BPW Hawera members gathered in April for an enjoyable and meaningful dinner meeting at Someday Café. The evening began with great food and lively conversation, along with a special celebration recognising long-standing member Gwen Cater for her 15 years of dedicated service.

Following the formalities, members continued the evening at the Hawera RSA, where they were welcomed by Sean Trott and Tara Hogan.

The group was given an engaging insight into the RSA's rich history, learning about its origins, its evolution over time, and the vital role it continues to play in supporting veterans and their families.

A guided tour through the building highlighted a remarkable collection of memorabilia, including medals, photographs, murals, flags, and historic firearms. Each display told a powerful story, offering a tangible connection to the service and sacrifice of New Zealanders across generations, while also reflecting the care taken to preserve these important histories for the community.

To conclude the evening, members enjoyed a specially created cocktail, "The Trench Nurse," a surprisingly refreshing elixir that became a talking point among members.

On ANZAC Day, BPW President Sheryl Wallis, Helen Cook, Marissa Cope, Te Aroha Hohaia, and Key Legge laid a wreath, made by Gwen, at the dawn service in remembrance.

Looking ahead, BPW Hawera will celebrate its 40th birthday on Wednesday 20 May.

Photo caption:
BPW members lay a wreath at the Hawera ANZAC Day Dawn Service.

Business Professional Women (BPW) Hawera members and guests gathered on Wednesday March 18 at Someday Café for a powerful and inspiring evening with Ōpunake entrepreneur and maker Layla Cann, founder of Citizen Leather. Her story captured attention from the outset, highlighting not only her creative journey, but also her deep commitment to reducing waste in a fast-paced, consumer-driven world.

Since launching Citizen Leather in 2009, Layla has built a business grounded in purpose—transforming discarded, high-quality leather into beautifully crafted, long-lasting bags. Beginning with little formal sewing experience, she developed her skills through determination, experimentation, and resilience, all while balancing the demands of family life. Her journey is a testament to what passion and perseverance can achieve.

A central message of the evening was the importance of valuing quality over convenience. Layla spoke about the significant amount of leather and textiles sent to landfill simply due to changing trends or minor imperfections. Through her work, she challenges this cycle—breathing new life into materials such as jackets and furniture, while preserving their history and character.

Proudly New Zealand sourced, designed, and made, every Citizen Leather piece reflects a commitment to sustainability and local craftsmanship. Layla emphasised the importance of working locally to reduce environmental impact and strengthen connections between maker and customer.

Guests were also introduced to a locally made lime and apple juice from Hawera, adding a refreshing touch to the evening.

Layla's values strongly resonated with BPW's mission to empower women through connection, learning, and opportunity. Attendees left inspired, reminded of the impact thoughtful choices—and determined women—can make.

Photo caption:
From left Anna Dunlop-Paaka, a member of Business Professional Women (BPW), Hawera thanking Layla Cann for her speech about Citizen Leather. Anna is holding a delicious bottle of fruit juice from The Fine Lime Company.

Wow, what a fabulous night BPW Hawera had at the rustic Dunlop's wool shed. The delicious Christmas dinner brought to them by The Recipe catering, the bottle auction with auctioneer Brent Espin, was so much fun and we hope all enjoyed their mystery purchases. And then there was the fabulous Campbell Vibe Entertainment with lots of laughter and sweaty bodies on the dance floor.

The good news is these legends BPW Hawera are bringing the energy, the ideas, and yes... the wine with its powerhouse crew for 2025.

What does BPW stand for?

• B is for Business (we mean it).
  
• P is for Professional (we own it).
• W is for Women (we celebrate it).
  

Join us every third Wednesday of the month at Someday Café, 5:30–8:30pm, for a delicious dinner, brilliant speakers, and networking that feels more like catching up with your cleverest mates.

Whether you're here for the inspo, the intel, or the pinot, this is your monthly dose of motivation with a side of laughter and maybe dessert.

Come meet the go-getters who'll lift your spirits. First-timers welcome. Regulars adored. Wine optional (but highly recommended).

For more information or membership enquiries, contact [email protected].

Photo caption:
A great night out at Ross and Jan Dunlop's famous wool shed.

BPW (Business & Professional Women) Hawera members rallied behind last month's Frocktober fundraiser, raising vital funds for the Ovarian Cancer Foundation New Zealand (OCFNZ).

Every day, someone in New Zealand is diagnosed with ovarian cancer – the fifth most common cancer affecting women and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women.

Several BPW Hawera members contributed individually by "frocking up" throughout October, and the club also hosted a vibrant Frocktober celebration at Tairoa Lodge. The event drew 50 attendees dressed in their finest, each bringing a dress to donate before purchasing one or two to take home.

Two guest speakers shared their personal journeys with ovarian cancer, adding a powerful and emotional dimension to the evening.

In total, the event raised $2,310 for OCFNZ. With such strong community support, organisers are already planning for next year's fundraiser.

Supporting women's health is central to BPW Hawera's aims and aligns closely with the organisation's guiding principle of "Women Working for Women."

Photo captions

• Frocktober celebration at Tairoa Lodge.