Queenstowner’s fast rise up the Altrusa ranks

In an honour for Queenstown, longtime local Margaret Melhop’s taken over as New Zealand governor of women’s service organisation Altrusa International at its national conference in Invercargill earlier this month.

Melhop, who only joined the local club in 2015, has been on the NZ board for what’s known as District Fifteen for the past four years.

Joining the club was one of the best things she’s done since she and her husband Bryn came to Queenstown in 1984, she says.

"I enjoy the friendships, the service projects we do and especially the fundraising events.

"The fundraising usually becomes a social occasion as well as getting us out and about, mixing with the rest of the community while raising money for worthy causes."

Joining her on her journey for the next two years will be her friend Kay Edwards, who’s taken on the role of district secretary.

Edwards has been a member of Altrusa Queenstown for 30 years.

Melhop’s moving to Nelson but says she’ll remain a member of the local club, which celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2023.