What we do

The programmes and activities of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) occur at regional, national and international levels.

The Council has been set up to serve women and families through research, education, debate, submissions, monitoring, reporting, representation and support.

Community

On a local or regional level, NCWNZ Branches are particularly active in the community. Branch Initiatives range from engaging expert speakers to provide informative talks, to lobbying officials, or hosting events, such as Suffrage celebrations. 

Branches also engage with Local Bodies to formulate community policy, as well as provide support to other community organisations.

For more information about the NCWNZ Branches and how to join see Branches

Advocacy

The National Council of Women advocates for social justice and informs the membership and the wider community on issues of importance. A newsletter called The Circular is produced 10 times per year, which covers information for women and issues of interest to members of the Council.

For more information see The Circular

Submissions

Submissions are prepared by the Standing Committees, which provide the main vehicle for consultative response into legislation and policy on behalf of NCWNZ. Membership of the Standing Committees is derived from the Branches and Nationally Organised Societies, which enables a healthy mix of perspectives from the rural and urban sector, as well as from academia, professional and practical backgrounds.

For more information see Submissions

Resolutions

The Council has over the past 100 years established policy, which is relevant to the time and therefore reflective of the many transitions New Zealand has gone through. This policy undergoes regular review via the National Executive meetings and biennial Conference, which also provide the setting for educational workshops and seminars.

For more information see Resolutions

Research

Over recent years, our proactive work has also included under-taking research projects on a wide range of topics.

For more information see Research

International

On the international level, NCWNZ is affiliated to the International Council of Women (ICW-CIF), which enables access to global information and programmes. NCWNZ maintains fairly regular contact with other National Council's, such as Fiji, Australia and Samoa. ICW - CIF facebook page

For more information see International

NCWNZ also facilitates the consultation for, and production of the New Zealand Alternate NGO Report to the United Nations CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms Discrimination Against Women) Monitoring Committee which outlines the current status of women in New Zealand.

For more information see CEDAW