1920

1920

Swimmer Violet Waldron was the first New Zealand woman to compete at the Olympics. 

1921

Image: ATL MNZ-0957-1/4 © copyright conditions

The New Zealand Federation of Country Women's Institutes (CWI) was established, with a group of Māori Women's Institutes within it which focused on Māori culture as well as home and family. The CWI claims to have the largest membership of any women's organisation in New Zealand and aims to improve community life in rural areas by bringing women together for discussion and activities.

The New Zealand Medical Women's Association was founded.

1922

The New Zealand Federation of University Women was established to provide a contact network for women graduates, encourage ongoing education with discussion groups and lectures, and support research through grants to female students. It was also involved in activities such as lobbying for equal pay and later became known as the New Zealand Federation of Graduate Women.

1925

The Women's Division of Federated Farmers (now called Rural Women New Zealand) grew from a perceived need for contact among isolated rural women. An early priority was providing home help following childbirth or during illness. The organisation also fundraises for community facilities and educational activities, and undertakes research to benefit women's lives.

Mrs G Sanford became the first New Zealand woman pilot.

1926

The League of Mothers and Homemakers was established to provide support and contact for isolated women at home. Today, it focuses on the low status of mothers who stay at home to care for their families. Māori membership was encouraged, with a Māori branch set up in Wairoa in 1929.

Bessie Te Wenerau Grace, thought to have been the first Māori woman to receive a degree from a New Zealand university, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts.

Women were permitted to become Justices of the Peace.

1927

Dr Nina Catherine Muir, the first woman house surgeon, became president of the Medical Association of New Zealand.

back to top