First bought to New Zealand in 1921 by Miss Elizabeth Anne Jerome-Spencer, Women’s Institute continues to provide an opportunity for women to meet with others, learn new skills and provide a voice on important topical local and national issues.
The womens institute is in its 95th year and is the largest Womens organisation in New Zealand having over 6400 members. All members work to help fundraise for many causes requiring support in the community
The organisation has three levels; national, federation and local.
In Central Otago, the six federation members encourage members of the five institutes to meet together at least twice a year to build friendships, compete in floral, baking and handcraft competitions, and enjoy listening to speakers covering a wide variety of experiences.
Several of the Institutes, which meet monthly, have ‘Circles’; special interest groups which meet for crafts, gardening or friendship. Monthly meetings can include a speaker, an activity or a discussion on a particular topic.
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