The Circular
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Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care issues report July 2024
In 2017, Dame Susan Devoy, Race Relations Commissioner for Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission, delivered a petition to New Zealand’s Parliament alongside survivors and community leaders, calling for an inquiry into state care abuses and a public apology. The name of the campaign was E Kore Anō... Never Again, and the petition contained 15,000 signatures. In 2018 the New Zealand government established the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in State Care and in the Care of... -
Congrats to Iunisi Vaitohi
Iunisi Vaitohi of NCWNZ Manukau Branch was a member of the chorus, South City Soundz, who won at the SAPACS (South Auckland Performing Arts Competition Society Inc) held at the Hawkins Theatre in Papakura, Auckland on 9 August 2024. Vocal Groups category – all ages and genres. -
NCWNZ calls for action to protect and ensure safety of women and children at Gloriavale
Following the TVNZ documentary "Escaping Utopia", NCWNZ membership and member organisations began collaborating on a call for action to ensure the protection and safety of women and children in the religious cult of Gloriavale. The Safety, Health and Wellbeing Action Hub in collaboration with three other Action Hubs (Economic Independence, Education, and International) were supported by the NCWNZ Board in leading this effort. The publishing of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Abuse in Care report in July (see more... -
NCWNZ Past Presidents oral history interviews from 2016
The National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ) Past Presidents oral history project is archived in Wellington in the Alexander Turnbull Library and in the Brandon Street office of the NCWNZ. Crafted in 2016 by author and publisher Carol Dawber, the six packets of information and oral history interviews provide a wealth of information important to understanding the recent history of NCWNZ. Each packet of materials includes the digitised oral history interview, a photograph of the interviewee, a written... -
President’s kōrero – June 2024
Kia ora tātou, I write this on Mātariki weekend, and I hope you are all enjoying the events that are occurring to celebrate this midwinter time of looking towards the stars, the turning of seasons, remembering the old stories and the people who have passed. A uniquely Aotearoa celebration with themes that echo in cultures all around the world. Reflecting on our past year is something we are in the midst of, as we prepare our annual report for the... -
Putting the Offence of Stalking into The Crimes Act
It was fantastic to be on the steps of Parliament last Wednesday 26 June as part of the team handing over the petition to put the offence of stalking into The Crimes Act. Presenting the petition to the Minister of Justice, Hon Paul Goldsmith, MPs, Hon Ginny Andersen, and Hon Marama Davidson was the latest stage of a campaign that has been underway for the past several years. -
Wellington Branch members recognised for volunteering and leadership
Two members of the NCWNZ Wellington Branch have been recognised for their volunteer work and leadership. Harita Gandhi-Kashyap receiving her award at the Volunteer Wellington Mahi Aroha Awards 2024 Harita Gandhi-Kashyap has received a number of awards and honours in 2024. Harita’s contributions to NCWNZ include being the Wellington Branch Treasurer, founder of the Conversations with Wāhine radio show and podcast, and member of the Parliamentary Watch Committee. Harita also volunteers with Wellington Indian Association, Crohns and Colitis NZ, and... -
In Memoriam: Patricia (Paddy) Rosaleen Byrne
The NCWNZ Hutt Valley Branch mourns the loss of Patricia "Paddy" Rosaleen Byrne (3 September 1943 – 24 April 2024). Paddy was a Catholic Women’s League delegate to the Hutt Valley Branch from 1997 until she became an individual member in 2017. Paddy served on the Branch Executive as Treasurer from 2011-2015 and was a member of the Parliamentary Watch Committee 2009-2016. She also volunteered in the National Office, e.g., for the mail out of The Circular. -
Milestones: World firsts for women
New Zealand can boast of many different global "firsts" for women. Here are just a few: 1893: All adult women citizens (including Māori) gained the right to vote in national elections, the first self-governing country in the world to do so. 1902: Ellen Dougherty of Wellington, 58, was the first name on the registered nurse roll - New Zealand was the first country to pass legislation on the registration of nurses. 1929: Phoebe Myers of Wellington, 57, was the first... -
The long and winding road: the slippery slope to precarity for single older women.
Irene Ryan On Monday, 8th April, the NCWNZ Auckland Branch invited Dr Irene Ryan to give an overview of a research project she and Branch Chair, Associate Professor, Barbara Myers are working on exploring the life stories of older, single women, aged 50-70 years. Irene began with a story that had provided the impetus for the research. Similar stories resonate today: groups of seemingly ‘invisible single women’, labelled as older, insecure, and struggling, despite many still being in full time...