The story of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) New Zealand National Committee is one of dedication and empowerment that spans over three decades. It began with a pivotal moment in 1989, when Mary Sinclair’s visit to Helsinki for the Third Global Meeting of National Committees for UNIFEM in late 1988 laid the foundation for what would become a remarkable journey.

In May 1990, during a Development Assistance Symposium in New Zealand, Amelia Rokotuivuna officially launched the National Committee, setting forth its core missions: to advocate for increased funding for UNIFEM and to publicise the work of the Fund throughout New Zealand and to encourage non-governmental organisations to promote and support the Fund on behalf of women worldwide.

The inaugural meeting on 19 June 1991 marked the start of a concentrated effort to engage governmental support and mobilise non-governmental organisations in championing women’s causes globally.

At the AGM on 21 August 1991, Mary Sinclair was re-elected as Convenor, with a committee of 15 members from various women’s organisations. In her address, Mary Sinclair the Convenor covered the following points:
-Visit of Hon Phoebe Asiyo, UNIFEM’s Goodwill Ambassador, to New Zealand in March raised the UNIFEM profile;
-Mary had attended the 4th Global Meeting of National Committees for UNIFEM in Turin Italy in April;
-Meetings with Ministry of External Relations & Trade; and acceptance by first two patrons.

Over the years, dedicated leaders like Sharyn Cederman, Mandy Natusch, Margaret Shields, and others steered the committee forward, culminating in significant transformations, including the incorporation of UNIFEM New Zealand as UN Women National Committee Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated in 2011, and subsequently as UN Women Aotearoa New Zealand Incorporated in 2020.