In recent years, the NCW Manawatu branch has had the policy of inviting speakers every few months, for our own edification as well as advertising an NCW presence in the local community. Our combined networks have generated a variety of remarkably interesting and educational presentations.

The 2024 year began with Mike Manson, CEO of ALGIM, exploring the topic of "Emerging Technologies." He gave us an enlightening survey of the future place of drones, robots, driverless cars, and 3D printing, and encouraged us to regard AI as a useful tool. His quietly sensible manner and well-informed overview increased our awareness of how technological discoveries drive so many aspects of our life on the planet, including those particularly affecting women.

In May, we were graced with a talk by Dr Pelle Kempe, a local obstetrician and gynaecologist, who spoke about "Trends in Women’s Medicine." His speciality is in ultrasound and laparoscopic surgery, and with his international background, was able to highlight the benefits and concerns of the New Zealand health system for women, particularly for the need for research data to analyse surgical outcomes. His knowledge and comparative overview provoked a meaningful and sometimes alarming discussion concerning the realities for women’s health in New Zealand today.

Back l-r: Lisa Emerson, Barbara Arnold, Janice Viles, Anne McCarthy Front l-r: Anne Gibu Joseph, Sajani Dissanayake, Zainaa Hilal

In July, three skilled adolescents from the Palmerston North Youth Council: Zainaa Hilal, Sajani Dissanayake and Ann Gibu Joseph, presented an understanding of their roles to us. The Youth Council keep school and local youth up to date with what if going on in the Palmerston North Council and its environment, make submissions to council, and run events for youth. These speakers have since joined NCW Manawatu, increasing our under-fifties membership by 100%, and will provide a wider and very welcome perspective in discussions.

In September, Dr Ranjita Sengupta, president of the Manawatu Multicultural Council (MMC) spoke expansively on ‘Connecting with Communities’ and the roles of her council locally. The MMC has existed for 31 years, and has run 127 programmes this fiscal year, such as Festival of Cultures and World on Stage. Volunteers play a significant role in their organisation, and they collaborate in 125 partnerships with other groups. Dr Ranjita’s explanation was followed by an excellent discussion on local opportunities for scholarships, and interactions with local support groups, including Graduate Women and the Central Energy Trust, both of whom had members present. Dr Ranjita has also become a member of our local NCW Manawatu group: her wide knowledge of local networks will add considerably to NCW Manawatu resources.

This month, members of NCW Manawatu will travel to Parliament to commemorate women’s suffrage, followed by a viewing of the petition at the national library. We look forward to being educated by our activities in 2025, while expanding our membership to include local women. 

Photographs: Anne McCarthy. Reproduced here by permission.