Robyn Watchorn has spent most of her life involved in programmes and organisations dedicated to serving others. After 63 years with Manchester Unity, she has recently been installed as the Grand Master for the organisation’s New Zealand chapter.

Manchester Unity is a long-standing organisation that supports its members and has a 180-year history in New Zealand. Originating in Manchester, UK, it operated similarly to the Masons.

In its earliest days when gatherings of more than three people were illegal and could be considered treasonous, members developed secret handshakes and methods of communication to protect themselves.

The New Zealand chapter began when two men travelling to the country met and spoke during their journey.

Upon landing in Nelson, they established Manchester Unity New Zealand. The organisation went on to manage New Zealand’s social welfare system until the government took over in 1903.

Today, Manchester Unity operates as a not-for-profit membership organisation offering social events, discounts, scholarships, and lifestyle perks designed to help Kiwis connect, grow, and thrive.

Members receive discounts on accommodation, fuel, movies, and technology, along with access to grants and scholarships for training and education.

With more than 11,000 members, the organisation also aims to enhance social connections and combat isolation among older members.

“We certainly cater to those who suffer from loneliness. I have always lived by the maxim that you can be social, but you need to be sociable. Manchester Unity facilitates ways for its members to become sociable,” Mrs Watchorn said.

The organisation hosts a wide range of social events such as dances, barbecues, 4x4 trips and even remote-control yachting sessions. For members who are time-poor or live in isolation, the creation of online cyber lodges means they can still take part and feel included.

Mrs Watchorn joined the organisation in 1962 after meeting her future husband, Ivan, who had been part of Manchester Unity since 1955.

The pair met at a dance in Gisborne while Ivan was attending a Manchester Unity conference. He encouraged her to come along, and she joined almost immediately along with her immediate family.

Growing up, Mrs Watchorn’s life was far from easy, but she always carried a strong sense of “others before self.”

“I don’t really credit my parents with my people-first philosophy; they never encouraged us to do anything, but they never discouraged us either. Mother left my father when I was nine, so being the oldest, I became the mother of the family.

“We lived in a caravan at the Hamilton East campground. I learnt at least a thousand ways to cook mince; it was all we could afford,” she said.

At age 12, she was diagnosed with a bone disease and spent the next three years in hospital. She was told she would likely be in a wheelchair by age 45.

“Being a determined person, I decided to learn all I could using just my brain and my hands, in case I had no legs. My grandmother had both of her legs removed, but medical science changed a lot over the years and helped my condition immensely,” she said.

Her grandmother, originally from Argentina though British by heritage, became a major influence in her life. When she lost both legs, she owned the first hand-operated car in New Zealand.

“I modelled myself on her sheer gutsiness and determination. She was most likely the leading light in my life,” Mrs Watchorn said.

“I’ve always worked in the background but lived by the philosophy that I should experience all the positions I am able to do, so I worked my way through.

“By the time I received my QSM, I had worked for 27 organisations, from the bottom right up to executive positions.”

Mrs Watchorn was the first female Grand Master from the Auckland region and is only the third woman to hold the role of National Grand Master since the organisation’s establishment in 1842.

“I was shoulder-tapped about 30 years ago for the position of National Grand Master, but my health wasn’t very good. The timing wasn’t right. Now that I can do it, I do wish I was younger, but that’s alright.

“I did wonder if I was too old for this position but concluded it’s really a state of belief.”

A Grand Master’s term runs for two years and is based not only on a popular vote but also on demonstrated merit, a responsibility Mrs Watchorn embraces with enthusiasm.

“Every day there is something new I’m thinking about. I just want to see everything come alive.

“People often ask me where I get my energy from. I fake the energy and mask the pain. At my age, everything aches, so you just have to keep moving,” she said.

Among the organisation’s many member benefits, the most popular is access to affordable holiday accommodation, with homes located in Ōhope, Mount Maunganui, Queenstown, Taupō, and Hanmer Springs.

Manchester Unity also offers scholarships for training and education. In 2025, 55 applicants competed for four places – a number that continues to grow, along with the calibre of applicants.

Mrs Watchorn is focusing on strengthening membership retention, recruitment, member involvement, learning, and communication.

She is also overseeing the development of online learning modules to support self-improvement and achievement.

“My first meeting was the Friday after my appointment. I gave every committee member a portfolio they will hold for a year. The aim is to define their roles and promote effective reporting so we can track growth and keep members informed,” she said.

Member-based organisations have struggled with declining numbers, and Manchester Unity is no exception.

“The North Island once had 72 lodges, but now we are down to 26, as many have had to merge. Despite this, our membership has been steadily increasing.

“We are also working to include younger members in leadership roles through internships to ensure strong succession,” she said.

For Mrs Watchorn, the motivation is simple: she has always been guided by results and driven by the desire to support organisations and actions that benefit people.