It is thought to be a first for the Dunedin Burns Club - a woman addressing the haggis at the club's annual Burns Night dinner at the Toitu Settlers Museum tonight.
The job of addressing, and ceremonially cutting, the haggis has been given to Donna Young, of Dunedin.
Yesterday Mrs Young (nee Rutherford) was swotting up on the eight-verse poem dedicated to Burns' love of the Scottish delicacy.
''I'm a little nervous but it's not often you see a female make the address to the haggis, so that is an honour.''
Growing up in Scotland meant she was very familiar with the poetry and folk-songs of Burns.
''I grew up with Robert Burns and my daddy was a big Burns fan and I just think he would he would be very proud I was doing the address on Burns Night.''
While she was familiar with the poem, Mrs Young did admit to some pre-supper nerves.
''I will say when I was first asked I was a little hesitant to stand in front of all those people, but I think it will be fun.
''I might need a wee dram before, I think.''
Dunedin Burns Club president Royden Somerville said he could not be certain but he understood it was the first time a woman had made the address to a haggis on Burns night since the club formed in 1861.
''I think it's first-class,'' he said.
The theme for the night was the rights of men (and women).
Dr Somerville said the Dunedin club was a very old club by international standards and had always tried to keep up with contemporary times.
As well as the supper, the Burns Club also helped organise a poetry competition and the Robbie Rocks music competition.
