Report of congress 2025 held in Tauranga in April.

We had 47 participants from Europe (including 24 from France, 5 from the Netherlands, 2 from Finland, 2 from Belgium, 1 from Italy 3 from the UK & 10 from Switzerland) & 49 from Australia along with 40 from New Zealand, who were allowed to register by the day.

The Congress opened with a Powhiri followed by Cocktails & finger food, it was an occasion to meet new folk and renew old friendships.
The 5 speakers who spoke to us over the 3 days were excellent with a wide range
of NZ related topics:

• Annah Stretton with her social endeavors to educate women in prisons
• Francine Thomas with her incredible flower arrangements under the theme “from the Mountains to the Sea”
• Judge Frances Eivers & her life story “Putauaki and Pirongia- the Mountains that shaped me”
• Digger Balme Life as a Sheep Shearer”
• Dr Siouxsie Wiles “From the ivory tower to pink haired Science Lady”

The Tauranga Club had a wonderful “Meet & Greet” evening with finger food & drinks in their Clubrooms on the Friday evening; there was very generous Home Hosting by 8 teams of women (& some husbands) on the Saturday evening and the Gala Dinner on the Sunday evening where Michael Stokoe from Tourism New Zealand spoke and the Silver Belles Choir performed to much acclaim.

The BCI meetings went well.

The International Congress meeting was hugely successful and the election of
the new Secretariat was my “Dream Team”

President is Madeleine van der Vlist from Gronigen, the Netherlands

NHVP is Pascale Anderson-Mair from Paris, France

SHVP is Jane Peck from Melbourne, Australia

I had had a hand in each of these ladies standing for their respective roles so was justifiably thrilled at the outcome.

The Pre and Post Congress Tours all went very well and their content was very much appreciated by the participants. Similarly the Tours to Whakatane & Ohope, Mt Maunganui, Te Puna Quarry Gardens and the Mystery Tours.

We have had thank you messages from London, France, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland and Australia.

Gratifyingly the Congress Committee are happy to report that we have made a profit from our Congress which will be split equally between IALC & the Tauranga Club.