1970

1971

The Abortion Law Reform Association of New Zealand (ALRANZ) was formed, followed in 1973 by the Women's National Abortion Action Campaign (WONAAC). Both lobbied for women to have a choice over abortion.

1972

Image: ATL H-709-034 © copyright conditions

The first national Women's Liberation Conference was held in Wellington.

Gay Liberation was set up by a lesbian woman. In the following years, more specifically lesbian organisations (such as the Sisterhood for Homophile Equality in Christchurch) were established.

Whetu Tirikatene-Sullivan, Labour MP for Southern Māori, became the first Māori woman Cabinet Minister, serving as Associate Minister for Social Welfare (1972-74), Minister of Tourism (1972-75), and Minister of the Environment (1974-75). Image: ATL EP-1970-4641-10 © copyright conditions

Broadsheet, the country's feminist magazine, first appeared.

1973

Image: ATL H-721-004 © copyright conditions

The Domestic Purposes Benefit was introduced for all parents (mainly women) caring for dependent children without the support of a partner. Previously, from 1968, there existed a family maintenance allowance which was a discretionary benefit. 

The Accident Compensation Amendment Act extended compensation to non-earners, particularly benefiting women who do full-time unpaid work in the home. 

A Select Committee on Women's Rights was set up. Its report, in 1975, found that the main cause of sexual inequality in New Zealand was the acceptance of different traditional roles for women and men. Measures were recommended to advance women's opportunities in employment, education, the home and public life.  

The Council for the Single Mother and Her Child was set up as a political advocacy body for sole mothers.  

The first United Women's Convention was held to raise the status and confidence of women and to get more women working on women's issues, with 1,500 women attending.

1974

The first National Lesbian Conference was held, at Victoria University. 

The first Women's Studies courses were established at Waikato and Victoria universities. In 1976, a national Women's Studies Association was formed. Most New Zealand universities now offer courses or degrees in women's studies.  

The Working Women's Alliance was formed in Wellington to educate women about trade union issues. Its areas of interest grew to include childcare, health and cost of living.

The Committee on Women administered by Treasury was established to focus on the advancement of the status of women, succeeded by the Advisory Committee on Women's Affairs and subsequently became the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

1975

The Women's Electoral Lobby of New Zealand (WEL(NZ)) a non-party organisation, was established to encourage women to enter political life, act as a united political force and promote women's issues in the political arena.

Dame Whina Cooper led a Land March from Northland to Wellington to oppose further alienation of Māori land.  Image: NZ Archives (AAQT 6401 A31014) © copyright conditions

1976

The Matrimonial Property Act 1976 was introduced to provide for the equitable division of matrimonial property, particularly of the matrimonial home and chattels, when marriage ends. 

The Domicile Act legislated that a woman does not have to live with her husband.

PACIFICA Inc (Pacific Women's Council), a non-party political organisation of Pacific women, was incorporated in Wellington, with Elelino Paddy Walker its founding president.

Dame Augusta Wallace was the first woman Judge appointed to the District Court.

1977

The Human Rights Commission Act legislated against, and provided remedies for, discrimination against women, with some limitations. The grounds were extended in an amendment in 1993.  

After a two year struggle, women won the right to become professional jockeys. One of the last western countries to allow women jockeys, by 1993 New Zealand had the highest number of female apprentice jockeys in the world. 

The introduction of National Superannuation entitled women to this retirement benefit from 60 years of age, improving financial independence for older women. Previously, the pension had been assessed and paid on the basis of the marital unit.

The Citizenship Act extended to women the same nationality rights as men, enabling them to pass on their nationality to their children or husband.

1978

The New Zealand Home Birth Association was established in response to increased demand for home births during the 1970s, a reaction to the medicalisation of childbirth.

The Working Women's Charter - a bill of rights for working women - was promoted by the Working Women's Council within the Labour Party and union movement, and the Wellington Trades Council Women's Sub-Committee was formed to educate unions about the charter. Demands included provision of childcare and paid parental leave. The Federation of Labour accepted the charter and set up a Women's Advisory Committee.

The first New Zealand woman ambassador was appointed - Barbara Angus, to the Philippines.

Naomi James was the first woman to sail single handed around the world, cutting two days off Sir Francis Chichester's record time. Image: Rotorua Museum of Art & History © copyright conditions

1979

A National Advisory Committee on Women and Education was set up.

The Lesbian Mothers' Defence Fund was established in Dunedin to provide positive support for lesbian mothers faced with losing custody of their children. 

The Women's Appointment File (The Nominations Service from 1992) was set up to increase women's representation on statutory boards and committees through a database of names and curricula vitae of women available to be nominated. It is currently administered by the Ministry of Women's Affairs.

Jean Herbison was the first woman appointed Chancellor of a New Zealand university, at Canterbury.

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