The Otago Pioneer Women’s Memorial Association Building in Moray Pl has been added to the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero.
The association was formed in March 1939 after a newly-elected Otago Provincial Centennial Council voted against an earlier decision to erect a building that would memorialise Otago’s pioneer women and provide a space for women to meet.
The memorial would be one of many around the country marking the 1940 New Zealand Centennial.
The new councillors argued women had no business wanting to go to meetings and their place was in the home, and withdrew support for the memorial plans.
After an ‘‘indignation meeting’’ and vigorous fundraising, the association bought the former S. R. Burns and Co building in Moray Pl. Its Art Deco facade was designed by architect Cecil Gardner Dunning.
The building opened in early 1942 as a monument to both the pioneers and the city’s tradition of strong, innovative women.
Otago Pioneer Women’s Memorial Association president Jean Park said the building highlighted the role of determined women in the community.
"This is one trait we see that has not changed over the years. Women have an amazing ability to rally together and get things done regardless of the barriers. Otago Pioneer Women’s Memorial Association Hall continues to flourish as the interest and support remains."
Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga Heritage assessment adviser Sarah Gallagher said out of all New Zealand’s 1940 centennial memorials, the Dunedin building best represented the pioneering female spirit.
"What makes this place outstanding in New Zealand is its commemorative role of women as citizens with skills and talents to contribute to society. This was a departure from the other centennial memorials, most often Plunket or rest rooms, that were dedicated to women in their role of mother. Recognition for this significant place begins to address the lack of monuments to women in New Zealand."
