Women’s Institute members and invited guests celebrated the Mid Canterbury Federation of Women’s Institute 90th anniversary this month over lunch in Ashburton.
The federation was formed in 1935 and over the years its membership had risen and fallen.
In its 25th year there were at least 300 members and by the 60th there were 22 WIs in Mid Canterbury. Now there are seven.
The 90th was a time for reminiscing the highlights of the Women’s Institute (WI), president Isabell Page said.
Page of Wakanui WI was elected president in 2023.
She said members had turned out from each of the WI in the Mid Canterbury Federation; Prebbleton, Ladbrooks, Chertsey/Pendarves, Fairton, Hinds, Lowcliffe and Wakanui.
Invited guests included mayoress Judy Brown, Rural Women New Zealand members Elsa Hyde and Sandra Curd and WI representatives from North Canterbury, Waimate and North Otago.
Connections were made and rekindled as conversation flowed.
“It’s nice to see everybody here,” she said.
Following opening addresses by Page and mayoress Judy Brown, national president and Lowcliffe WI member Jude Vaughan spoke.
She thanked members for their volunteer service and contributions to worthy causes over the years.
Most recently knitting and pyjamas to Birthright, toiletry bags for Women’s Refuge, money to relief efforts for Cyclone Gabrielle and Buller flood relief works and cuddle hearts for the neonatal unit in Christchurch.
”Mid Canterbury WIs have had, and still do I hasten to add, some extraordinary, loyal members among their ranks.
“Upholding the motto of homemaking, co-operation and citizenship, these women have helped for the image of the organisation as it is today,” she said.
“We are very proud to have several gold honour awardees among our membership both past and present. This again reflects our dedication and commitment to the organisation over the years.”
Vaughan, who hails from Staveley, was elected as national president in 2022.
Long serving members Rosa Bennett of Hinds WI and Margaret Cullimore of Wakanui WI – both gold honour members – had the honour of cutting the celebration cake.
The members have served 63 and 62 years, respectively, with the organisation.
While Janet Butterick (Wakanui), Janice Allen (Pendarves) and Heidi Wilkins (Lowcliffe) lit the past, present and future candles. Wilkins then gave a toast to the future.
Vaughan said 90 years was an “incredible milestone”.
“Not only have (members) contributed enthusiastically as an integral part of the NZFEI but had a presence in helping create the diverse multi-faceted history of MId Cantabrian women.
“Mid Canterbury makes things happen. We think outside the confines of ‘Should we? Can we? Ought we? to How can we? When will we? – well… let’s do it anyway.”
