Wendy was a valued member of the Bay of Plenty Reading Association, later renamed Waiariki Literacy Association, for over 20 years. She provided outstanding service locally, nationally as a member of the NZLA executive, and internationally as a member of the International Development in Oceania committee.

Wendy held various leadership positions in her local association and was co-convenor for the NZLA conference in 2011. She was instrumental in facilitating name changes for both Waiariki Literacy Association and at the national level for NZLA in 2013. Wendy was the local delegate for NZLA for many years and held positions on the national executive, culminating in the role of President from 2012- 2014. She represented NZLA on the IDOC committee during this time, taking on the role of secretary-treasurer and co-facilitating an Information Text Awareness writing workshop with educators in Fiji in 2015.

This award recognises the significant contribution Wendy has made over the years as a passionate literacy educator. NZLA has certainly benefited from her leadership, commitment and friendship.