Skip to main content

Story: Women and men

Model family, 1960s

Image
Model family, 1960s

In this photograph a model family in a model kitchen show an idealised image of life in the 1960s. Electrical appliances are displayed on an immaculately clean bench-top and orderly table. Dad has breakfast and helps feed the youngest child, while Mum slices bread. Everyone is wide awake, well-dressed and groomed, with no rushing and no sign of stress. The photo was produced by the National Publicity Studios, who assisted government departments and state agencies to create favourable images of New Zealand life.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand – Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga

Reference: AAQT 6467 ex 369

Permission of Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga must be obtained before any re-use of this material.

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page

Charlotte Macdonald, Women and men – War and suburbia, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/29242/model-family-1960s (accessed 10 June 2026).

Story by Charlotte Macdonald, published 30 March 2011, updated 1 August 2017.