our history
The Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC) has a proud history of women coming together to support, strengthen, and uplift their community. Built on the foundations laid by the Ōtaki Lionesses in the late 1970s, the club has evolved over decades while remaining firmly grounded in service, connection, and community values.
The journey began in 1979
The Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC) is a local women-led charity dedicated to giving back to the Ōtaki community. Its journey began in 1979 with the formation of the Ōtaki Lionesses, led by inaugural president Gwen Lauder, laying the foundations for decades of community service and support.
The very first Lioness Group included:
Vice President Cheryl Fro, Directors June Anderson, Yvonne Cooper, Mary Green Gillian Smith.
Editor Marian Gallagher. Tail Twisters Gillian Smith, Lion Tamer Wendy Ludham. Secretary Alison Cresswell and Treasurer Deidre Brocket.
Club members: Sharon Bartosh, Jan Bremen, Dianne Bythell, Olive Brown, Doris Cameron, Mary Campbell, Kate Carroll, Anne Chatterton, Mary Duffell, Betty Empson, Roby Johansen, Aileen Lumley, Grace Morrow, Ann Owen, Olive Parkin, Pat Rollander, Ngaere Robertson, Peggy Sargisson, Carma Simpson, June Smith, Betty Spooner, Margaret Street, Anne Fennell, Judy Waterhouse, Jean Whetren and Sylvia Wilton.
The Lionesses became a cornerstone of local service and advocacy, laying the foundations for generations of women-led community initiatives.
lionesses first projects
The very first project undertaken by the Ōtaki Lioness Club was a fundraiser in November 1979, with the Silver Trail, raising $256.00 for Kampuchea. Kampuchea is the Khmer name for Cambodia, but it specifically refers to the period when the country was ruled by the brutal Khmer Rouge (1975-1979), money was raised for a local charity supporting people.
In December, they held an afternoon tea for Koha Ora Patients. Koha Ora was the name given to the former Ōtaki Sanatorium buildings after the tuberculosis sanatorium closed. Koha Ora continued in this role through the 1970s; it was still operating in 1979 as part of Kimberley Hospital services. The facility Koha Ora was closed in 1985, after which residents were moved back to Kimberley Hospital in Levin, despite local opposition.
1980s
Social Connections and Regional Fellowship in the 1980s
The 1980s were marked by many social get-togethers and shared evenings with the Lions Club and fellow clubs from across the wider region, strengthening friendships and community ties.
Club establishes Citizens Advice Bureau
In 1980, the Lionesses took a leading role in advocating for the establishment of a Citizens Advice Bureau in Ōtaki. A steering group, led by Ann Thorpe, undertook two months of investigation, working closely with the council and other community organisations. This process clearly demonstrated a strong and genuine need for a CAB within the community.
“We would have dinners together and go to the movies,” says Marian Gallagher. “We put a lot of work in to help the community, but we enjoyed it. We supported each other and had a lot of fun. I know all the effort was valued by the community. It felt so worthwhile.”
otaki health camp fort
The Otaki Lioness Club organised the building of a wooden fort – which still stands – by the Army at the Children’s Health Camp. This project tell under the Army's "Aid to Civil Organisations" section.
(Standing Sergeant Simon Koko, charge officer and Peter Taylor. Sitting at the back, Bruce Anderson, Cook, Dennis Beardsmore, Paul Rameka, Brett Hobin and front Dave Hellyer, Paul Ormsby and Alan Johnson.)
"Our training is normally in specific areas from the camp such as engineering, explosives and allied subjects. It's been good to have this change, plus give the community some benefits. Doing something for the kids has made it even better" Sergeant Simon Koko, 2 - troop of 2 Field Squadron.
Club Presidents:
1981 Ailson Cresswell
1982 June Anderson
1983 June Anderson
1988 Ngaire McMurchie
1989 Aileen Lumey
milestone
1989 The Lionesses Charter turns 10 years.
1990s
The 1990s marked a decade of deep commitment to a wide range of causes
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Craft Markets were a major undertaking, with club members responsible for setting up the market, collecting funds, and cleaning up afterwards, with all proceeds returned directly to the community.
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Through Open House, members supported the provision of affordable meals for anyone who needed one, volunteering in the Memorial Hall supper rooms.
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The club was also actively involved in Birthright, a second-hand clothing store, with members rostered on to open and manage the shop each Tuesday.
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Meals on Wheels saw members delivering hot meals to people throughout Ōtaki, providing both nourishment and connection.
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Each year, the club hosted Stairways, an evening event for IHC, usually held in September. Members provided food, small gifts, and entertainment, creating a warm and inclusive experience.
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The annual Charity Golf Tournament became another key fundraiser, with proceeds supporting a range of causes over the years, including the Heart Foundation, Arohanui Hospice, the Square Rescue Helicopter, and the new Ōtaki Ambulance.
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Additional community support included assisting with Daffodil Day, Driving for the Blind, and knitting for Ronald McDonald House for premature babies.
Club Presidents:
1990 - 1991 Marian Gallagher
1993 - Melva Coyle
1994 - Ngaire Robertson
1995 - Pat Rollander
milestone
1999 The Lionesses Charter turns 20 years
In November 1996, Lioness Sheryl Gray brought that spirit to life by establishing the Ōtaki Market on 20 November at Centennial Park, SH1, Ōtaki. From its earliest days, the market was designed as a welcoming place where community, connection, and local enterprise could thrive.
Sheryl became a local icon, running the Ōtaki Market until 2018.
"You make friends with all the stall holders over the years and you become very close friends with them. We did it for the club, we never did it for us" - Sherryl, 2018, interviewed by the Herald.
2000s
The 2000's, A Lasting Legacy: From Lionesses to the otaki women's community club.
When the Lionesses disbanded in 2002, their legacy did not end — it evolved.
When the Lionesses disbanded, local women stood strong, determined that decades of service, leadership, and community spirit would not be lost. United by a shared sense of purpose, they chose to carry the legacy forward—honouring the past while shaping a future that continued to support and uplift the Ōtaki community.
Their commitment ensured that the values of connection, generosity, and women-led leadership remained firmly at the heart of everything that followed.
"We didn't feel we were getting a fair deal. When we belonged to the Lions Club, we had to abide by American rules. Some of the money we raised went to America and we wanted the money to say here"
- Sheryl Gray, Ōtaki Market
2003: Otaki craft market as good as ever
The Ōtaki Women's Community Club, formerly the Ōtaki Lionesses, split from the Ōtaki Lions group last year. The club holds their bi-monthly craft market and fair opposite New World supermarket.
2007: Otaki Women's Community Club AGM
The Ōtaki Women's Community Club reported on the donations they have made to various organisations at their recent AGM.
2009: Otaki folk recognised for their work for the community
Recognised Civic Awards and two Ōtaki groups have received Wellington Airport Community Trust Awards at the annual Kapiti awards night ; the House of Hope and the Ōtaki Women's Community Club.
Club Presidents:
2002: Pat Brown
2007: Cathie Cole
2008: Fay Fagan
2009: Fay Fagan
milestone
2002 The Ōtaki Lioness Club disbands and becomes the Otaki Women's Community Club
2006 The Ōtaki Market turns 10 years
2009 The Lionesses Charter/OWCC turns 30 years
2010s
The 2010s: A New Era of Fundraising Through the Ōtaki Market
The 2010s the Ōtaki Women's Community Club, were able to use the popular Ōtaki Market to generate funds for the community. Supporting many different clubs, individuals, students and charities. In 2017 the Club won the Health and Wellbeing Award at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Georgie George ran the Ōtaki Market from 2018 - 2022.
Major changes to the food regulation act effect local markets.
2010 saw the introduction of new food regulation rules, meaning stall holders selling small batch items and home baking need to apply for permits. This new rule saw the loss of six to 10 stall holders from the market.
Seventeen Years of Dedication at the Ōtaki Market
One of the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club’s most dedicated supporters was Harry South, who manned a stall at every market for 17 years up to 2013. Known for making and selling bead bracelets, Harry became a familiar and much-loved presence.
Having recently turned 100 years old, he has only just relinquished his long-held spot opposite the club’s sausage sizzle.
Club Presidents:
2014: Stella Jacks
2015: Joan Bainbridge
2019: Kerry Fox
milestone
2016 The Ōtaki Market turns 20 years
2018 Sherryl Gray hands over the reins of the Ōtaki Market
2019 The Lionesses Charter/OWCC turns 40 years
2020s
2020's saw the revitalisation of the club and market
The Club and Ōtaki Market weren't left untouched by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2022, the market faced a crisis: stallholder numbers had dropped to just 15–18, public interest was declining, and the impending completion of the Kāpiti Expressway posed a risk of redirecting visitor traffic away from Ōtaki.
The Women's Club and the Ōtaki Market were on the brink of closure, and the Club knew immediate action was required to rebuild trust, visibility, and community engagement.
In 2022 the Ōtaki Market reins were taken by LtR Kara Taogaga, Claire Roper, Chrissy Anderson, Michelle Vui and Tracey Humphrey.
Embracing the Digital Age
The Ōtaki Women’s Community Club embraced the digital age by creating a dedicated website and strengthening its social media presence. This shift improved communication, expanded community reach, and ensured the club stayed connected, visible, and relevant in modern times while remaining true to its values.
milestone
2023 The Ōtaki Kids Market is launched
2024 Pat Bloxham is named as Patron of the Ōtaki Women's Community Club
a new Club Patron
Introducing Pat Bloxham, the new Patron of the Ōtaki Women's Community Club (OWCC). Pat is a familiar face in our community, known for her warmth, dedication and genuine love for Ōtaki.
As Patron, Pat's vision is all about building a vibrant, inclusive Women's Club, where we can all connect, celebrate and thrive together. We are so excited to have her as Patron and the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to the club.
Award winning Ōtaki Kids Market
In January 2023, the OWCC launched the Ōtaki Kids Market, extending the club’s mission to empower the next generation. The Ōtaki Kids Market has quickly become nationally recognised, supporting over 600 young entrepreneurs, and fostering confidence, leadership, creativity, and wellbeing among children and youth.
2025 Introduced a Kids Market Ambassador, with Deanna Smith being chosen.
Club Presidents:
2020 - 2022: Kerrie Fox
2022 - 2023: Maureen Wallace
2024 - 2026: Tracey Humphrey
milestone
2026 The Ōtaki Kids Market turns three and introduces a Youth Ambassador role
2026 The Ōtaki Market turns 30 (The longest running market on the Kapiti Coast)
The Ōtaki Women's Community Club stands as a powerful example of what sustained female leadership and grassroots community effort can achieve — supporting local businesses, nurturing young people, and returning hundreds of thousands of dollars directly into the community.
