Rosemary Viskovic receiving her yellow rose, with mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / Supplied
Rosemary Viskovic receiving her yellow rose, with mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / Supplied
There was recognition and celebration of hard-working local women on Tuesday for International Women's Day, including the presentation of yellow roses by Zonta Club of Rotorua and an installation at Pullman Rotorua.
The Zonta Club of Rotorua honoured six local women to celebrate International Women's Day.
On March 8 every year, outstanding women are carefully selected and presented with a single yellow rose.
The Zonta yellow rose is a living symbol of the Zonta International Organisation.
In Rotorua, the roses are perpetuated and tended in local council gardens – but they are also available periodically from growers, florists and the backyards of women all over the world.
Zonta Club of Rotorua president Chris Stevens says, "Gifting our yellow roses is our way of taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the outstanding contributions made by women in our local community".
Joyce Gardiner was a yellow rose recipient from Zonta Club of Rotorua. Photo / Supplied
"Since 2007, our club has honoured nearly 110 local women in Rotorua who quietly get on with making significant contributions all over our community."
International Women's Day has been observed globally since the early 1900s - as a day to reflect and appreciate the multi-lateral achievements of women.
On this day every year, Zonta members distribute Zonta Roses all over the world, to publicly acknowledge the often unheralded contributions made by women in their communities.
"Every year's Yellow Rose presentations are significant," says Robyn Spurdle, service chairwoman.
Kelly Albrecht receiving her yellow rose for her work with the Junior Lake City Athletics Club. Photo / Supplied
"This past year was another difficult one for most of us - so we just want to start by saying thank you.
"Thank you to our wahine toa, our women of strength.
"Thank you for all you have done this past year, to look after the special spirit of Rotorua's community.
"We admire and respect your courage and perseverance in these challenging times, and these roses are our way of saying how much we appreciate you."
She said the day was also one for women to look around at each other and smile, pick flowers and appreciate all our random, generous and unique acts of kindness, that make up our community.
Anne Donnell receiving her yellow rose for her work with Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Photo / Supplied
"As you can see from this year's Yellow Rose recipients, women are standing up to support and lead at these difficult times."
This year the Zonta Club of Rotorua sincerely appreciates the efforts of these six unsung heroes in the Rotorua community:
- Joyce Gardiner, lead Kaitiaki for Tipu Ora Tiaki Whānau at Tunohopu Health Centre and president of the 13 branches of The Women's Health league across New Zealand - Kelly Albrecht, Junior Lake City Athletics Club children's convener - Jan Grigg, past board of Parkinson NZ: six years as local Rotorua treasurer then seven years on the national board - Anne Donnell, Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. - Joanne Wallace, involvement in the Kaharoa community and Kaharoa Tennis Club - Rosemary Viskovic, lead in establishing emergency housing supported living and the Service Support Hub. She then went on to lead the council input into the Covid response.
Joanne Wallace receiving her yellow rose for her involvement in the Kaharoa community and Kaharoa Tennis Club. Photo / Supplied
Rotorua mayor and Rotorua Zonta Club member Steve Chadwick says, "I extend my warmest congratulations to this year's recipients".
"It is always wonderful to learn about the exceptional women in our society. Many who seek no recognition or reward, but make such a difference to so many in our community.
"We are lucky to have you and I thank you for all that you do."
Jan Grigg was all smiles with service chairwoman Robyn Spurdle as she received her rose. Photo / Supplied
This year, the UN official theme for International Women's Day 2022 is "Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow".
Steve says, "As we continue to work through the challenges we face, it's vital that we continue to support and nurture the future generations of women that will lead our communities, and I commend these inspiring women for doing just that."
Rosemary Viskovic receiving her yellow rose, with mayor Steve Chadwick. Photo / Supplied
This International Women's Day, Activities & Events Unlimited and Pullman Rotorua also teamed up to celebrate local women in business.
Women were nominated by people through social media to be featured in an installation at Pullman Rotorua's lobby called Our Women. A cocktail function was also held on Tuesday to celebrate.
Event and project manager Stacy Hall says they work with the Pullman every month to create an engaging space for the guests and community in the foyer, and this month it just made sense to celebrate International Women's Day.
"We had such a fantastic response from the community to celebrate the amazing local wahine.
"The evening was a great turn out, it was beautiful.
"No competition or judging, just celebrating women that deserved to be recognised."
She says the feedback was awesome and many asked when the next event would be.
Activities & Events Unlimited director Deb Wootton says they are all about supporting the events industry and local industry colleagues in the current times.
"It's great to support local women. We have some amazing women in our team (supported by some equally amazing men).
"It's nice to be able to celebrate something positive in the current global environment.
"We are ready and rearing to go once events are back in full swing.
"We would like to also thank Isarel, Sally and the Pullman for hosting such a lovely evening, and Shelly Davies for her gorgeous koha for each one of the women acknowledged," she says.
