Central Otago - formed  in 1965

A synposis by Barbara Withington,

Central Otago Federation President 

Greetings from the most beautiful part of the country, so much so they even officially call part of it Paradise, including its own Garden of Eden. Spread across possibly the largest area of all Federations, the Central Otago Federation stretches from Queenstown in the west to Roxburgh in the east and Wanaka to the north. Federation meetings are held in Cromwell on the third Thursday of the month to share travel for everyone. As we trave across this the area we are aware of why the Central Otago District Council has branded itself 'A World of Difference' as each of the five wards have unique qualities. Queenstown and Lake Hayes (home of the Lower Shotover WI) feature on calendars around the world. Our seven WIs are:

• Alexandra  meet on the second Tuesday of the month
• Cromwell meet on the first Tuesday of the month
• Lower Shotover meet on the third Tuesday of the month
• Queenstown meet on the first Wednesday of the month 
• Roxburgh meet on the second Wednesday of the month
• Teviot Valley meet on the second Tuesday of the month
• Wanaka meet on the first Tuesday of the month.

In contrast to many places around the country, Roxburgh with its population of less than 1,000 supports two quite strong WIs. Roxburgh which celebrates its 80th birthday next May meets in the afternoon while Teviot Valley with younger members meets at night.

Lower Shotover WI is gaining a reputation for their fundraising efforts the results of which have purchased items for The Lakes Hospital and other commnity organisations.Much of the fundraising is from the sale of walnuts which thrive in the southern climate.

For more than 20 years, Teviot Valley WI has held an annual Spring Flower Show as a public relations exercise. They cater for two cattle sales a year and operate a refreshment stand at the Mt Benger A & P Show all of which provides significant funds.

Central Otago Federation has a reputation for the response to competitions at their two council meetings each year. Three alternatives in each of the floral, baking and handcraft sections plus a trophy for the over-70s sees the competition room bulging with beauty. In 2009 we also featured in the National Scrapbook and Programmes categories.

Each council meeting we have a roll call for a different charity with positive responses. Hospital dolls, hospice, foodbank, Women's Refuge, Rescue Helicopter, Roxburgh Health Camp and more than 600 Fish 'n' Chip jumpers have been among the recipients of our members' generosity.

While no-one from Central Otago Federation is at present on the National Executive, we have past President Avelda Howie, MNZM and past members Brenda Dickison, Dorothy Hey and Margaret Bunn in our membership.