Southland
A Clinton woman has been recognised for her tireless service to NZ Young Farmers and her community.
Emma Sutherland, 31, is the joint recipient of a national award for service to NZ Young Farmers, along with Canterbury’s Sarah Heddell.
The pair received a standing ovation when they were presented with the accolade in Invercargill.
“It was kind of embarrassing,” laughed Emma, who is modest about her achievements and doesn’t crave the spotlight.
“The award is well deserved. Emma does so much for NZ Young Farmers and a lot of it goes unnoticed,” said Lisa Anderson.
Emma is affectionately known as “Miss Efficiency” and is the driving force behind two major fundraisers.
Clinton Young Farmers holds an annual quiz night, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year.
The wildly-popular event has raised $34,000 for the Cancer Society.
“The quiz is held in Clinton and we’ve had to cap the number of teams taking part to 36 because we can’t fit any more in the hall,” said Emma.
“I was only slightly involved for the first two years, but I’ve really got stuck in over the last eight.”
“We couldn’t do it without the rest of our amazing club. The whole club has to be behind events or they don’t succeed,” she said.
Former Clinton Young Farmers member Lisa Anderson said the event has grown exponentially under Emma’s direction.
“When we first started doing it at the local rugby club we’d be lucky if a dozen teams entered,” she said.
“Emma organises club members to help out, gets prizes from sponsors and ensures the quiz questions are written.”
“Emma is the driving force behind the quiz and it would not happen each year without her hard work.”
When Emma joined the Clinton club more than a decade ago “it was struggling”.
It now has a healthy membership and a focus on giving back to the community.
“We have organised six biennial balls. They have raised $21,500 for our club and can attract up to 300 people,” said Emma.
The club uses the money for an annual education scholarship of $1,000, which is given to a local student.
“It’s really rewarding seeing that money benefit someone,” she said.
The mother of two lives on a 2,000 hectares sheep and beef farm and is married to Michael, who she met through her involvement with NZ Young Farmers.
Emma’s 31 years old, which means sadly she’s about to age out of the organisation.
“I knew it was coming, but I often wonder ‘what next?’ NZ Young Farmers has been a huge part of my life,” she said.
“I have learned so many new skills and I wonder where I will be able to continue putting them to use.”
Emma’s served as treasurer for both her club and the Otago/Southland region.
“The roles have taught me a lot about finance and it’s made me keep up with advances in technology.”
“I’ve also learned a lot about liquor licences,” she laughed.
“I often tell people you don’t have to be the club chair to make a difference.”
Emma said she wouldn’t have been able to dedicate so much time to the organisation without the support of her husband and family.
“They have had a lot of patience and helped me along the way, which I am extremely grateful for,” she said.
Emma’s focus now is on passing on her knowledge to other club members.
“At the moment she’s trying to delegate jobs which in the past she’s done on her own,” said Lisa.
“Emma will have lots of lists to ensure the events are left in good hands and she’ll still be there as an advisory member.”