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Action Plan
The Action Plan for Women outlines the government's five year agenda to improve women's lives.
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Status of Women in new zealand
New Zealand's 6th CEDAW report to the United Nations has been released.
1930
1932
The New Zealand Women's Weekly was launched.
The New Women Writers' Society was formed.
1933
It became illegal to marry before the age of 16 years. Previously there was no legal minimum age.
Image: ATL F1503721/2 © copyright conditions
The first woman MP, Elizabeth McCombs, was elected in the by-election for Lyttelton.
1934
The law changed to allow married women to retain their own nationality. Previously, they had to forego their New Zealand nationality if they married a man of another nationality.
The first edition of Working Woman, edited by Elsie Freeman, was issued: "The issues of the moment are stark: food, housing, keeping families together".
The first National Working Women's Conference was held.
1935
The Sex Hygiene and Birth Regulation Society was established as a voluntary organisation by women committed to improving access to birth control. The name was changed to the New Zealand Family Planning Association in 1939.
1936
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Jean Batten set the solo single-engined flight record from England to Australia. Image: ATL 1/2-046051 © copyright conditions |
1937
The Māori Women's Health League was formed by Arawa women to improve the health and welfare of Māori throughout the Bay of Plenty and Tairawhiti (East Coast) regions. It gave guidance in the care of children, food values, hygiene and disease prevention, care of home and gardens, and encouraged an interest in Māori arts and crafts.
1938
The Labour Government granted the equivalent of the widows' benefit to women who had been deserted by their husbands.
Women were allowed to join the Police Force, but not allowed outside duties until 1947.
Image: ATL 1/2-152893 © copyright conditions
1939
The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women's Clubs was established to encourage business and professional women to enter public life and community affairs, and work to improve employment conditions and opportunities for women.
