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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.
SIANZ National Project
Goal E: Educate on the early symptoms of Ovarian Cancer
Target: To educate 500 people on the early symptoms
.SI Waimea, Nelson.
.Information Stand.
Raising awareness one person at a time
Achieved May 2025: SI Waimea members outside Bunnings engaged with 45 members of the public.
Four members of SI Waimea (Sharon Martin, Annette Smith, Annette Greenland, and Helen Lewis) engaged with the public about ovarian cancer at their stand outside Bunnings in Nelson. (8 May 2025)
SIANZ National Project Convenors' initiative
Tea towels with early symptoms
Achieved July 2025: 400 tea towels with the early symptoms nation-wide sold through Soroptimist clubs .
SI Westland, pictured above, led by Raelene McMullan, sold 140 tea towels on the West Coast. Congratulations also to SI Tauranga who sold 50.