Inspiring women to create their new horizons through education and research

Mā pango, mā whero, ka oti te mahi

By black and by red the work is done

Having just completed our face-to-face Trust hui in Rotorua, my thoughts have turned to what good teamwork and connection looks like. The recognition that many different skills and strengths required to ensure that an organisation is running well is reflected in this well-known whakataukī.

Our website has undergone a transformation! If you haven’t already done so, have a look at the changes which include a history of the New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura since its inception. Thanks to all of you who contributed information and photographs.

This legacy work was led by Trustee Heather Milne whom we farewelled last week. Heather intends to travel with her family and focus on exciting new career opportunities in photography. We didn’t have to twist her arm too much to stay involved as a volunteer so its adieu rather than goodbye!

An expression of interest process will be circulated in April for vacant trustee positions, keep an eye on our website if you are interested in applying.

In terms of greater connection to our “communities of interest” the Trust is currently scoping the potential of an outreach service to support applicants and ensure that the opportunities we offer are communicated to diverse communities throughout Aotearoa. We are hoping to partner with others to achieve this goal so contact Ani our National trust Manager if you are interested in exploring this with us.

Finally, congratulations to the nominees and winners of the New Zealander of the year awards, what an inspiration they are to us all.

As the holiday break approaches, I hope you all take the time to rest, reflect and spend time doing what you love.

- Gail Campbell, Chair of New Horizons for Women: Hine Kahukura

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Awardee Profile: Celeste Allan

Celeste Allan received the 2022 Mildred Keir Award sponsored by Graduate Women New Zealand Charitable Trust

Celeste is studying towards a Physiology Degree and a Mechanical Engineering Degree at The University of Auckland.

She's also an executive member of the Healthcare Technology Association at The University of Auckland and volunteers at events that support women in engineering and encourage young girls to take an interest in engineering subjects.

This year, Celeste will be working with some PhD students at the Auckland Bioengineering Institute to help them manufacture their projects.

Her award has allowed her to be able to pay her rent and essential weekly costs while focusing on her studies and the causes she is passionate about.

"I am deeply touched that I was chosen to receive the Mildred Kerr Award. It was inspiring to hear about Mildred’s own experience at the award ceremony, forging a path less travelled to encourage future generations of women to do the same. By providing women with these opportunities, you are opening the door for future generations of women and for that, we thank you!"

Celeste Allan

Awardee for the Mildred Keir Award sponsored by

Graduate Women New Zealand Charitable Trust, 2022

Face-to-face hui in Rotorua

On 24 to 26 March our Trustees and Staff got together for our first face-to-face hui of 2023. Some of us have known each other for a while now, others were meeting for the first time. While we see each other on Zoom regularly, it was wonderful to be able to come together from all over the country to spend time together in beautiful Rotorua. We powered through a lot of discussion and decision-making that is so much easier to do in-person. We reflected on the progress we've made over the past year and made plans for the year to come. We also shared stories, a picnic lunch, a glass of wine or two and lots of laughs. We were inspired by the diverse and dynamic group of wahine that make up New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura.

Our meeting space for the weekend

From left: Gail Campbell, Joh Cogle, Amanda Earl, Frances Sheriff, Heather Milne, Robyn Dixon

From left: Joh Cogle, Ani Stace, Robyn Dixon, Frances Sheriff, Gail Campbell, Heather Milne

Farewell to Heather Milne

At the end of March we farewelled one of our Trustees - Heather Milne. We truly appreciate all of the knowledge and expertise that Heather has shared with us and the hours of hard work it takes to be a Trustee.

Heather has been our Trustee responsible for Partnerships, People and Promotions. She's been the person behind our Facebook page and our newsletters. Her legacy to us in our beautiful new website. We'll miss Heather's enthusiasm and passion for everything she does.

Ngā mihi nui ki a koe

Heather Milne

Trustee 2020-2023

Sponsor Spotlight: Toi Ohomai

For the past five years, Toi Ohomai has hosted an annual Charity Golf Day raising money for New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura.

This money is turned into scholarships for women, helping to remove a potential barrier to education.

Unfortunately, like many events this summer, Toi Ohomai's Charity Golf Day was cancelled because of poor weather.

However, local businesses generously forfeited their sponsorship and/or entry fees to ensure a donation was made to New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura and that local women don't miss out on valuable educational scholarships.

You can check out the full list of businesses here.

A huge thank you goes to Toi Ohomai for their support of our annual awards.

Presentation of cheque by Dr Leon Fourie, Wintec | Toi Ohomai Transitional Lead, to Gail Campbell, Chair of New Horizons for Women: Hine Kahukura.

Sponsor Spotlight: Second Chance Group

The Second Chance Group has been organising the Wellington Preloved Fashion Sale each year since 2005. The group has recently decided to wind up and this year will be the last year that they sponsor awards. New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura would like to pay tribute to their dedication over so many years to supporting women to further their studies.

Volunteers have collected, sorted and cleaned clothes for sale each year in early April. Emphasis has been given to women's clothing for work situations but clothes for all could be found on the day. The Preloved Fashion Sale has been an annual event eagerly anticipated by women from around the Wellington region, including the small and dedicated volunteer organising group.

The proceeds from the sale have funded a number of second-chance education awards for women who might otherwise not access such opportunities, including one specifically for a woman who has had experience of being a refugee.

2019 award recipient Ramziya Aminudeen and Justine Cornwall from Second Chance Group

Sponsor Spotlight: Zonta Club of Hibiscus Coast

New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura are truely grateful for the support received from the Zonta Club of Hibiscus Coast over the past 16 years.

The Zonta Club of Hibiscus Coast has been active in the local community for 34 years. Since 2007, as part of an education scholarship programme, the club has offered a "Second Chance Scholarship" to a woman aged 30 years or over, living on the Hibiscus Coast and enrolled in a NZQA accredited tertiary course of study. When a decision was made to disband the Club there were some funds allocated to continue with the Scholarship. The study awards offered by New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura closely align with the intent of the Zonta scholarship. The club appreciates the opportunity to offer this degree level study award through New Horizons for Women Trust: Hine Kahukura.