Herstory
The Wanganui YWCA originated as an adjunct of the YMCA from 1939.
May 4,1939 there was proposal for a women’s department in the form of a “Young Women’s Friendly Club” be established. At that time there were 140 girls and women involved in YMCA physical classes. This was the start of the YWCA in Wanganui.
1950 the YWCA became an autonomous organisation.
Snippets from those early years
Some of the 1939 plans were put on hold due to War work.
- Ways and means of introducing Maori Girls to the Association was one of the primary and important projects for the coming years work.
- Free membership for orphanage girls just about to go out into the world
- Sunday Tea for soldiers and “Drop In” nights.
- Public Lectures for women and girls on Sex & Life.
- fundraising – jumble sales, street appeal day, table setting displays, doll’s shows, garden parties, floral carpets, dances, wood collecting.
In the years through 1940 to 1963 the “Y” formed many clubs and groups and was involved in many activities in the community. Business Girls Lyceum, Travel Club, Business & Professional Women’s Club, Twentieth Century Club, Carols by Candlelight, World Membership Day, Stay-at-home Camps, Established first Self-service residence in NZ, Parents Auxiliary, YWCA Club known as extension clubs for outreach work.
Hostel history
YWCA hostel was purchased at 48 Wicksteed Street in 1957 for two thousand, five hundred pounds.- The hostel was always full in the early years
- Most residents were from out of town.
- The girls depending on age were allowed out of the hostel one night a week until 1.00 am.
- From around mid 60’s remaining nights had a 11.00 pm curfew.
- In later years the relevance of 11.pm became the time for visitors to leave the hostel. The use of the telephone ceased until 8.am.
- April 2002 the Hostel was sold due to changing social demographics and circumstances.
- The YWCA office then moved to 31 Niblett Street in the Hearing Association rooms.
- In 2003 the YWCA office was again relocated, this time to the Wanganui Women’s Network at 75 St Hill Street. The Network is a like-minded organisation whose aim too, is to empower women.
