YWCA of HAMILTON

 MAORI WOMEN’S COMMUNITY AWARD

Download the application form
or printable PDF form

Purpose

The purpose of the YWCA of Hamilton is to empower women, especially young women.

The purpose of the YWCA of Hamilton’s Maori Women’s Community Award for 2011 is to recognize, support and empower a Maori woman who makes a significant contribution to the Maori community.  This Award is reviewable annually.

Background

The YWCA of Hamilton has offered tertiary education scholarships to young women studying in Hamilton since 2000.  Our success at supporting this group of women has prompted a broadening of our focus to include women who make a contribution to a community within the Waikato region.

The YWCA of Hamilton has identified the need for diversification within our staff and governance roles, as a key strategic priority for our organisation.  Consistent with our Strategic Plan 2009 – 2012, we aim to increase our networking capabilities and build relationships with a range of organisations in the Waikato community through offering this award to a highly networked and knowledgeable Maori woman of any age.  We hope that the networks built as a result of this Award will be of reciprocal benefit to the applicant, their affiliates and the YWCA of Hamilton.

Applicant Criteria

The Award holder will be:

  • Of Maori descent and a New Zealand citizen
  • Have made a significant contribution to a community group.
  • Have current involvement and networks in the Waikato community (particularly Maori communities and organisations).
  • Have experience or knowledge on Maori issues/processes (in relation to women’s issues is preferable).
  • Someone who would like to learn and grow.
  • Someone who would like to participate in governance at a community level.
  • Someone who would like the chance to be part of an amazing organisation that supports women to reach their potential.
  • Someone who supports the needs of young women.

Scholarship Application Process

or:

  • Email hamilton@ywca.org.nz (include return post address/telephone number);
  • Collect an application form from the YWCA, corner Clarence and Pembroke Sts;

or

  • Telephone (07) 838 2219.
  • Applications open 1 August and close 30 September each year.  Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed thereafter.  The successful Award holder will be appointed by 30 November each year.

Agreement between YWCA of Hamilton and the Award holder

The YWCA of Hamilton’s Maori Women’s Community Award is $2,500 payable in five (5) instalments during the year.  The first instalment is made on the applicant’s acceptance of the Award agreement.  The remainder are paid quarterly on 1 February, 1 May, 1 August and 1 November of the Award year.

The Award holder is expected to promote and acknowledge the YWCA of Hamilton (and any fund supporters) and the Award.

She must commit to:

  •  Contributing to the governance and purpose of the YWCA of Hamilton.  This may be in the form of, but it not limited to, participation in ten (10) monthly YWCA of Hamilton Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) and the YWCA of Aotearoa-New Zealand’s AGM and general meeting(s).
  • Attending at least two public speaking engagements, or other promotional activities as required.
  • Producing a written (two page maximum) evaluation of the benefits of the Award to her as an individual, the YWCA of Hamilton and her affiliated community organisations.  An interim report to be presented at the YWCA of Hamilton’s Board meeting in May; the final report at the October Board meeting (which may also be the YWCA of Hamilton’s AGM).

The Award may be withdrawn and payment of all or part of the fund may be withheld and repayment may also be requested if the commitments above are not met.  (These conditions may be waived in the event of illness or other unforeseen crisis event).