Women’s networks in the community.

There are a number of community-based women’s organisations that the TEU is a member of, or affiliated to. The TEU is also actively involved in a number of coalitions. Some of these organisations have a very long history of supporting and campaigning for women, others are new networks or coalitions to campaign for a particular issue. Through these networks and alliances there are lots of opportunities to get connected and develop skills. Look out for the tips on ‘How to get involved’

National Council of Women of New Zealand

NCWNZ is an umbrella organisation established in 1896 with a membership of more than 280 organisations, as well as individuals. It operates with a volunteer board and 20 branches nationwide. NCWNZ makes a difference through its work to increase gender equality and it has led or supported many initiatives that have benefitted women. TEU is a member of NCWNZ and there are opportunities for TEU women to engage with their local branch.

NCWNZ produces a newsletter ‘On Balance’ with national and international articles and research.

How to get involved:

Women’s Studies Association of Aotearoa/New Zealand

The aim of the Women’s Studies Association of New Zealand/Aotearoa is to promote women’s studies by encouraging feminist research and scholarship, promoting women’s studies courses and events, preserving feminist heritage and sharing the work of members through publications, events and conferences. TEU is a member of WSANZ.

Diversity Works

Diversity Works, previously known as the Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Trust, is a not-for-profit organisation tasked with providing EEO information and tools to employers and raising awareness of diversity issues in New Zealand workplaces. TEU is a member of the EEO Trust.

Working Women’s Resource Centre

The Working Women’s Resource Centre in Auckland was set up in 1984 for the benefit of working women, especially those in private and public sector Unions.

The Working Women’s Resource Centre aim to provide an educational forum for women workers, Unions and the community. TEU is a member of the WWRC.

New Horizons for Women Trust

The New Horizons for Women Trust (NHWT) provides grants to assist women to develop their potential. Since 1993, the Trust has been raising funds and administering awards for second-chance education and training and research into issues about women and girls.

The Trust also administers the Sonja Davies Peace Award, the Peg Hutchison Opportunity Award and the Janus 1995 -NGO Award. In addition, the Trust administers the prestigious Ria McBride Public Service Management Award for Women, sponsored by the State Services Commission. These awards are available as a result of public donations and the generosity of individual, family and organisational donors. TEU is a member of NHWT.

How to get involved:

  • Consider standing as a member of the Trust.
  • Talk to TEU about getting support for your nomination. 
  • Look at the grants available. 
  • Apply for a grant yourself or pass the information on to relevant women

National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women

Set up in 1967, the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW) is the longest standing ministerial advisory body in New Zealand’s history.  NACEW works with social advocacy groups to advocate for better employment conditions for women and strategies to increase women’s participation in the workforce. The CTU has a representative on NACEW.

The Campaign for Equal Value, Equal Pay

The Campaign for Equal Value, Equal Pay (CEVEP) is a voluntary organisation committed to reducing the gender pay gap in New Zealand through policy and initiatives to advance pay equity in general and equal pay for work of equal value in particular.

CEVEP has campaigned for effective pay equity policy and legislation since 1986, including advocating to government and political parties, writing submissions and appearing before select committees, producing materials on pay equity for the public and the media, and organising tours of overseas experts to New Zealand.

Pay Equity Challenge Coalition

The Pay Equity Coalition is made up of a range of organisations and individuals committed to closing the gender pay gap. There are branches across the country. The coalition challenges the government to identify and commit to plans for closing the gender pay gap, including how they will work with employers and unions in the public and private sectors. TEU is an active member of this coalition.

Te Ropu Wahine Māori Toko i te Ora (Maori Women’s Welfare League Inc)

Te Ropu Wahine Māori Toko i te Ora (Māori Women’s Welfare League Inc) exists to improve the spiritual, social and economic well-being of Māori, adhering to traditional values and concepts to chieve their goals and objectives. Te Ropu Wahine Māori Toko i te Ora has been responsible for initiating many programmes and plans to assist Māori to reclaim their tino rangatiratanga (sovereignty) as a people taking control of their own destiny.

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A. Inc

P.A.C.I.F.I.C.A Incorporated is a national non-government organisation (NGO) for Pacific women living in Aotearoa New Zealand with branches throughout the country. It exists to create opportunities for Pacific women to support one another, participate in communities and work on issues affecting them and their families.

Business and Professional Women NZ

The Federation of Business and Professional Women New Zealand seeks to achieve a just and equal status for women in all levels and areas of society where decisions are taken in true partnership with men, based on mutual respect, for a more balanced and peaceful world. BPW is an active member of the Pay Equity Coalition.


Te Ara, The Encyclopaedia of New Zealand has a section on the history of women’s networks and clubs in New Zealand: https://teara.govt.nz/en/womens-networks-and-clubs