Commemorative Medals

Lot 393    Day 1    Commemorative Medals

Estimate $300
Bid at live.noble.com.au

TE ROPU WAHINE MAORI TOKO I TE ORA (MAORI WOMEN'S WELFARE LEAGUE), Tatau Tatau, 1951, badge struck in gilt and enamel (28mm), no maker, ring top with 'Honorary Member' bar and pin-back suspension (M&P.-). Good very fine and rare.

Unlisted in McMaster & Purdy.^^Te Ropu Wahine Maori Toko I Te Ora (Maori Women's Welfare League), arose out of a desire on the part of Maori women throughout New Zealand for an organisation that would essentially be theirs - a potent force which could play an integral part in facilitating positive outcomes for Maori people through enabling and empowering Maori women and wahanu (extended family).^^In September 1951, some 90 women delegates, representing the founding branches of what is now known as the Maori Women's Welfare League, assembled at Wellington's Ngati Poneke Hall at the Inaugural Conference. A constitution was formally adopted and Princess Te Puea Herangi accepted an invitation to become patroness of the newly constituted League. Whina (later Dame Whina) Cooper was elected President of the League.