We are all delighted for our Associate, Andrée Talbot, who was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in the 2019 New Year Honours List for services to Plunket.
Andrée joined Plunket’s Devonport sub-branch in 1996 when her children were tiny and led a major project for new Plunket rooms. Eight years later, Andrée was elected president of Plunket’s Waitemata Area Society and over the next three years she linked its eight associated committees (and their 40+ sub-branch committees) into a cohesive group.
At the same time, she joined the Plunket New Zealand Council and represented Waitemata at national conferences. She was an active member of three national working groups, including a review of the Society’s rules, the Centenary Committee, and Plunket’s Governance, Leadership and Succession Planning working party. She was elected to the National Board in 2007 and served on several national sub-committees. From 2014, as National President and Board Chair, Andrée oversaw Plunket’s move towards consolidating nationally into a charitable trust. She led discussions on how Plunket needed to change and provided input into rules changes. In 2017, Andrée oversaw the start of Plunket’s transition to a charitable trust, which was achieved on 1 January 2018.
Andrée says that she’s a little overwhelmed – but really delighted - to receive the CNZM. “I’ve loved my years working with Plunket. It’s such an important organisation for New Zealand families and I’m proud of my various positions over the years helping to ensure that Plunket continues to play its important role in the wellbeing of our young children. I’m also very grateful to Simpson Western for supporting me in my various Plunket responsibilities over the years. Thank you SW.”
Congratulations from us all Andrée, we’re proud of you.