YWCA High Tea

To Dame Catherine Tizard, Patron and former Governor-General,  to Carol Scholes, President, to Hilary Sumpter, Chief Executive and the board members, to Sue Moroney, member of Parliament and to everyone here, we are all supporters of the Auckland YWCA;  good afternoon.

Thank you for accepting the invitation to be here this afternoon to celebrate 125 years of YWCA in Auckland.  It is a joy to be able to have you here at Government House in Auckland to help you to celebrate an important milestone.

I’m sure you know that the YWCA is the oldest women’s organisation in Auckland and 125 years takes us back to 1885.  Its early mission was to develop aspects of a woman’s character dummed down by the daily toil of workrooms, where many young women laboured.

Since that time, its work has changed significantly, as the needs of women have changed.  It has contributed to the social fabric of Auckland and touched the lives of many women.

Current activities include the running of a hostel in the City and a successful exercise programme for women recovering from breast cancer surgery called Encore.  A scheme to encourage future leaders which involves four years of mentored activities involves a diverse group from many Auckland schools.  In addition, the Association continues to speak for women, supporting other organisations which provide a voice for women.

YWCA is the largest women’s organisation in the world, and is active in more than 125 countries with a collective network of more than 25 million women.

You here contribute to women young and old, thus strengthening Auckland communities which, as Patron of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand, I commend you for.

I am pleased to see the emphasis that the Association places on ‘helping women and girls develop into leaders who work for change in their communities, often in difficult and challenging conditions.’

The late Charles Malik, former President of the United Nations General Assembly, said about the important contributions women make to society:

‘The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world.’

The YWCA does exactly that, both in Auckland and nationally.

Congratulations to the Association on having made 125 years of contributions to New Zealand and its women.  It is worth celebrating and reminds us all of the enduring commitment of women to each other.  Thanks to each of you for all that you do for this very valuable organisation.

I am pleased that Anand is able to be here and both of us extend a warm welcome to you all.  I hope that you enjoy your time at this lovely Auckland Government House.

May you have good fortune and the courage to continue to realise your objectives - no reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.