Who we are

The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) is an umbrella organisation representing 50 Nationally Organised Societies and National Members. It has 26 Branches throughout the country attended by representatives of those societies and some 150 other societies as well as individual members. The Council's function is to serve women, the family and the community at local, national and international levels through research, study, discussion and action.

The Council provides a women's perspective based on the views of its diverse membership, which includes women's organisations and individual women.

NCWNZ was founded in 1896 by the suffragists. They believed that despite having gained the vote for New Zealand women, there was still a need for a forum in which women could debate the issues facing society. Their goal, under the leadership of the first President Kate Sheppard, was to achieve a free and just society in which women could share equal rights and responsibilities with men. NCWNZ continues to work towards this end.

NCWNZ's Mission is to work towards improving the quality of life for women, families and society. Over the years, this has been achieved through education, developing cooperative partnerships and by engaging in constructive consultation with decision-makers. 

Although women today enjoy opportunities and choices denied to previous generations, in reality, full equality still remains elusive. NCWNZ continues to work to improve the social, legal and economic status of all women irrespective of race, class, age, sexual orientation, involvement in paid or unpaid work, marital status or political preference. NCWNZ is committed to full and free development for women, children and men, so that they are able to contribute cooperatively and effectively to the betterment of society.

The objectives of NCWNZ are:

1. To serve women, the family and the community at the local, national and international level.
2. To research the needs of women and the family.
3. To engage in education for women, that advances the betterment of women, the family and the community.
4. To collect and redistribute information of service to the community.
5. To form a link with the National Councils of Women of other countries through the International Council of Women.