It is a privilege for the Tai Tokerau Literacy Association to formally nominate Glenice Andrews for the NZLA Citation of Merit. Glenice is widely recognised as the "foundation stone" of TTLA, a title earned through decades of tireless service at both local and national levels. 

Glenice’s service to TTLA is defined by her 23-year tenure (2001–2023), a period marked by transformation and growth. Her involvement began at a point of crisis; in late 2000, she joined an interim committee at the invitation of Literacy Facilitator Glenys Brown specifically to bring TTLA out of a period of recess. Over the following two decades, she guided the association through its evolution from the Tai Tokerau Reading Association to a modern Literacy Association, ensuring the organisation remained relevant to the changing educational landscape of Aotearoa. 

In 2001, Glenice was appointed to the role of "Temporary Treasurer." In a profound testament to her character and "service-first" ethos, this temporary appointment extended into a 23-year legacy of financial management. By remaining Treasurer for her entire tenure, she provided the TTLA with stability, managing the council’s resources with the meticulous care required to sustain a non-profit body over the long term. This role was fulfilled by Glenice while she also mentored and guided many other TTLA office holders.

Glenice played a pivotal role in the success of the 2006 and 2016 national conferences hosted by TTLA. Her work during the 2006 conference stands as a herculean administrative feat; she simultaneously managed the portfolios of Treasurer, Registrations, and Workshops. At a time when these complex tasks were handled manually via paper records and "snail mail," her meticulous organisational skills ensured the seamless delivery of a major national event. 

Glenice has been a champion for equity of access across the vast and often isolated geography of Northland. Since 2021, she has led a strategic "triangulation" of literacy events, organising professional development in Whangarei, Dargaville, and Kerikeri. This commitment ensures that rural educators have the same access to high-quality literacy support as those in major centres. 

Beyond her administrative and executive roles, Glenice has directly contributed to the professional knowledge base of our members in numerous ways, including Junior School Reading presentations in 2001 and 2002. As both the "institutional memory" and the "financial anchor" of her council, Glenice has provided a rare level of continuity and stability. 

Glenice has also contributed many years of national service as a member of the NZLA executive.  She served as NZLA Secretary from 2010-2012, elected executive member 2013–2014, President-Elect 2014-2015, National President 2016-2018, Past President 2018-2019, and NZLA Treasurer 2019-2024. Glenice also joined the IDOC (International Development in Oceania Committee) in 2016 and served as Treasurer from 2018-2023. She has represented NZLA overseas at ALEA (Australian Literacy Educators' Association) conferences and IDOC events. 

Throughout her national leadership, Glenice has been a vital architect of the association’s professional pipeline. Her tenure was marked by significant mentorship, ensuring that institutional knowledge and leadership quality were passed to the next generation of NZLA executives. 

The 23-year journey of Glenice Andrews—from her "temporary" local appointment in 2001 to her term as national president—exemplifies a lifetime of extraordinary service. She has been the bedrock of the Tai Tokerau Literacy Association and a steadying hand for the NZLA national executive. Her efforts have not only sustained the association during periods of transition but have also enriched the professional lives of literacy educators across Aotearoa. The whakatauki, He kotuku rerenga tahi – A white heron flies once, represents Glenice, a special, unique and inspirational leader. Her unwavering commitment at both local and national levels constitutes an outstanding contribution to NZLA and literacy. 

Glenice Andrews is a most deserving candidate for the NZLA Citation of Merit, and her legacy of service serves as an inspiration to the entire literacy community.