Special Event 23rd March 2021
The Heretaunga Women’s Centre is based in the historic Hastings Women’s Municipal Rest building. The building is the first purpose-built women’s ‘rest rooms’ to be constructed in New Zealand. Throughout the 1920s similar rest rooms were established in many other towns across the country and, by the 1930s, they were considered a ‘civic necessity’. The buildings were designed to accommodate mothers and working women.
The Californian bungalow style of architecture, widely adopted for domestic buildings in New Zealand at the time is said to be a competent piece of architecture, and is still well suited to its purpose (with some alterations) even after 100 years of service. Yes that’s right the Hastings women’s rest is about to turn 100 year old on the 23rd March this year.
We love our historic building and feel very proud and grateful to be based here. It’s a wonderful space for a hub for women. We also love a good celebration and on the 23rd of march we will be hosting a special morning tea, history display and a chance to look around the building.
