Story: Women’s networks and clubs

Māori women displaying handcrafts

These Whanganui women are displaying Māori handcrafts, including cloaks and kete, possibly at a gathering of the local Māori Women's Institute, in the 1930s. The first Māori Women's Institute began in 1929 at Kohupātiki in Hawke's Bay, and other branches were established throughout the country; there were 40 by 1937. They had similar principles to the Country Women's Institutes started by Pākehā women, fostering skills relating to the care of home and family. They also promoted Māori values and traditional arts and crafts.

Using this item

Alexander Turnbull Library, Tesla Studios Collection (PAColl-3046)
Reference: 1/1-016455

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Nancy Swarbrick, 'Women’s networks and clubs - Identity-based organisations', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/zoomify/31019/maori-women-displaying-handcrafts (accessed 18 April 2024)

Story by Nancy Swarbrick, published 5 May 2011, reviewed & revised 15 Jul 2018