Both Dorothy Clark, of Waihola-Clarendon WI, and Shona Preddy, of Romahapa WI, received gold honours badges at the recent 102nd annual conference of the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes, in Timaru.
Mrs Clark said she had enjoyed her 63 years in both Lovells Flat and Waihola-Clarendon clubs, while Mrs Preddy had chalked up 39 years across Paretai and Romahapa.
Both women played down their achievements, saying the awards "reflected the hard work of many".
Mrs Preddy said she had joined the Romahapa WI in 1987 after moving from Paretai to the area with her husband Mark.
"A local lady invited me along, saying it was a chance to meet people and make new friends.
"Well, everyone threw themselves into things in those days, so we probably had members in the high 20s.
"I certainly made lifelong friends, and we still have a lot of fun today."
Mrs Clark said the activities of the club had perhaps changed somewhat over the years, although it remained a great way to learn new skills and contribute to your community.
"We used to do things like hat-making and upholstering, learning from one another."
She said the club also had strong service and social elements.
"Each year the institute chooses a good cause for us all to support through fundraising. Then there’s the social side with shared meals, concerts and day trips."
Presenting their citations at the recent conference, officials noted both women had also contributed significantly to the governance side of the organisation at local and higher levels.
Mrs Clark had served as president, liaison officer, secretary, competitions secretary and national conference delegate at club level and secretary and president at federation level.
Mrs Preddy had also been club president and secretary, and president and treasurer of her federation.
Challenging the traditional "jam-making" image of the WI, Mrs Preddy’s Romahapa club produced a risque, Calendar Girls-style calendar for five years from 2006, raising funds for the Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.
She had also enjoyed competing in a pantomime competition in Wellington, in 2010.
Mrs Clark said she was happiest simply "getting on with things", and enjoying the friendships formed through the institute.
"Receiving this honour makes you very humble. But it’s really about the friends you make, the skills you learn, and the service you give.
"That’s not going to change."
