Tauranga RSA's first woman president hands over the reins

Tauranga RSA's first elected woman president Heather Waldron hands over reigns after three years in the role. Photo/George Novak

Heather Waldron, the first woman president for Tauranga Returned Services Association, has stepped down after three years in the top job.

Waldron said she had chosen to do so not for health or personal reasons, but she felt the time was the right to allow "new blood" to come through and step up to the role.

"It's been a very rewarding and at the same a challenging role, but there have been many high points, including the chance to liaise with our army, navy and air cadets."

Waldron, a Tauranga RSA life member, said she felt "very privileged' to have met some wonderful people - which she would not have otherwise done - during her time as president.

"One of the things I have also really enjoyed is being able to meet some amazing young people both at the annual Anzac Day commemorations and during school visits."

Waldron said she wanted to thank her fellow RSA members and the community for their fantastic support to her and her family, including after her daughter's death in 2016.

She officially stepped down on Saturday at Tauranga RSA's 100th annual general meeting when vice-president Fred Milligan was elected the new president.

Tauranga RSA vice-president Paul Anderson said Waldron had done herself proud in the role she was elected to three times in three years.

"Heather has been very much a hands-on president, and she was always passionate about doing her very best on behalf of the association and all our members.

"Being ex-navy, not surprisingly Heather ran a pretty tight ship, which is what you want when you're the face of the Tauranga RSA and hold such a responsible position."

Waldron is also a former Leading Wren with the New Zealand Navy.

Fellow RSA member and friend Russell Williams said Waldron had been "very active" since she joined Tauranga RSA in 1987.

"Heather has also been a tireless worker for the RSA Welfare Trust, and she held many other leadership roles on her way to being elected president of Tauranga RSA in 2015.

Waldron was vice-president of Tauranga RSA for two years and was also the RSA cadet liaison officer for "many years", Williams said.

"Heather has been a true community worker," he said.

A life member of the Bay of Plenty Justices of the Peace Association, she was also the education-trainer of all the new JPs in the areas for many years.

Despite not being a member of Rotary, Waldron was recognised for her community service with a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellowship in 2010.

This week Tauranga RSA holds a series of celebratory events to mark its 100th year, including a high tea today for the women's section, served by the executive committee.