Meet some of the TOS team in New Zealand

The TOS in New Zealand was first started in 1910 but it has had several ‘incarnations’ since then. The current team came together in 2003 and is thoroughly enjoying involving members around the country in making Theosophy practical. We report here on just one aspect of their work: fund-raising. Here are some of the workers and what they do.

John Sell of Auckland designs bookmarks with uplifting theosophical quotations for sale within New Zealand and overseas.

For many years Lois Pollock from New Plymouth has knitted stuffed toys and baby clothes for the TOS in addition to making generous donations out of her pension.

Elizabeth Sell donates her paintings for sale, auction or raffle in aid of TOS projects. To the left is the painting by Elizabeth Sell that was raffled in 2008 to raise funds for the TOS.

In 2008 Maureen Paterson of Warkworth organised the filling of a container of over 11,000 books which the TOS shipped to Manila, along with sports equipment, teaching tools, musical instruments, computers and much more. At left, we see her working with her husband, Alf. At right, Golden Link School students helping to unload the container of books and educational equipment sent from New Zealand.

All manner of creative contributions are sold at the sale table the TOS has at most TS Conventions. At right, Rewa Douglas from Auckland donated this beautiful quilt/wall-hanging called ‘Ancient Memories’ to be raffled.

Vicki Jerome takes care of the 25 or 30 sponsorships TOS members in NZ donate for the education of children looked after by the TOS in Pakistan and India.
Right: The teacher and children in a literacy home-school organised by the TOS in Pakistan and funded by the New Zealand TOS.

Left: Core workers and friends gather in Auckland to celebrate the centenary of the TOS last year. Right: Key workers Richard Sell, Renee Sell, Val White and John Vorstermans host a visit from TOS Pakistan representatives Aman and Fareeda Amir (second and third from left).  Renee is the national coordinator of the TOS and couldn’t manage without Val White, stalwart member from Auckland.