1960

1960

The Oral Contraceptive Pill was introduced. New Zealand women are among the highest users of this form of contraception in the world. Alongside other methods, the pill gave most women control over their fertility, allowing them more choice of lifestyle and independence.

The Government Service Equal Pay Act was introduced giving women the right to equal pay in the public service, and covering about one-fifth of all women in paid employment. It was expected to flow on to the private sector.  Image: Courtesy National Library Timeframes collection © copyright conditions

Extramural studies at university level first became available through a branch college of Victoria University, located at Palmerston North. The college combined with Massey Agricultural College in 1964 to form Massey University. Extramural university study allowed women to pursue a tertiary qualification from home, while engaged in childcare or paid work.

1963

The Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1963 allowed separation agreements to qualify as grounds for divorce. A 1968 amendment reduced the qualifying periods for divorce on the grounds of formal separation and informally living apart.

The New Zealand Childcare Association was established to improve conditions, quality of care and provide staff training for childcare workers. It helped achieve major reforms in funding and administration and training programmes.

The Matrimonial Property Act first recognised non-monetary contributions to a marriage, but allowed courts broad discretion as to how property should be divided between spouses.

1966

Te Arikinui Dame Te Atairangikaahu was elected Arikinui (paramount leader) of Te Kingitanga. Te Kingitanga - the King Movement - began in the 1850s to establish a Māori king to protect Māori land from alienation and to end internal strife and establish a spirit unity. Dame Te Atairangikaahu is also known as the Māori Queen. Image: Courtesy National Library Timeframes collection © copyright conditions

The Society for Research on Women was founded to undertake voluntary social research. Its studies have included topics such as childcare, professional women, maternity services, doctor-patient relationships, immigrant women, sole mothers, older mothers, family violence and women in unusual jobs.

1967

The National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women(NACEW) was set up and involved itself with employment-related legislation: the Equal Pay Act 1972, Human Rights Commission Act 1977 and Maternity Leave Protection Act 1980.

1968

The Domestic Proceedings Act was introduced requiring fathers of ex-nuptial children to pay some maintenance towards the mothers, as well as the children.

The Guardianship Act allowed mothers sole guardianship of their children if she was not married to or living with the father of children at the time of the child's birth.

1969

The Status of Children Act gave equal status to all children, regardless of their parents' marital status, thus reducing the social stigma attached to unmarried mothers.

back to top