Christchurch Philatelic Society remembers
Sue Claridge was one of our life members.
When it comes to organised philately (the collection and study of postage stamps), the list of what Sue has been involved with is monumental and the shorter list would actually be what she hasn’t done.
That short list probably includes not spending enough time on her own collections.
A brief selection of her contributions starts with the Christchurch Philatelic Society, where she had a long involvement with the committee, also holding roles as president and secretary among others.
She was also a philatelic judge and commissioner, serving at many New Zealand and overseas exhibitions, helped run the Christchurch youth club and hosted stamp camps in Canterbury. She also held the post of secretary with Canpex (Canadian national philatelic exhibition), the Christchurch-based wing of the global exhibition-organising group.
Her death came as a shock to all who knew Sue, and — let’s be honest — most philatelists in New Zealand knew Sue.
She had a long and distinguished time in various roles in the Philatelic Youth Council and there are many younger philatelists who benefitted from her wisdom.
She had a very wide collecting interest, including military, medical, ophthalmology, hospitals, Florence Nightingale, Edith Cavell and World War I.
Sue served on the New Zealand Philatelic Federation for a long time and gave talks to many member societies. Outside philately, she was a very keen gardener.
She will be greatly missed.
— by Christchurch Philatelic Society president Paul van Herpt
Sue passed away suddenly at her Hoon Hay home in Christchurch on the weekend of June 28-29, 2025.
Her nursing journey began at Princess Margaret Hospital, where she trained from 1974 to 1977, before graduating as a registered nurse (RN).
Her early career saw her working across various health-care settings, but it was in 1987 that she found her true calling at St George’s Hospital theatres in Christchurch. There, she flourished in both the main theatre and day surgery unit, remaining a steadfast presence until her retirement in 2022 — save for a two-year stint in the United Kingdom (2005-2007), where she successfully established a day surgery unit as a theatre manager.
Affectionately known by colleagues as “SueMac,” “Smack,” or “Sister Supine” in the orthopaedic theatres, Sue was a nurturing figure to many. She lovingly referred to student nurses and new staff as her “chickadees” while they fondly called her their “theatre mother”.
Her warmth, humour and unwavering support made her a pillar of the operating room and a beloved mentor.
Passionate advocate
Beyond her clinical role, Sue was a passionate advocate for perioperative nursing. Her involvement with NZNO’s perioperative nurses college (PNC) spanned decades, and she contributed at both local and national levels.
“I cannot recollect a time when I was not a PNC member,” she once said, a testament to her enduring commitment.
Sue’s editorial contributions to PNC publication The Dissector were significant. She served on the editorial committee from 1998-2000 and as chief editor from 2000-2003.
Her talent for encouraging others to share their experiences and insights enriched the journal and inspired many to contribute.
Her leadership roles included:
- National PNC committee member
- National PNC secretary
- Secretary and chair, Canterbury-West Coast PNC
Sue’s influence extended to conference planning and international representation. She played a key role in organising the AORN (US-based Association of Registered Perioperative Nurses) 12th world conference in Christchurch in 2001. She was also instrumental in planning the 2022 PNC conference, also in Christchurch, where she was honoured with life membership.
Her sudden passing last year has left a void in the hearts of many.
Former perioperative nurse and PNC member Sue Frost recalls returning to Christchurch from the United States in the early 1990s to work with Sue Claridge on drafting New Zealand’s first set of perioperative nursing standards. The pair spent a weekend in the boardroom of the old St George Hospital building, working on the draft standards, which were then distributed around the country for input and clarification and eventual adoption.
Frost recalls a fun-filled weekend for the two passionate perioperative nurses, debating New Zealand standards of care against the Australian and American ones.
A woman of many talents
Outside nursing, Sue was a woman of many talents. A passionate philatelist, she was an international judge of stamp collections and a gold medal winner for her Florence Nightingale exhibition — which featured in The Dissector (December 2010).
She also had a keen interest in history, particularly in collecting historical hospital postcards from across New Zealand. In 2025, she was actively involved in re-establishing the Pat Cotter Medical Museum in Christchurch, helping to re-catalogue and restore its displays following the 2011 earthquakes.
Sue Claridge was a tireless advocate for perioperative nursing, always encouraging membership, professional development and community engagement. Her sudden passing last year has left a void in the hearts of many.
She will be remembered not only for her professional excellence but for her kindness, humour and unwavering dedication to the nursing profession.
Sue was a true friend, a guiding light and a legacy who will continue to inspire generations of nurses to come.
— Marilyn Casey was a colleague and friend of Sue Claridge. This tribute was reproduced with permission from The Dissector (June-September 2025), with additional edits by Kaitiaki coeditor Mary Longmore.
Michael Esdaile, of Advantage Publishing in Tauranga, has published The Dissector since 1998. The journal last year celebrated 50 years of publication. Bound copies dating back to 1975 are available at the NZNO library: [email protected].