The New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes

14/04/2026

We welcome all current affiliated W.I. Members from Aotearoa and overseas to join the NZFWIgroup. Just follow the link and answer the three relevant questions. Admins will check and respond accordingly. Thank you for your interest.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Search for The New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes Group. Once found there is a blue bar inviting you to join. Answer the questions and the admins will assess. As long as you are a current W.I. member, we look forward to hearing from you. Hope this will answer your queries. Thank you.

24/03/2026

Alison Crawford GH and Team W.I.
Practical help was offered to prepared a mid day meal for the clients of Alzheimers Gisborne Tairawhiti.
It is what the W.I. does so well and without any fuss or bother. Reconnecting with their community. Thank you Alison and Team W.I. - you are an inspiration to us all.

https://www.facebook.com/AlzheimersGisborneTairawhiti

18/03/2026

Poverty Bay & Wairoa federation report in the Gisborne Herald 16 March 2026.

MP recalls grandmother's fondness for Women's Institute.

20/02/2026

Press report Ashburton Courier 19 February 2026. Challenge Trophy Hakatere/Ashburton.

Our thanks to Toni Williams Editor Ashburton Courier for her continued support of the W.I..
Thanks also to Dellwyn Moylan (reporter Asburton Courier) for the copy.
Photographs supplied by Mid Canterbury Federation members/

16/02/2026

Challenge Trophy 2026 Hakatere/Ashburton.
Winners. Pegasus Woodend 1. Helet van Rensberg, Maureen Stevens, Trish Milne. (points 209)

Second place: Kaina Kruizers: Kathryn Hopkinson, Lorraine Duncan and Noeline Ware (points 208)

Thirds Place: Cracker Jacks. (points 188). Maureen Hutton /Kay Hart, Rachel Waide and Lois Burland. (points 188)

11/02/2026

The Challenge Trophy 2026. 15/16 February. W.I. members from across the country, will be travelling to Hakatere/Ashburton to compete at the Ashburton Indoor Bowls Stadium. Mid Canterbury Federation welcome all teams and visitors. Competition starts 8.45am Sunday.

03/12/2025

The 2024/2026 NZFWI theme “Softening the Hard Times” and the project “Nourish the Nation” has provided W.I. members opportunities to donate items to various causes.
Two Lowcliffe W.I. members, Mavis Wilkins GH and Jude Vaughan delivered Christmas refreshment boxes to Hato Hone St John - Mid Canterburyin Tancred Street, Ashburton Police Station and the Ashburton Fire Brigade on Tuesday 2 December.
Coffee and Tea supplies including a variety of lollies, festive candy canes as well Mavis’ exceptional Chocolate Chip Cookies were presented to those service personnel on duty.
Lowcliffe W.I. donated four fruit trees to both Longbeach and Hinds school in 2024 to increase their food forests.

21/08/2025

Medical Research August 2025.

It is time to think about nominations for 2026/2028
Nomination form for MRS can be found in the members area on the website.
Applications by: 9 February 2026

Thank you for the donations for the NZFWI Medical Research Scholarship (MRS) received this month

21/08/2025

Death notice of Mrs. Catherine Downes died 12 August 2025
Past NEC member and vice -president 1978/1982. Gold Honour Awardee. Tamatea W.I
A delightful knowledgeable talented woman who will be remembered as the W.I. member who knew Jerome Spencer. Catherine was asked to share her childhood memories of Bessie at the centenary celebrations at Omatua 2021. With her distinctive voice and her upswept hair, Catherine recounted a past time when the NZFWI was in its infancy and stories of Bessie. It was a magical time.
A memorial service will be held at the Sugar Loaf Chapel, cnr Lee Road and Gloucester St, Taradale, Napier on Friday 22 August 2025 at 11 am. Messages to ‘Downes Family’ C/- PO Box 7001, Taradale, Napier 4141.