathon


Documents

2020 Inner Wheel New Zealand Inc INNER LINK...Inner Wheel New Zealand Inc Inner Link 2020 7 District NZ294 Kapiti Our Sing-Along-Gals got into practice at the District 294 Conference