Twelve remarkable women from across the South have been named finalists in the second annual Inspirational Women’s Awards, to be announced at a gala dinner and fundraiser in November.
The event aims to celebrate women, and their achievements, while also raising funds for Women’s Refuge Services and Central Lakes Family
Services, with the goal of funding a safe house in Queenstown.
Event organiser Julia Strelou says judging this year was tough, given the phenomenal standard of nominees.
‘‘Each year we shine a light on amazing wāhine who are making a difference in our region, while raising awareness around domestic violence.
‘‘It is an honour to be able to organise this event for our community for a second year.’’
Casey Scott, of Women’s Refuge, says annual fundraising events like the Inspirational Women’s Awards help with ongoing support in the community for women and children experiencing domestic violence — this year’s gala will be held on November 25, at Rydges Lakeland Resort, coinciding with International Day for Non-Violence Against Women.
Last year’s event raised just over $300,000.
The finalists are …
A Woman’s Touch Inspirational Woman:
● Jennifer Belmont, Wakatipu Community Foundation (Queenstown)
● Olivia Wildey, Tom Pryde Centre (Queenstown)
● Sunitha Karunakaran, Lakes District Multicultural Council (Queenstown)
Fowler Homes Entrepreneurial Woman:
● Carla De Nijs, Tru Women’s Gym (Queenstown)
● Karen Hattaway, Blue Kanu Restaurant (Queenstown)
● Kiara Moore, Aspiring Therapy (Queenstown)
Ray White Community Recognition:
● Rebecca Hembrow, Luma (Queenstown)
● Angela Connell, Flow Yoga (Alexandra)
● Claudia Macaskill-Hurley, WellSouth & Founder of waiata rōpū in Taieri (Dunedin)
Mountain Scene & ODT Resilience Award:
● Andrea Balona, QT Cats (Queenstown)
● Chenin Madden, Cre8ing Balance (Queenstown)
● Julie Moyle, A Star Is Born (Queenstown)
Highly Commended:
● Elizabeth Bromley, Hekate, NZ’s first menstrual health clinic (Dunedin)
● Kate Holland, Good Bitches Baking (Queenstown)
● Brooklyn Engleken, Words to Heal You (Dunedin)
● Romana Haider, Pakistani, Indian and Muslim community supporter (Dunedin)
● Kirsty Sharpe, Justice of the Peace and community stalwart (Queenstown)
