Ngāti Toa Māori Women’s Welfare League: 70 Years of Whānau, Wellbeing, and Leadership

The Māori Women’s Welfare League, or Te Rōpū Wāhine Māori Toko I te Ora, was the first national organisation for Māori women.

Established in 1951, it gave wāhine a forum to address concerns and promote wellbeing in accordance with Māori traditions and values. The League held its first national conference in Wellington in September 1951 under the leadership of stalwart Whina Cooper and has been supported over the years by many inspiring wāhine patrons.

That same year, the Ngāti Toa Branch was established, making it one of the earliest in the country. The first Ngāti Toa Branch President was Ruth Wineera. Over the years, the branch drew strong membership from Porirua East and Titahi Bay until those communities went on to establish their own branches.

Members recall that the aim of the League was simple yet powerful: to improve health, education, wellbeing, friendship, and Māoritanga.

Among our branch’s most cherished figures is Karanga Metekingi, recognised as the longest-standing member and current members often say that the annual conferences remain a highlight of their involvement.

The Ngāti Toa Branch, continues to thrive today, meeting monthly in the small whare at Takapūwāhia Marae. Their gatherings blend kaupapa, fellowship, whānau, and of course, shared kai.

The branch is proud to have produced two books, Pukapuka Maumahara. Volume 1 was launched to celebrate the branch’s 70th anniversary, capturing stories and memories from its members.

Leadership has passed through many dedicated wāhine, including Moeroa Ropata, Harata Solomon, Norma Hunt, Tutari Salzmann, and Elizabeth Rei Forbes. Currently, Mihipeka Parai serves as Branch President.

In recent years, the League has supported a wide range of initiatives, from wellbeing activities such as breast cancer screening and Matariki celebrations with other wāhine groups, to sponsoring Te Kura Māori with access to an online library, establishing a wāhine scholarship at Mana College, and visiting members who are unwell. Members also actively participate in the annual national conference, balancing meaningful mahi with enjoyment and connection.

Membership is open to all wāhine. The Ngāti Toa Branch meets every second Tuesday of the month, from 10am to 12pm, in the MWWL Room at Takapūwāhia Marae. Annual membership is $20.

As Te Puea Hērangi said:

“Ko te puawaitanga o ngā moemoea me whakamahi – Dreams become reality when we take action.”

Her words still guide us today.

If you’re passionate about learning, contributing, or making a difference, now is the time to get involved, the League welcomes new voices and energy to shape its future.