Pānui - Sharing Our Stories - Conference 2025 Newsletter

18th Conference 10 -12 October 2025

Kia ora koutou,

We are 10 days out from our biennial conference and plans are being finalised. To help you prepare we have some final information, packing tips, and details about activities running alongside our conference programme.

Packing: Your mantra is “bring a warm outer layer” It’s sunny, blue skies, and no wind and the high will be 15 degrees. As I write this Wellington’s windy spring has begun.

The Saturday of our conference is 11 October, International Day of the Girl Child. Visit our social media stand in the marketplace to post a message, take photos and support ZI’s mission.

Our Opening Ceremony is the formal opening of our conference and being held in the Grand Hall at Parliament Buildings on Friday Night. The Gala Dinner is our 60th Anniversary celebration. As a diamond anniversary it’s a chance to SPARKLE in your formal gear.

So looking forward to seeing you all, safe travels.

Nga mihi nui, Jen

Save the Planet

Bring your own refillable drink bottle, reuseable cup for a takeaway coffee and tote bags for all your marketplace purchases in keeping with the sustainability part of our theme.

International Day of the Girl 11 October

Celebrate the International Day of the Girl with us!

Join us on Saturday 11 October during the Conference as we shine a spotlight on the power, creativity, and brilliance of girls around the world.

Got a favourite quote, photo, poem, or image that celebrates girls? Bring it along! We’re creating a vibrant noticeboard filled with your contributions—an inspiring collage for everyone to enjoy and reflect on.

Let’s make it joyful, meaningful, and full of heart 💖

A Message from the Conference Co-Chairs

Our final days, registrations are all in. So exciting!

The Registration desk will be open from 12noon on Friday 10 October in the Pre-Function Space up one level at Rydges, 75 Featherston St. It will close promptly at 4pm so we can go to the Opening Ceremony for 5pm start. The wonderful Jan Win, Barbara Thompson, and the Mana team will be there to welcome you.

At Registration you will receive your lanyard. This needs to be worn for the opening ceremony and throughout conference. Make sure you bring your ZONTA name badge as well as you can wear this for the Gala Dinner.

If you are participating in the Leadership Wealth and Advocacy workshop on Friday 10 October, please register first and be in Workshop Space 3 by 12:50pm ready for a 1pm start.

If you are coming to the Tour on Women’s Suffrage and Cathedral Art meet in the foyer at the National Library Molesworth St Thorndon. The tour commences at 10am.

The Opening Ceremony is in the Grand Hall in Parliament, and you will need to pass through security to enter so make sure you give yourself enough time to do this. Cash bar and light refreshments will be served. We encourage you to connect with Zontians after the ceremony over dinner in the many wonderful Wellington restaurants.

See you in Wellington!

Ngā manaakitanga,

Your Conference Co-Chairs

Judith Russell and Sue Hope

Online Business Meeting Sunday 5 October at 1pm

The Zoom link has been sent to all delegates and alternates.

Banners & Brilliance – Bring the Flair!

Don’t forget to bring your Club banner. Let’s show off that spirit and make the Conference space vibrant!

Remember your Zonta name badge also.

Bring a Guest, Be in to Win!

Did you bring a guest to ZONTA, enter the competition, simply email Sarah Barclay at ltgovernord16@zonta.org.nz with the details of your guest(s).