Presidents Corner
BRIDGEBUILDERS TRUST INC
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018
During the past 12 months we have spent time and energy supporting refugee families. We pay special tribute to Joan Robb for her generosity in establishing an Education fund for one of refugee family. Thank you to several donors over many years that have allowed the Trust to financial support our many refugee families in need. This work is rewarding and demanding and special thanks are due to Vivienne Wilson and friends of Bridgebuilders who have helped in many ways.
Once again we have reached another significant milestone of 22 years of building bridges throughout the community and around the world. Today’s theme ‘Building Local Community Networks’ reflects one of the Trust’s key Strategic plans.
In order to grow and move forward the Trust has to rebuild strong relationships with the wider Local Networks and Groups. Our guideline by our founding members and Patron Mrs Jane Prichard and board in 1996 are now more relevant than ever. We continue to champion and promote Women’s and Children’s rights, Justice and peace and equal rights for all peoples, producing and distributing educational leaflets for families.
The Bridgebuilders Trust has seen development of both its community activities and it administration. We have hosted two open community panel discussion and one further panel discussion on CEDAW – The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women across the Pacific from women’s right to vote to women’s rights today and remains to be achieved, Chaired by Melissa Powell and Presented by Beverley Turner from Pacific Women’s Watch (NZ). Mrs Bernadette Pereira, PACIFICA Inc, National President, spoke passionately about her journey as a Pacific Woman in the many organisations she has lead and established with great success.
We held a half day to review of our Strategic Plans. The challenges we face as the Trust remain the same, however we now have a better understanding on our key focus for the next 3 years: - Increase membership, Seek new members for the Board and committee, communication and connection with the local Community Networks.
To again highlight our relevance the Bridgebuilders Network has been acknowledge at the global level on the United Nations Human Rights Commissioners website, through the submission by Jane Prichard on the subject of Creating and Maintaining Space for Civil Society and NGO’s. This has put us firmly onto the international stage.
In Memoriam: We acknowledge the contribution and works of Joan Robb for the Bridgebuilders Network over many years. Joan has contributed her skills and financial support for our community projects.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE TRUST: -
The new International Board is held by the Presbyterian church of Taiwan, Women’s Ministry Desk for 2017 – 2020.
PROJECTS
Refugee family support: - Leader by Mrs Viv Wilson
The number of families referred to the Trust for assistance and help continues to increase yearly. This service would not be possible if not for the tireless and unwavering commitment by our committee member and Viv Wilson has spent time mentoring, transporting, delivering, listening and obtaining equipment for these families. This support is also with the help of our Bridgebuilding friends Mr & Mrs Nicholson. It is a valuable service of reaching out and to build relationships with new, New Zealander, as they being to adapt to living in a country different to their own homelands.
I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of Vector Power Company for 4 x food bags and 2 x water packs I picked up from the CAB meeting I had attended. Food bags were provided to families still without power during the storm of April, leaving many families without power and water for several weeks.
We continue to distribute our educational leaflets to different areas of New Zealand. The leaflet’s for Restorative Justice and Computer use for Children have been updated and re-launched for use in the wider communities.
FUNDING
We had a changed in pace to raise funds with a Facial and Skin care day for the ladies, it was a relaxing and pampering afternoon followed with afternoon tea. It was enjoyable and fun had by all on the day. The funds raised were to assist Bridgebuilders International 8th Consultation held in the Cook Islands.
If you want to know more about how to care for your skin please see me after the meeting!
We continue to apply to COGS grant for rental and the running of the office plus funding for a paid office manager. We are very blessed in receiving generous donations from members of the Bridgebuilders Trust and good friends. It’s through the generous spirit of giving we are able to complete our ongoing community projects.
EVENTS
Date: Sunday 5th August 2018 Time: 12:00 to 5:00pm
Venue: Mt. Eden War Memorial Hall, 489 Dominion Rd., Mt Eden, Auckland. An opportunity for the Trust to have an information stall to further raise our profile in the community.
We look forward to the next three years with confidence. That our contribution to the world we live in may seem small, but we make ripples that are positive through the actions we take to make things happen. We all seek and hope for a better world where there is understanding, tolerance, peace and harmony. We give thanks for the good things and blessings we have, in that our real needs are met.
I wish to thank all members of the Trust Board committee for their efforts over the past years especially to Melissa Powell who resigned this year due to study and other commitments. She will be greatly missed. We also acknowledge Mrs Jane Prichard, QSO, for her continued guidance and patronage of the Trust.
The Bridgebuilders Trust journey continues to be a blessing.
Rose Tauetule
President
Bridgebuilders Trust Inc
Auckland, New Zealand
9 June 2018
ANNUAL REPORT 2017-2018
During the past 12 months we have spent time and energy supporting refugee families. We pay special tribute to Joan Robb for her generosity in establishing an Education fund for one of refugee family. Thank you to several donors over many years that have allowed the Trust to financial support our many refugee families in need. This work is rewarding and demanding and special thanks are due to Vivienne Wilson and friends of Bridgebuilders who have helped in many ways.
Once again we have reached another significant milestone of 22 years of building bridges throughout the community and around the world. Today’s theme ‘Building Local Community Networks’ reflects one of the Trust’s key Strategic plans.
In order to grow and move forward the Trust has to rebuild strong relationships with the wider Local Networks and Groups. Our guideline by our founding members and Patron Mrs Jane Prichard and board in 1996 are now more relevant than ever. We continue to champion and promote Women’s and Children’s rights, Justice and peace and equal rights for all peoples, producing and distributing educational leaflets for families.
The Bridgebuilders Trust has seen development of both its community activities and it administration. We have hosted two open community panel discussion and one further panel discussion on CEDAW – The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women across the Pacific from women’s right to vote to women’s rights today and remains to be achieved, Chaired by Melissa Powell and Presented by Beverley Turner from Pacific Women’s Watch (NZ). Mrs Bernadette Pereira, PACIFICA Inc, National President, spoke passionately about her journey as a Pacific Woman in the many organisations she has lead and established with great success.
We held a half day to review of our Strategic Plans. The challenges we face as the Trust remain the same, however we now have a better understanding on our key focus for the next 3 years: - Increase membership, Seek new members for the Board and committee, communication and connection with the local Community Networks.
To again highlight our relevance the Bridgebuilders Network has been acknowledge at the global level on the United Nations Human Rights Commissioners website, through the submission by Jane Prichard on the subject of Creating and Maintaining Space for Civil Society and NGO’s. This has put us firmly onto the international stage.
In Memoriam: We acknowledge the contribution and works of Joan Robb for the Bridgebuilders Network over many years. Joan has contributed her skills and financial support for our community projects.
HIGHLIGHTS FOR THE TRUST: -
- The Trust’s board members will be attending The Bridgebuilders International Cook Island, 8th Consultation to be held from 3rd – 8th November 2017
The new International Board is held by the Presbyterian church of Taiwan, Women’s Ministry Desk for 2017 – 2020.
- We presented two workshops at the Consultation on Restorative Justice presented by Dorothy Alofivae, Jan Ngatae and Key Speaker His Honour Judge Phil Recordon, was well received by the participant at the International consultation. And Beverley Turner presented on CEDAW – to show how non-governmental women can bring an Alternative report to the CEDAW Committee when their government’s report is examined to give a true picture of how women and girls are faring in their everyday lives.
- The Bridgebuilders Trust office: The office manager’s duties have been take over by Rose Tauetule, until a new office manager is appointed. The office is open on Monday and Tuesday from 9.00am to 12.00pm.
- Panel Discussion on CEDAW ‘The Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women across the Pacific from women’s right to vote to women’s rights today and remains to be achieved, Chaired by Melissa Powell and Presented by Beverley Turner from Pacific Women’s Watch (NZ). Mrs Bernadette Pereira, PACIFICA Inc, National President, spoke passionately about her journey as a Pacific Woman in the many organisations she has lead and established with great success.
- CAB (Onehunga) Community Event – Guest speakers: Don Allan, a member of the Maungakiekie-Tamaki Community Board, Community Constable on activities in Onehunga and Keynote Speaker: Sifa Spellman, Social Worker, Salvation Army Northern HQ.
PROJECTS
Refugee family support: - Leader by Mrs Viv Wilson
The number of families referred to the Trust for assistance and help continues to increase yearly. This service would not be possible if not for the tireless and unwavering commitment by our committee member and Viv Wilson has spent time mentoring, transporting, delivering, listening and obtaining equipment for these families. This support is also with the help of our Bridgebuilding friends Mr & Mrs Nicholson. It is a valuable service of reaching out and to build relationships with new, New Zealander, as they being to adapt to living in a country different to their own homelands.
I would also like to acknowledge the generosity of Vector Power Company for 4 x food bags and 2 x water packs I picked up from the CAB meeting I had attended. Food bags were provided to families still without power during the storm of April, leaving many families without power and water for several weeks.
We continue to distribute our educational leaflets to different areas of New Zealand. The leaflet’s for Restorative Justice and Computer use for Children have been updated and re-launched for use in the wider communities.
FUNDING
We had a changed in pace to raise funds with a Facial and Skin care day for the ladies, it was a relaxing and pampering afternoon followed with afternoon tea. It was enjoyable and fun had by all on the day. The funds raised were to assist Bridgebuilders International 8th Consultation held in the Cook Islands.
If you want to know more about how to care for your skin please see me after the meeting!
We continue to apply to COGS grant for rental and the running of the office plus funding for a paid office manager. We are very blessed in receiving generous donations from members of the Bridgebuilders Trust and good friends. It’s through the generous spirit of giving we are able to complete our ongoing community projects.
EVENTS
- AUCKLAND MULTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. “Each culture unites through understanding to strengthen New Zealand society”
Date: Sunday 5th August 2018 Time: 12:00 to 5:00pm
Venue: Mt. Eden War Memorial Hall, 489 Dominion Rd., Mt Eden, Auckland. An opportunity for the Trust to have an information stall to further raise our profile in the community.
We look forward to the next three years with confidence. That our contribution to the world we live in may seem small, but we make ripples that are positive through the actions we take to make things happen. We all seek and hope for a better world where there is understanding, tolerance, peace and harmony. We give thanks for the good things and blessings we have, in that our real needs are met.
I wish to thank all members of the Trust Board committee for their efforts over the past years especially to Melissa Powell who resigned this year due to study and other commitments. She will be greatly missed. We also acknowledge Mrs Jane Prichard, QSO, for her continued guidance and patronage of the Trust.
The Bridgebuilders Trust journey continues to be a blessing.
Rose Tauetule
President
Bridgebuilders Trust Inc
Auckland, New Zealand
9 June 2018
