Onehunga Ladies' Benevolent Society

Initially established in 1863 to care for refugees of the Waikato War it was the oldest surviving women's organisation by the time of its disestablishment in 2017.

Following a period of heightened tensions between the New Zealand government and Kingite Māori, many women and children evacuated European settlements south of Auckland.

A meeting was held to discuss relief efforts and from that the Onehunga Ladies' Benevolent Society was formed in August 1863.

[1][2] After the return of the refugees to their homes after the end of the Invasion of the Waikato in 1864 the society continued to exist.

[2] The society struggled to meet demand during the Great Depression until the introduction of social security saw a steep reduction in their services.