Sisters stand and deliver for disadvantaged
Between them, sisters Mary Ellen, Julia, Margaret and Teresa have advocated for unions, nurses, schools, the environment, refugees, and the poor and disenfranchised.
They’re not afraid to voice their opinions, and stand up for their beliefs – it’s in their DNA, they say.
They grew up on a farm in Appleby, their mother was a social activist, and their father a stalwart of the Labour Party.
In the mid 80s their mother fought for the rights of seasonal workers and the homeless in Appleby.
Their parents set up St Vincent De Paul Society in Richmond and were instrumental in setting up Trade Aid.
‘‘The twin pillars of our lives were the Labour Party and the Catholic church and social justice is at the heart,’’ Margaret, the third eldest, says.
She is an oncology nurse in Nelson, and also the area council president for St Vincent De Paul Society New Zealand.
Margaret has been outspoken on union matters, and has acted as a spokesperson for casual nurses at Nelson Hospital.
The O’Connors act like a clan, she says.
With pride, they are quick to offer insights into each other’s work and dedication to the community and what it means to be an O’Connor.
None changed their last name after marrying, and all have children, many also taking the O’Connor name.
‘‘[For] our parents, social issues were to the fore, political discussions were our meat and potatoes around the table. It was part of the fabric of our upbringing.’’
Oldest sister Mary Ellen has worked in English language schools through her career, and currently works for English Language Partners, working with former refugees and new migrants. She’s written books on trade union histories and the history of Salisbury School.
She’s outspoken about many issues, from poor housing, to the GCSB.
Second oldest, Julia, a lawyer, worked in private practice in Nelson for 17 years, much of that in family law, has also worked as a legal educator for community law, and in the disputes tribunal.
She went to Papua New Guinea for a year in 2011 with VSA as a legal advisor.
In 2014, she went back to the Nelson Bays Community Law Centre where she has been doing immigration work with former refugees as well as employment law.
‘‘I don’t see myself as solving the world’s problems but its really good to be able to assist and provide structures and processes for people to work through some of those issues.’’
She is also on the board for Salisbury School, and recently stood down from chairing it.
Youngest of the four, Teresa used to work as a journalist at the Nelson Mail, and has also worked as a nurse.
She has been editing the Kai Tiaki Nursing New Zealand magazine since 1992 where she still works, it’s a job she feels fits her values.
Teresa was the force behind setting up Voice Nelson, which Mary Ellen is also highly involved in.
Teresa said she and her sisters have loud voices and are able to use them, Voice Nelson worked to give voice to those who aren’t heard, including the poor and dis-
Social justice runs in the blood of the O’Connor sisters.
speaks to them for our series on inspiring women.
enfranchised.
They were hopeful about passing the baton to younger generations.
People need to care about those less fortunate, Margaret said.
With an impassioned plea, she says it doesn’t make sense to keep letting the gap between the ‘haves’ and ‘have nots’ grow.
‘‘For the vitality and cohesion of our society, everybody loses with inequality. Everyone stands to gain when we live in more equal societies.’’
They have another sister, Gabrielle, the youngest who was unable to be interviewed. The sisters say she is very animalorientated, a natural farmer and works as a caregiver.