Macleans College’s Z Club Celebrates 10 Years of Impact

The Z Club of Macleans College recently celebrated a significant milestone, marking ten years of dedicated service to the community. Established in 2015, the club has focused on enhancing the lives of women and girls in east Auckland through various initiatives and fundraising efforts.

Z Clubs function as junior branches of Zonta International, a global organization committed to empowering women. Both Macleans College and Howick College boast strong Z Club programs, affiliated with the Zonta Club of East Auckland. This connection allows students to engage actively in community service and advocacy.

The anniversary event, attended by over 60 members of the Z Club, included notable guests such as Jen McKinlay-Birkin, the national governor of Zonta New Zealand, and representatives from the Howick College Z Club. In her address, McKinlay-Birkin emphasized the importance of intergenerational collaboration within Zonta, stating, “What I’ve learnt from Z Club members is that you look after older Zontians. You teach us about what the world is like now, what you are living with.”

She further highlighted the need for Zontians to listen to the younger members to stay relevant in their support efforts. “Your contribution is not only within the school and Zonta but goes well beyond that,” she said.

Barbara Astill, president of Zonta East Auckland, praised the Z Club for its remarkable commitment and the “wonderful service” it has provided over the past decade. The Z Club has been instrumental in raising funds and awareness for various initiatives aimed at uplifting the local community.

At the event, the Z Club executive presented a cheque for $1,000 to McKinlay-Birkin, designated for the Zonta Club NZ district project, Foster Hope. This project focuses on supporting young people in foster care, a cause that resonates deeply with the members of the Z Club.

Kelly Ma, a representative of the Z Club, expressed gratitude for the opportunities provided by Macleans College, allowing members to organize events and fundraise for causes they are passionate about. The club’s efforts underscore the significance of youth engagement in community service and the positive impact it can have.

As the Z Club of Macleans College reflects on its first decade, it remains committed to its mission of advocating for women’s rights and fostering leadership among young women in the community. The anniversary not only marks a celebration of past achievements but also sets the stage for future initiatives that will continue to benefit the east Auckland area.