A night to celebrate at a POSH party for the IW Club of Howick on Saturday, 5^th November where they were finally able to celebrate their Club’s 30^th birthday, a year later than initially planned.

Held at the Kotahi Community centre in Pakuranga, the evening was filled with great chatter and the room was filled with memories of 30 wonderful years as women in action sharing friendship through service. The rolling projection of past photos helped to spur memories and conversations around the tables.

Club President, Carmen Hanekom, opened the evening with a welcome and brief history of the Club, followed by a delicious dinner. The after-dinner speaker, Martine Abel-Williamson QSM, shared inspirational stories of her life as a blind woman working as Senior Human Rights Advisor for the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Co-chair of Auckland Council's Disability Advisory Panel and President of the World Blind Union. The surprise presentation of the Dawn Johnston Koru Award by MP Simeon Brown and Del Johnston was another highlight of the evening.

Cake cutting by four Charter Members followed by dessert, coffee, tea, chatter and a little dancing.

A beautiful evening, celebrating friendship!

Dawn Johnston Koru Award -2022: Martine Abel-Williamson

Dawn Johnston was a charter member and past President of the IW Club of Howick. Inspired by the IIW theme 2017-18 “Leave A Legacy” and the year Dawn's health diagnosis changed, gave her the inspiration to leave a legacy to create this award that recognises and pays tribute to a resident in the Pakuranga, Howick and Botany community who in the face of adversity has or is displaying perseverance in overcoming obstacles in the realisation of their goals and dreams.

To learn more about Dawn and the Award visit http://thedawnjohnstonkoruaward.org/

On Saturday 5^th November, at the IW Club of Howick’s 30^th birthday celebrations it was a wonderful surprise and great honour that the 2022 recipient was presented with this Award.

Martine Able-Williamson QSM, Senior Human Rights Advisor for the New Zealand Human Rights Commission, Co-chair of Auckland Council's Disability Advisory Panel and President of the World Blind Union.

Martine was nominated by Simeon Brown, MP for Pakuranga. Simeon was present on the evening to read his nomination citation and to present the award to Martine, alongside Dawn’s husband, Del Johnston.

NZ291 District Chairman Penelope, Past National President Michelle, Maureen and Past NZ291 District Chairman Adrienne	Past NZ291 District Chairman Adrienne with her partner Jack
Past NZ291 District Chairman Adrienne dimming the candles	Thank you Glennis
Birthday cake cutters	Howick Club's Birthday cake
Cutting the birthday cake	Dawn's husband Del Johnston, Dawn Johnston Koru Award recipient Martine Able-Williamson, Howick Club President Carmen and MP for Pakuranga Simeon during the presentation of the Dawn Johnston Koru Award to Martine
Dawn's husband Del Johnston, Dawn Johnston Koru Award recipient Martine and MP for Pakuranga Simeon	Howick Club President Carmen
Dawn Johnston Koru Award recipient Martine and MP for Pakuranga Simeon	Dawn Johnston Koru Award recipient Martine and MP for Pakuranga Simeon