WI Waihi Beach celebrates 85 years of herstory
The Women’s Institute Waihi Beach branch celebrated their 85th anniversary on Monday with a luncheon at the Waihi Beach RSA followed by a fashion parade of the latest ‘Posh Shop’ items from the members currently involved at the Waihi Beach Op Shop. The ‘WI’ (formerly known as the Country Women’s Institute) Waihi Beach branch was formed in 1935 by Bonnie Pipe as part of the broader movement across New Zealand established by Jerome Spencer in 1921.
The Waihi branch president shared memories from the 1994 report which detailed the planting of two Pohutukawa trees at Waihi Beach School, donations of cups and saucers to the Waihi Beach Community Hall, picnic meetings, and a successful choir concert.
The WI Waihi Beach maintains an active membership offering friendship, activities and community contribution and welcomes new members. The New Zealand Federation of Women’s Institutes will celebrate 100 years of community next year at Te Papa, Wellington.
