Federation of Women's Institutes

To Eleanor Holt, President of the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes and your fellow national executive members and members,  to Your Worship Kerry Prendergast, Mayor of Wellington City ,  to Representatives of Sister organisations,  to Distinguished Guests and Ladies and Gentlemen:  Good evening

This is my fourth Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes and as your patron, I am again pleased to be here.

Next year is our 90th birthday celebrations and it is inspiring that the Federation continues to be the largest women’s organisation in the country and that it remains relevant for women in all parts of the country.

I am proud to be Patron because this is an organisation that emphasises the importance of women supporting women.  I am also proud of our legacy in Government House.  When there are guests at Government House, I proudly, on your behalf, tell them of the history of the beautifully embroidered chairs that are in the State Dining Room.

For those here that do not know, after the second world war, members of the Women’s Institutes worked beautiful tapestry seats and backs for 39 chairs at Government House.  Everyone admires these chairs which are a reminder of the role the Women’s Institutes took on to lift people out of the despondency that followed the war.  The chaircovers depict the shields of the major centres, affirming the regional characters of heartland New Zealand and link the rather English style of Government House with the homes of New Zealanders.

I have recently learned that the table linen used in Government House was also embroidered and gifted by the Women’s Institutes.  It is mostly in storage, as Government House Wellington undergoes conservation.  I hope that by next year’s AGM, I can bring a selection along for you all to see.

In the last issue of Home and Country, the Nelson Institutes described a day last November, in the old school hall in Foxhill, where the theme was ‘Back to School’.  When I visited them last month, they were full of it.  Nancy told me that other Districts have been keen to follow suit and I encourage you to do that as it was clearly an exceptional day.

We had morning tea, Amanda Smith and Aide de Camp, Captain Ian Auld, who accompany me tonight.  Ian helped himself to the delicious baking provided, which was scones with jam and cream.  He will confirm that he enjoyed the visit as much as anyone there.

There were many stories from women for whom this organisation is an important support system and friendship network and it has been throughout their lives.  Friendships and fun are the kernel of the Institutes and are important to everyone.

Over the past four years, Eleanor Holt has provided excellent leadership.  She, often supported by her husband, Paddy, has travelled tirelessly to represent and give heart to the organisation.  As you know, it is her last AGM as President with the announcement of our new President on Wednesday.

Eleanor, I salute you for your valuable work with the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes over your time as National President.  You have been a resolute and thoughtful leader and live the values that underpin the Women’s Institutes.

When portraying family life to Anne Estelle Rice in 1921, which was the year the Institute was founded, Katherine Mansfield wrote the following: "I try to make family life so gorgeous – not hatred and cold linoleum – but warmth and hydrangeas."

On that lovely note, it gives me great pleasure to declare the 89th Annual General Meeting of the New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes officially open, wishing you fun, fellowship and the continuation of your supportive culture  -  no reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.