21 March 2025
After Women Who Lunch 2024, one question stayed with me.
What next?
It sat quietly in my mind — and in my heart. I knew Women Who Lunch had more to become, but I didn't know what that looked like, when it would happen, or who we'd meet along the way. I simply trusted that the right opportunity would reveal itself, and when it did, I'd recognise it.
That opportunity came in the form of two extraordinary women.
Dr Rachel Inder and Dr Sara Simmons share a bold vision: that everyone in our community should have access to healthcare, regardless of their circumstances. Together, they founded Manu Ora, a charitable trust providing free primary healthcare to those who need it most. To continue delivering these life-changing services across Marlborough, the trust must fundraise 72% of its operating costs every year.
As I listened to Rachel and Sara share their story — the vision that inspired them, the risks they had taken, the heartbreaking realities faced by many in our community, and the lives being changed every single day — I was deeply moved.
They spoke with such humility, courage, and unwavering commitment that it became impossible not to ask:
How could Women Who Lunch help?
The answer was beautifully simple.
Every free consultation at Manu Ora costs $65. What if, together, we could fund 100 consultations?
Our goal was clear: raise $6,500 and make healthcare possible for 100 people in our community.
As always, our community didn't hesitate.
An incredible panel of Marlborough doctors generously gave their time, sharing not only their professional expertise but also deeply personal stories of purpose, resilience, leadership, risk, failure, and hope. Their honesty reminded us that behind every title is a human being with a story worth telling.
Our local business community once again wrapped its arms around Women Who Lunch with extraordinary generosity. The goodie bags were overflowing, the silent auction featured an incredible collection of experiences, products, and services, and our guests enjoyed beautiful local food and wine while making meaningful new connections around the table.
But the true magic wasn't measured in auction bids or raffle tickets.
It was in the room.
The courage of every speaker. The vulnerability they so generously shared. The laughter that echoed through the room. The tears that quietly reminded us what really matters. The conversations between strangers who left as friends.
Most of all, it was the powerful feeling of hundreds of women united by one shared purpose — to support Manu Ora and the individuals and families they care for every day.
Together, through ticket sales, donations, and the silent auction, we raised an incredible $7,530.
Enough to fund more than 115 free healthcare consultations for members of our community.
We didn't just meet our goal.
Together, we exceeded it.
Together, we exceeded it.
As the afternoon drew to a close, there was a familiar feeling in the room.
Gratitude.
Connection.
Purpose.
And then, almost inevitably...
How do we top this?
Guest Speakers
Dr Sara Simmons & Dr Rachel Inder
Manu Ora
Dr Bex Bell
Remix Coaching & Consulting
Dr Jordan Gibbs
Marlborough Primary Health Organisation
Dr Rachel Thomas
Caci Blenheim
Dr Martina Suleimen
The Skin Hub
Thank You To Our Sponsors
