WINGS, Women's International Newcomers Group Social, New Zealand

About WINGS

Mission Statement: The Women’s International Newcomers Group Social is a friendship network where we exchange traditions and knowledge, share settlement issues, build connections and create a sense of belonging in our community.

Our Motto is:

Bloom where you are planted!

In December 2006 WINGS was created by Liane Blair (Canadian) and Gina Eiger (American) over a pair of shoes.

Here is the long story!

Once upon a time there was this sweet, young Canadian lady who was strolling along through the shops when she stumbled over this strange accent she recognised as American. The two ladies got chatting about how long they have been living in New Zealand and started to share some of their experiences. The light bulb went off and that was the beginning of WINGS (Womens International Newcomers Group Social).

So they booked a hall, put an ad in the papers and the phone started ringing off the hook.
24 women shared their experiences that night and it has been going strong ever since. Some of these women are now on the WINGS Committee.
WINGS now has an email list of just over 450 women and counting.

Although Gina and Liane had different ideas of what WINGS should be about.
Should it be social or support? They came to the conclusion that all women have different needs and that they would try to meet everyone's expectations.

Some women have different experiences than others. Some have a tougher time in settling while others find it easy. This is where WINGS hopes to help others by sharing their knowledge and experiences with each other to make settlement an easier time whether we are from a different town or country.

WINGS creates an avenue for women to meet people & network. What you get out of WINGS is what you put into it yourself...........WINGS is just the stepping stone and it is up to you to make the first jump..

We have been meeting once a month, have family events and have other sub groups going steady.

It isn't easy walking into a room full of strangers. I was petrified the first meeting and I was one of the co-founder of WINGS. Thank goodness Gina loves getting up on stage or it would have been me sitting there with my mouth dried shut staring at a room full of women with a glazed look over my face.

We had no idea where it was going to go and we had no experience in this area. We soon realised that we had to make it interesting for people to want to come back and so we started coming up with different themes for each meeting. We can't get it right for everyone but when we see what a difference it has made for most women and that it has put a smile on their faces, then we know we must be doing something right.
Our other goal is to become a part of the community and the kiwi culture, which is why we are happy that kiwi women enjoy coming to WINGS.

Some tips from WINGS

WHAT CAN I DO?
Invite someone over for a cuppa! Don’t wait for the phone to ring! You make the call. Otherwise everyone will be waiting for the phone to ring!

PUT YOURSELF OUT THERE!
You may have to go out of your comfort
zone! In the end it will be worth it!

ATTEND MEETINGS & EVENTS!
Don’t be shy!!! We won’t bite – All of us started out not knowing anyone and
we are still meeting new people. Bring a friend or neighbour along or call us
& we will meet you at the door!

BLOOM WHERE YOU ARE PLANTED!
Make the most out of it!!

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED WITH WINGS?
Answer: Just show up at the meetings or get on our email list and you will be updated with meetings and events.

WHO CAN JOIN WINGS?
Answer: All women wanting to socialise, network and have a good time.

DO YOU HAVE OTHER EVENTS FOR MY HUSBAND/FAMILY?
Answer: Yes we put on an Annual International Potluck Dinner with entertainment (everyone brings a plate), Cooking Nights, Cultural Mystery Tours for the whole family.

WHAT DOES BRING A PLATE MEAN?
(The most common question asked!)
Answer: Bring a plate with food on it for a shared meal! (Potluck means bring a plate)

WHAT ELSE DO YOU DO?
Answer:
· Coffee mornings every Friday between 10:00 am – 12 pm-ish
· Walking, Ladies night cooking club , Shopping trips, Dining Out, Pub nights , & much more!

CAN I ORGANISE AN EVENT?
Answer: You most certainly can!!
Just email WINGS at wingsnz@hotmail.com