A Levin woman has been recognised for 66 years of service to the Returned Services Association Women's Section.
Elsie Budge, 84, grew up in an era where RSAs were a central part of New Zealand communities. And in the background of each organisation was a women's division.
Mrs Budge wasa child when her father Les, a gunner in the New Zealand army in World War II, helped form the Palmerston North RSA, along with other returned servicemen in the late 1940s.
A fond childhood memory was having Santa Claus knock at the door each Christmas. It was the RSA women's division that organised the jolly fellow's visit.
She first joined the organisation officially as an 18-year-old. Family life saw several moves around New Zealand and while raising a family she also joined RSAs in Auckland, Hamilton, Foxton, Drury and Rotorua, while living there.
The last 15 years were as part of the Levin RSA Women's Section, serving as secretary until recently.
Budge was particularly proud to be involved in the recent Purple Poppy initiative that recognised the role of animals in the defence force, or what she called "four-legged volunteers".
While in the past it was horses, in recent times dogs were in need of rehoming once their service career had finished, and the campaign was to help their adopted owners with any associated costs or veterinary expenses.
More than 120 representatives from around New Zealand attended the RSA National Women's Conference at Levin.
Her award came during the annual meeting of RNZRSA Women's Section, held at Levin RSA this week, and was a surprise.
"It was a surprise, although I was thrilled to bits to get it," she said.
"I have always been very proud to be part of the RSA."
More than 120 women from around New Zealand attended the conference. Levin would host the 2022 conference, too.
National president Diane Wilson from Taupo, Lynda Gage from Birkenhead, and Lois Anderson from Waiheke Island were also recognised during the conference, for 44, 25, and 35 years of service respectively.
District president Jack Steer, national president BJ Clark, Judith Steele, Levin president Wayne Kaye, Otaki MP Terisa Ngobi, Minister Meka Whaitiri and National Women's president Diane Wilson.
Wilson said it was important to make sure the women's division had a strong voice with the RSA and continued to advocate for the welfare of all veterans, and their spouses and children.
Women weren't granted official RSA membership until the 1970s.
Minister of Veterans Affairs Meka Whaitiri was invited to speak at conference and said while the role of women was recognised as crucial when looking back on past war efforts, it was just as important today.
"They weren't just cooking scones. They were working in factories and farms," she said.
Minister of Veterans Affairs Meka Whaitiri at the Levin RSA.
"It needs to recognised, even more so today with women currently serving and in leadership roles, and active as participants in local communities with advocacy for veterans that served."
Whaitiri said it was important to hear from organisations that advocate for the support of people that make the ultimate sacrifice in serving their country, and their families.
"It's really important to build these relationships to understand the psyche of veterans and their families," she said.
However, the minister took questions from the floor from members wondering what was being done to advance the cause of past serving members who were unable to access entitlements simply because they didn't serve abroad.
Prior to 1974, all those who served were granted entitlements under Veterans Affairs, while after that date only those in Operational Services have been entitled to those benefits, irrespective of their contribution.
The minister assured members she was advancing the argument.
Janet Castell from Waipukurau.
There was also a push to locate Vietnam war veterans and have them aware of services that were available to them through Veterans Affairs.
The women's section was formed in Kaiapoi on Waitangi Day in 1941, and other women's sections were soon established around New Zealand.
The National Women's Section was formed in 2004 and incorporated in 2006, which gave women a voice on RNZRSA National Council. Prior to that, all women's sections were affiliated to their local RSA.
