The Maori Women's Welfare League's motto "unity is strength" was a good one for all women's organisations, Women's Institute national president Jeanette Andrews says.

Mrs Andrews, from Papamoa Beach near Tauranga, attended the league's conference in Blenheim as the representative of one of the "kindred" organisations invited each year. The other organisations are Rural Women NZ, Age Concern, the National Council of Women and a Pasifika organisation.

Mrs Andrews said she particularly liked the Maori Women's Welfare League motto.

"That could go for all women's organisations.

"Listening to them speak, we're all here for the benefit of the women and children of New Zealand. It doesn't matter which women's organisation you are, that's what we're working towards," she said.

Mrs Andrews said the Women's Institute membership was largely older women, many on pensions, who had to budget hard but setting up a website had helped attract some younger members.

The Maori Women's Welfare League has also decided to set up a website.

Despite many members being on pensions, Mrs Andrews said they had still managed to raise $16,000 in eight months for the Kidney Kids cause, which would see equipment supplied to the new kidney ward at Starship children's hospital.

The institute was also collecting signatures on a petition against child poverty.

- The Marlborough Express

Comments