Date: 30 September 2013

Title: Heather Henare Honoured As ‘Woman of the Biennium’ By Zonta

Chief Executive of National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges, Heather Henare was honoured as Zonta’s ‘Woman of the Biennium’ at the Zonta International, District 16, National Conference held in Queenstown at the weekend.

This biennial award recognises an outstanding New Zealand woman, whose contribution to the lives of women and girls in the New Zealand community epitomises the values and aspirations of Zonta International. Previous recipients of the award are: Designer, Annah Stretton 2006-2008 - Patron, Adrienne Lady Stewart 2008-2010 - CEO Endometriosis NZ, Deborah Bush 2010-2012.

Heather is a qualified Senior Social Worker and has held positions at Child Youth and Family as a Senior Practice Consultant and Senior Advisory Officer. Heather joined Women’s Refuge in 2005 as Chief Executive Officer. Heather is a member of the Ministerial Taskforce of Action on Family Violence, set up by the Government three years ago

Zonta District 16 Governor Maureen Heine stated when awarding the honour that it was a great privilege for the organisation to be able to acknowledge and honour Heather who has, throughout her 25 year career been a consistent and powerful advocate. Her passion and dedication for the rights of women and children has seen her devote herself personally and professionally to working toward the elimination of violence against women and children.

The International President for Zonta is Wellington Woman - Lynn McKenzie, the first time a Kiwi woman has achieved the highest office within the organisation.

In Queenstown at the weekend Lynn acknowledged Heather as an influential and effective advocate for women and stated that there was a great synergy between what Heather achieves and the difference that Zonta makes in the community.

Zonta is an organisation of executives and professionals who work together both nationally and internationally to advance the status of women through service and advocacy. With almost 700 hundred members in New Zealand and more than 30,000 members globally this group of dedicated, focussed and high-achieving women have considerable influence and remarkable accomplishment.

ENDS

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