The New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes Centennial 2021

In 2021 the New Zealand Federation of Women's Institutes celebrates 100 years. Our organisation was founded by Miss Anne Spencer in 1921.

This will be a really exciting, inspiring and celebratory year.

We would like to honour Miss Anne Jerome Spencer by erecting a bronze statue in Napier. Miss Jerome Spencer has created an amazing organisation through her sheer tenacity and this organisation is still helping people to help others as it was 99 years ago. Miss Jerome Spencer was and still is a national heroine for women, particularly country women.

You may have had relatives e.g. grandmothers, mother, aunts or sisters in the organisation over the years. Maybe you remember attending Country Women's Institute meetings with them when you were younger. Also you may have had grandads, fathers, uncles or brothers that served in the wars and were recipients of our past generosity. This generosity is still going on today for our newborns through to our elderly and communities that are recipients of our members’ donations, skills and voluntary work.

While the statue may not be in your area our organisation was founded in Rissington, Napier, so we are campaigning from the far south to the top of the north, east and west of New Zealand. It will be a fantastic piece of history that all WI women both in New Zealand and worldwide can be proud of.

Our members are working hard in their communities to raise funds and we would really appreciate your assistance to assist us with this major project.