The Aunties founder named 2018 Supreme Woman of Influence

18 September 2018

The founder of The Aunties charity, Jackie Clark, has been named the Supreme Winner at the 2018 Women of Influence Awards, held tonight at SKYCITY Convention Centre in Auckland.

Clark set up The Aunties six years ago to work with women who are living or have lived in domestic violence situations, with the primary aim to provide material needs for those women who use their services or those of community organisations they work with.

The Women of Influence event, now in its sixth year, is backed by Westpac NZ and Stuff, with nominations judged across 10 categories.

Westpac NZ chief executive David McLean says Jackie Clark is an inspirational Supreme Winner.

“Jackie and her fellow Aunties give without seeking anything in return and without judgement.

“She, and her core of other Aunties, ask vulnerable women what they need and then set about making it happen, in a completely selfless way. They have made an enormous contribution to our local communities at grassroots level,” Mr McLean says.

Stuff chief executive Sinead Boucher says Jackie Clark is someone “who gets stuck in, and advocates on behalf of those who need help.

“Her contribution is very practical; she is influential in a pragmatic and useful way in the lives of people who are often feeling at their lowest or most vulnerable. We felt she was able to influence people who often felt marginalised and forgotten,” Mrs Boucher says.

A special Lifetime Achievement Award was also presented to Theresa Gattung, for her outstanding contribution to business, and to helping advance the cause of women in the workplace over several decades.

The award was presented by the Governor-General, Her Excellency The Rt Hon Dame Patsy Reddy.

“Theresa has trail-blazed a path for other women to follow throughout her career. She has shattered glass ceilings, and opened doors for other women. Her Lifetime Achievement Award is richly-deserved,” Mr McLean says.

The 2018 Women of Influence Award winners are:

Supreme Winner: Jackie Clark

Lifetime Achievement: Theresa Gattung

Arts and Culture: Miranda Harcourt

Board and Management: Dr Farah Palmer

Business and Enterprise: Angie Judge

Rural: Rebecca Keoghan

Public Policy: Charlotte Korte

Community/Not for Profit: Jackie Clark

Innovation and Science: Professor Wendy Larner

Diversity: Sarah Lang

Global: Sarah Vrede

Young Leader: Maddison McQueen-Davies

ENDS

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