The Māori Women’s Welfare League is one of our great taonga. Founded in the 1950s, the league was built upon the strong vision of wāhine Māori leadership with the intention of sowing seeds of hope for all Māori women and their whānau across Aotearoa.

To this day it remains the only national charitable Māori women’s organisation in Aotearoa.

Bringing together wāhine Māori for a common cause within the Māori Women’s Welfare League’s supportive network produces an impact that is truly remarkable.

There are 13 peka (branches) across Te Waipounamu and all recently came together at Omaka Marae in Wairau for their regional hui, ahead of the national league conference in Rotorua. Te Pūtahitanga o Te Waipounamu was honoured to be able to support the hui, and by all accounts it was a great weekend of whakawhanaungatanga.

In true Omaka style, the hākari after the AGM hui included a glamorous fashion show.

Carleen Heemi is a member of the Omaka branch, and says it is an organisation that is important to her.

“The Māori Women’s Welfare League is important because they’re innovative, they grow leaders, they are focused on housing, education, health. They’re spearheads, they’re inspiring and strong women that I really look up to as role models,” she explains.

The league is made up of nannies, māmā, sisters, daughters, old and young from all walks of life.

“It’s all about the essence of wāhine, and to help support and uplift the mana of our kaumātua and forebearers before us,” explains Hutika Crofts (Ōtautahi MWWL).

Take a moment to enjoy this video, offering a look into the recent hui at Omaka Marae.

And most of all, have a great weekend!

 

E mihi ana

Vanessa

Pou Kōkiri, Deputy Chief Executive