To commemorate 95 years of Women's Institute in New Zealand, groups around the country are being asked by the national office to place a seat in a public spot, preferably near water or a walkway.
The local Federation, representing six institutes in the region, has purchased a stone seat now set
in the Japanese Garden beside the lake at Bason Botanic Gardens.
After eight months' negotiations with the Whanganui District Council, the site was chosen and the seat constructed in keeping with the location.
There are about 114 Women's Institute members in the Wanganui groups, so while membership has dropped overall, nationwide, this region is still doing well.
The organisation started as the Country Women's Institute, says Shirley Forward, District Federation President. "A lot of women were landed out in the country and because their husbands were working they were lonely. They didn't know their neighbours and they were isolated. "They started the Country Women's Institute to bring those women together." Shirley says the purpose is much the same today but no longer confined to rural areas.
"We have quite a few things going on so members have that important social contact, and we do a lot of good for other people. We've adopted Birthright as our charity and we're giving them a lot of clothing, knitted toys, food and money."
