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The New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes (Incorporated); creating agency; 1920s-1950s; New Zealand
Overview
This badge was made for members of the Women's Institutes in New Zealand, and includes floral motifs from three of the countries which subscribed to the movement: a maple leaf for Canada, a rose for Britain, and a fern leaf for New Zealand.
The first Women’s Institutes were founded in Canada in 1896, and the first badge design featured maple leaves on either side of the central 'WI'. After the movement was established in Britain in 1915, a red rose was added to the badge design, replacing one of the maple leaves.
The first New Zealand’s Women’s Institute was established in the Hawke's Bay in 1921. The founder was Anna Elizabeth Jerome Spencer (1872-1955). The first meeting was held on 27 February 1921 at Rissington, Hawke's Bay.
The Canadian and British badge was adopted, and a green fern leaf was added to the middle of the design, entwined within the WI insignia.
Aims of the movement
The aim of the movement was to improve and develop community life in rural areas, and bring together women who were often isolated from each another to discuss relevant concerns.
Women’s Institutes had a strong emphasis on adult education, practical knowledge, thrift and self-sufficiency. The enduring motto 'For Home and Country' expressed the values of the movement which were to improve the conditions of women and children in rural society; to highlight the place of women as citizens; and to consider how to make the country a better place for families.
Māori Women's Institutes
Māori women became members of the Women's Institutes from 1922, and began forming independent groups from 1929. They fostered Māori knowledge and promotion of Māori craftwork. By 1950, there were 42 Māori Women's Institutes. However, many members left to join the Māori Women's Welfare League which was established in 1951.
The name
From 1921 to 1952, the organisation was known as the Women's Institutes. From 1952 to 2004, the movement was known as the New Zealand Federation of Country Women’s Institutes. Since then, it has been known as the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes, and focusses on both urban and rural women.