Earlier in July 2014 new officers were inducted by Waipawa & District Lions Club for the Lions Year 2014/15. Lion Elsa Ironside has been elected as President for the second time (previously President in 2008/8). Elsa has a background in teaching but since 1997 Elsa and her husband Tony have farmed a smallholding on the outskirts of Waipawa. Elsa has been a member of Waipawa Lions since 2004 and has also held other positions in Lions as well as being actively involved in numerous other local community organisations in Central Hawkes Bay.

Lion Russell Morrison, the outgoing President, reported on a successful year 2013/14 which has seen a substantial increase in membership and several very successful community and fundraising projects. These projects included the participating in organising the 2013 Waipawa Spring Festival (Duck Day), helping Takapau Lions with Bookarama in Waipukurau, and Sale of Christmas Trees, Firewood and Mushroom Compost. Funds raised from these projects have enabled the Club to make donations and support to Girl Guides, CHB College Shooting Club, Waipukurau Pakeke Club and Camp Quality for Children with Cancer and also other charities. In addition the Club has presented local Youth Service Awards and helped with numerous charity collections, donated firewood to needy local residents and support for 2 young people to attend an Outward Bound leadership  course.

The Waipawa & District Lions Club meets on the first and third Thursdays of every month at Waipawa Fire Station Hall in Waverley Street, Waipawa at 6.30 pm. Lions clubs are a group of men and women who identify needs within the community and work together to fulfill those needs. For more information or to get involved with the Waipawa & District Lions Club, please contact Membership Secretary, Jim Greef – 06 857 8828. Alternatively make contact via the Club’s Web Site, http://www.lionsclubs.org.nz/Clubs/202M/Zone-3/Waipawa-District .