1980

1980

The Family Proceedings Act 1980 made irreconcilable differences, proven by living apart for two years, the only ground for marriage dissolution, shifting from an adversarial approach to one of conflict resolution and making dissolution quicker, simpler and cheaper.

The Evidence Amendment Act restricted evidence relating to a victim's sexual history, reducing the trauma for those involved in court hearings.

The Maternity Leave and Employment Protection Act allowed women to take leave for up to 26 weeks during pregnancy or after the birth of a child, and prohibited dismissal due to pregnancy, pregnancy-related sickness or maternity leave.

The Health Alternatives for Women (THAW) set up in Christchurch as a health resource, information and referral centre for women, became New Zealand's longest established women's health centre.

1981

An amendment to the Factories and Commercial Premises Act repealed the prohibition of women's employment on night-shift in factories.

With the introduction of the Liable Parent Contribution Scheme as part of the Family Proceeding Act 1980, the Department of Social Welfare took over the role of securing maintenance for the children of beneficiaries. Women applying for benefit support no longer needed to take court action to secure maintenance from the non-custodial parent.

The National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges was established, although refuges had begun in the early 1970s. It provides safe houses, counselling, referral and advocacy for battered women and their children, and organises community education programmes to change attitudes. The Collective received government funding for the first time in 1984. The Women's Refuge Foundation was established in 1986 to raise funds to support refuge work. In 1988, the Collective's constitution added an agreement between Māori women and women of other cultures enabling each to develop culturally appropriate and complementary services.

The first women qualified for full-time operational work as fire-fighters, after a long campaign.

Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, New Zealand's internationally renowned opera singer, sang at Prince Charles and Lady Diana's wedding. Image: ATL EP-1990-0355-35 © copyright conditions

1982

The Domestic Protection Act was introduced, to lessen the effects of domestic violence by providing for non-molestation orders, non-violence orders, and emergency occupation and tenancy orders.

Te kohanga reo (preschool Māori language nests) were formed, followed by kura kaupapa Māori (primary schools with curriculum based on Māori culture, taught in Māori), and have been a fundamental source of empowerment for Māori women. Through their involvement in the establishment and running of te kohanga reo, Māori women developed their organisational and administrative skills. For many Māori women, their own links with whanau, hapu and iwi were re-established.

Elspeth Kennedy became the first woman member of the New Zealand Stock Exchange.

1983

New Zealand ratified the International Labour Organisation (ILO) Equal Pay Convention adopted by the organisation in 1951. The Convention covers equal pay for work of equal value.

The Minimum Wage Act was introduced entitling women over 20 years to the same minimum wage as men.

An equal employment opportunities programme (EEO) was introduced in the public service with four target groups; women, Māori, ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Women Against Pornography formed to try to change public attitudes and laws regarding pornography, which some see as being linked to violence against women

Sonja Davies was elected the first woman vice-president of the Federation of Labour. Image: ATL EP_1985-2023 © copyright conditions

1984

Cabinet approved the establishment of the Ministry of Women's Affairs as a separate department of state to advise government of the differential impact of policies on women, to initiate and support legislation to promote equality for women and to nominate suitable women for appointment to statutory bodies

CEDAW ratification: New Zealand ratified the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women.

Te Kakano o te Whanau was established nationwide to provide services for Māori women who are victims of incest, rape, sexual abuse and related violence.

Fertility Action was set up, initially to publicise the danger of the Dalkon Shield contraceptive, evolving into a women's health consumer advocacy group. It exposed the 'Unfortunate Experiment' at National Women's Hospital where treatment was withheld from women with abnormal cervical smears, and was involved in the subsequent inquiry report. In 1993 it became Women's Health Action to reflect its wider scope.

Margaret Wilson became the first woman president of the Labour Party. Image: Labour Party © copyright conditions

1985

Secretary of Women's Affairs Mary O'Regan, was the first woman to head a government department, with Ann Hercus the first Minister of Women's Affairs.

The Crimes Amendment Act (No 3) made rape of a spouse a criminal offence.

The Adult Adoption Information Act allowed adult adoptees and their birth parents access to records relating to the birth. Among both adoptees and birth parents, mainly women have sought information.

Keri Hulme's book The Bone People won the Booker Prize.

1986

The Ministry of Women's Affairs was officially opened on the 6^th May.

The National Collective of Rape Crisis was formed, although earlier groups began in the early 1970s. Support is provided for women and child survivors of rape and sexual abuse, as well as community education and prevention programmes.

The unemployment benefit was split between partners in cases where it was received at the married rate. Previously, the full payment had been made to the male partner.

1987

The Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act superseded the Maternity Leave and Employment Protection Act 1980, extending to fathers the right to take leave after their child's birth. The combined leave time of both parents could be up to 52 weeks.

The Māori Women's Welfare League began administering the Māori Women's Development Fund, to help Māori women establish their own businesses.

A professional association for sex workers, the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective, was established. It has played a major role in preventing the spread of HIV/AIDS among sex industry workers, and in the decriminalisation of sex workers as well as advocating on such issues as discrimination and better working conditions.

Nadja Tollemache was appointed New Zealand's first woman Ombudsman.

A repeal of the Miners Act removed barriers against women working underground in mines.

The first Māori Women's Refuge was established.

1987-88

The Cervical Cancer Inquiry into allegations about the treatment of cervical cancer at National Women's Hospital and related ethical concerns was chaired by Judge Silvia Cartwright. The inquiry's recommendations in 1988 had major implications for the health sector about informed consent to treatment and research, and the proposed national cervical screening programme. 

1988

The report of the Women's Advisory Committee on Education, "A National Policy on the Education of Girls and Women in New Zealand", was published and its findings and recommendations used in administration reforms in the education sector.

The State Sector Act required the sector to put equal employment opportunities in place.

1989

The government-appointed Committee of Inquiry into Pornography presented its report which resulted in legislation in 1993 to tighten controls on materials containing violence and sexual violence against women and children.

Helen Clark became first female Deputy Prime Minister, the highest political office held by a woman in New Zealand. Image: ATL EP-1993-3707-30A © copyright conditions

The Minister of Health set up a Women's Health Advisory Committee to advise on women's health issues from a community/consumer perspective.

The first Pacific Women's Refuge was established.

Silvia Cartwright became first female Chief Justice of the District Court and the first woman in the High Court in 1993. Image: Government House © copyright conditions

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