THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE
The CWL Prayer
Come, O Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful, and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit and they shall be created. And You shall renew the earth....
Members of the CWL National Board
THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE
National Board
Meet the dedicated individuals leading the Catholic Women's League of Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Our National Board members bring a wealth of experience and passion to their respective roles, embodying the values of faith, service, and community. Explore the profiles below to get acquainted with the leaders shaping the vision and mission of CWLANZ.
National President...............................Sylvia Mellish
Immediate Past President..................Susan Dickson
Secretary.............................................Mary Slattery
Treasurer.............................................TBA
International Secretary.......................Liz Roche
Mission Secretary................................Joan Lawn
Social Concerns...................................Bonnie Savage
Chaplain...............................................Christine Patterson
Tikanga Māori Adviser.........................Dr Colleen McMurchy
Auckland President..............................Fleur de Farias
Hamilton President.............................Moira Kilbride
Wellington President...........................Susan Lloyd
Christchurch President.......................Sylvia Mellish
Dunedin President...............................Anne McRandle
THE CATHOLIC WOMEN'S LEAGUE
Board Positions
CWLANZ Chaplaincy
Chaplain to the National Board
The Board may choose a suitable person, ordained or non-ordained, as Chaplain to the Board and ask the Conference of Bishops to confirm their choice. The chaplain's position, is in all matters, an advisory one.
Diocesan Chaplain
A suitable person, ordained or non-ordained, may be appointed chaplain to the Diocesan Council. The council may request the Diocesan Bishop to confirm the appointment of a person of the Council's choice or of the Bishop's own choice. The chaplain's position, in all matters, is an advisory one.
Branch Chaplain
A suitable person, ordained or non-ordained, may be appointed chaplain to each branch of the League. The Branch Committee may request the Parish Priest / Pastoral Coordinator to confirm the appointment of a person of the Committee's choice or of the Parish Priest's / Pastoral Coordinator's own choice. The chaplain's position is, in all matters, an advisory one.
CWLANZ National Social Issues Officer: Christine Patterson
National Council of Women Social Issues
Upon the establishment of CWL groups, be it as branches or dioceses, they swiftly affiliated with the National Council of Women of New Zealand. This affiliation served as a means to amplify the Catholic voice in addressing national concerns, particularly those impacting women and families. As a nationally organised society, CWLANZ holds membership in the National Executive of CWALANZ. The National Social Issues Officer spearheads the responsibility of presenting the League's concerns on social issues of national significance to relevant civil bodies.
Social Issues Officers are elected for the National Board, Diocese and branches.
CWLANZ National Social Issues Officer: Bonnie Savage
Tikanga Māori Adviser
The Tikanga Māori adviser role plays a pivotal part in fostering meaningful relationships with the tanga te whenua of Aotearoa. It serves as a mentorship, advisory, and support position, contributing to our organisation's ability to engage effectively with the diverse cultures of New Zealand.
Our Tikanga Māori Adviser is Dr Colleen McMurchy. Colleen's appointment to the CWLANZ Board as the Tikanga Māori adviser in 2021 is marked by her longstanding connections to the Catholic Women's League and her rich heritage as a member of Ngati Pikiao and Ngati Rongamai.
Colleen, a distinguished Leaguer, brings valuable insights as the immediate past International Secretary of the Office of WUCWO. Her role signifies a commitment to cultural inclusivity and effective engagement with the indigenous communities of Aotearoa.
CWLANZ National Social Issues Officer: Dr Colleeen McMurchy