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In 1893, the tenacious Kate Sheppard helped New Zealand women win the right to vote, igniting a flame of empowerment that endures to this day.
By the early 1900s, Hastings had become a hub of strong women’s organizations like the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Plunket Society, and Women’s National Reserve.
In 1918, driven by the need for a dedicated space for women, the vision for the Mother’s Rest Building was born. A community united in purpose raised the funds, and with the generous support of Hannah Garnett, who provided the land, the building opened in 1921.
This first-of-its-kind sanctuary in Australasia offered women a place to rest, socialise, and care for their children, reflecting the community’s respect and care for its women.
In 1993, to honour the spirit of the suffrage movement, the Council funded vital renovations. Inspired by the potential of the space, the Heretaunga Women’s Group proposed its revitalization. This led to the creation of the Heretaunga Women’s Centre in 1995, a beacon of support and empowerment for local women.
In 2007, the building’s significance was formally recognised as a Category 1 historic place. When Plunket vacated in 2012, the Centre took over, breathing new life into this historic gem, culminating in a grand reopening in early 2015.
Whether you need a quiet space for solo reflection, a safe place to care for your tamariki, or a chance to socialise with other women, you’ll find what you need here.
Here, in the heart of Hastings, we honour their legacy by embracing every woman who walks through our doors with compassion, respect, and unwavering support.
We invite you to get to know the people whose mana, passion and dedicated mahi help us maintain the Centre’s safe and supportive environment.
