In the 1940s a group of prominent doctors campaigned to establish an obstetrical and gynaecological hospital in Auckland which could also offer post-graduate teaching in these specialties.

These doctors included Doris Gordon, Douglas Robb, John Stallworthy and Robert Macintosh.

[2] More maternity beds were required and fundraising took place for new facilities and an academic chair in Obstetrics and Gynaecology.

[5] A research centre for the Auckland University Post-graduate School of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at National Women's opened in 1990.

From 1987 to 1988 an inquiry was carried out by judge Silvia Cartwright into the management and treatment of women with cervical cancer at the hospital.