SI TAUPŌ
Est. 2011
We are a friendly, open group of like-minded women who want to make a difference for women at home and abroad. We enjoy fun and friendship while undertaking local, national and international projects to benefit women and girls. Membership will also give the opportunity to expand your networks along with developing leadership and other skills.
Club Details:
Taupō based club -
sitaupo@siseap.org
Meeting Details:
2nd Monday of the month during the summer months: 6pm if socialising prior otherwise 7pm.
During the winter months, we select a Saturday to meet during the day.
Venue: Please contact us via email: sitaupo@siseap.org to find out where we are meeting in Taupo this month.
Members planting a Tioki Tree.
Members presenting a wreath on ANZAC Day.
Members with items for the
PJ Drive 2019.
Gardening for RDA.
Members for Pink Breakfast.
SI Taupō Club: Supporting Our Community
Soroptimist International Taupō has been actively involved in numerous community projects, focusing on empowering women and supporting vulnerable groups. Here are some of the impactful initiatives we've led or supported over the last few years:
Key Projects and Initiatives
2023-2024 National Project: "Cure Our Ovarian Cancer"
Supporting the Soroptimist International Aotearoa New Zealand National Project to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer research and support.
Pyjama Drive
Donating warm nightwear for women and children who arrive at the Women's Refuge with limited personal belongings, often due to fleeing unsafe situations.
Bundles of Joy Project (2022-2023)
In partnership with Awhi Midwives and Pregnancy Help Taupō, this project provides packages filled with essential items for vulnerable mothers and their newborns, including nappies, singlets, baby wipes, sensory books, and a small luxury item for mothers.
Christmas Gifts for the Elderly
Fundraised and prepared Christmas gift boxes to bring joy to elderly members of our community during the holiday season.
Project Uplift Bra and Swimwear Collection
Collecting new and gently used bras and swimwear for distribution to women in the Pacific Islands through Project Uplift NZ.
International Women’s Day Luncheon
Partnered with Amplify Taupō to host a luncheon celebrating International Women’s Day, bringing the community together to honour and empower women.
Loves-Me-Not Programme
Supporting Tauhara College and Taupō Police in delivering the Year 12 "Loves-Me-Not" programme, which educates youth on healthy relationships.
COVID-19 Mask Extenders and Fabric Masks
During the pandemic, our members created mask extenders and fabric masks to support front-line health workers and elderly individuals.
Hygiene and Cleaning Buckets for Refuge Centres
Assembling essential hygiene and cleaning supplies for Te Whare O Oranga Wairua Māori Women’s Refuge and Taupō Women's Refuge Awhina Society.
Socks for Warmth
Supplying warm socks and nightwear to women and children at Te Whare O Oranga Wairua Māori Women’s Refuge and Taupō Women’s Refuge Awhina Society, providing comfort to those in challenging situations.
Helping Handbag Project
Supporting Te Whare O Oranga Wairua Māori Women’s Refuge by assembling handbags with essential hygiene items, luxury products, and handmade knitted goods for women in need.
SI Taupō Club: Advocating and Acting for Change
Soroptimist International Taupō is deeply committed to advocating for positive change and supporting our community, both locally and internationally. Here’s a look at our recent advocacy efforts, community contributions, and the impactful projects we've undertaken:
Advocacy Efforts
Our advocacy work focuses on key issues affecting women, children, and families. During election years, we send letters to Parliament and local candidates to emphasise areas needing urgent attention. Recent advocacy topics include:
Ending Violence Against
Women and Families:
Advocating for cross-party solutions that ensure women, children, and families can live free from violence, including securing adequate resources for on-the-ground implementation.
Addressing Homelessness:
Calling for a long-term national strategy and action plan to reduce and end homelessness, with sustainable resources for effective implementation.
Improving Gynaecological Cancer Care:
Supporting the Soroptimist International Aotearoa New Zealand National Advocacy Project, Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, by urging improved access to diagnosis and care for gynaecological cancers.
Community Activities and Donations
Our club actively supports community initiatives through donations and hands-on involvement:
Betty Loughhead Soroptimist Scholarship:
Contributing to scholarships for women returning to academic study or advancing in their careers.
Leadership through Learning to Sail:
Supporting the upkeep of the Soar-Optimist yacht at Lake Taupō Yacht Club, empowering young leaders through sailing.
Village Aunties Initiative:
Donated to help establish Village Aunties, a free in-home support service for parents with newborns in Taupō, aimed at providing mothers with extra help during the early stages of motherhood.
Bhutan Palliative Care Support:
Funding a year’s worth of cellphone fees for the palliative care nursing team at Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital in Bhutan, ensuring 24/7 contact with patients and their families.
Blue Dragon Fundraiser:
Supporting Blue Dragon Children's Foundation, which aids street children, disabled children, and those from disadvantaged families in Vietnam, and works with authorities to rescue trafficked women and girls.
