Herstory
North Shore Women's Centre works with the community's women, most of them living on Auckland's North Shore. The Centre grew out of the Glenfield Women's Health Cooperative, officially established in 1987. In 1991, recognising that its work had extended to women all over the North Shore, the organisation changed its name to North Shore Women's Centre and became a charitable trust.
Herstory prior to 1987; a volunteer group of Glenfield women was active in the community for 15 years. Their work centred around children's needs and teaching positive parenting skills. From the mid-1980s, the women organised courses with support from Glenfield College's community education department, focusing on women's health issues, personal development, and relationships.
Other services that have developed over the years include: general counselling; sexual abuse counselling; a legal clinic for women; the production of three educational videos; a massage and kineseology clinic. Support services include advocacy, information sharing, and referrals to appropriate agencies. Women are encouraged to come and see us at the centre as well as call us for these services. Our counselling service has three very experienced, highly trained counsellors. Call the office at (09) 444 4618 to start the process of counselling. We now have a Korean Counselling service also. Call to leave a message on our dedicated line.
Currently, North Shore Women's Centre is offering courses, and an adolescent programme for young women at school during the term and at the centre during the holidays.
North Shore Women's Centre is funded by various philanthropic trusts and organisations. Funding is an ongoing concern, and all donations are gratefully received.
Mission Statement
North Shore Women's Centre exists to empower and enable women to live to their full potential.
We provide a range of services that match the particular needs of the women in our community and lead to the achievement of our vision.
Our work is determined by considering the social, cultural and political implications for women. The Centre is governed by a board and there is a team of staff and counsellors.
Vision Statement
Our vision of a successful New Zealand culture is based on:
- Respect for each other
- Valuing difference
- Treating each other holistically (encompassing the physical, emotional, spiritual and intellectual)
- Interdependence and self-determination
- The Treaty of Waitangi
The North Shore Women's Centre achieves this vision by developing the North Shore as a community in which women are linked to other people, have access to resources, and are taking action that improves the quality of their lives.
