Timeline of AWLA’s history
This history project is dedicated to the determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment of the trailblazing women lawyers who have broken barriers and paved the way for a more equitable profession, creating lasting change for future generations.
We would love to hear from you if you can contribute to this record of AWLA’s history. We intend for this timeline to be a living document, if you have any updates, amendments, or stories to share, please get in touch by emailing admin@awla.nz.
While we refine our timeline, please click on the year at the top of each white timeline entry to view the full history.
Pre 1984
The idea of forming a women lawyers group developed out of the environment created by the Women and the Law Legal Research Foundation which was established in 1977. The Foundation ran successfully for a number of years as a lobbying and pressure group. The June 1985 AWLA newsletter recorded: “In 1977 there was a great deal of legislation going through Parliament which affected women. This was mainly as a result of the political pressures exerted on the National and Labour Governments by the women’s movements of the 1960s and 1970s. Legislation on which submissions were made included the Contraception, Sterilisation and Abortion Bill, the Equal Pay Act, and amendments to the Electoral Act.”
1977
1984
Established in 1984, AWLA aimed to support women in law by advocating for equal opportunities, promoting career advancement, and creating a professional network to address industry challenges.
1984
President: Helen Melrose | Vice-President: Hon. Margaret Wilson DCNZM1984
1985
By 1985, AWLA grew to 160 members and were addressing issues such as sexual harassment, new birth technologies, providing legal assistance in objections to the Springbok Tour, and insurance exclusions, while supporting women's advancement in the legal profession.
1985
President: Helen Melrose | Vice-President: Christine Nolan1985
04
1986
President: Shayne Mathieson1987
AWLA highlighted concerns including the representation of women in law, cervical cancer treatment, and violence against women. They hosted panels, critiqued media coverage, and advocated for legal reforms.
1987
President: Shayne Mathieson1987
1988
AWLA reflected on the progress of women in law and the difficulties faced. A documentary on Ethel Benjamin was featured, along with Benjamin’s historic defence of advertising.
1988
President: Phillipa Muir | Vice-President: Tricia Fordyce1989
A second Working Party reviewed the ADLS’s 1981 report on women in law, highlighting ongoing issues such as childcare and pay disparities. AWLA criticised the slow progress in addressing concerns on the front page of the NZ Herald called for urgent reform.
1989
President: Phillipa Muir1989
08
1990
President: Phillipa Muir1991
A group of Auckland lawyers, including AWLA members, established the Minor Proceedings Crèche on Bankside Street. This was to cater for the needs of practitioners, particularly women, to have childcare options in walking distance of central city law firms.
1991
President: Denese Bates KC10
1992
President: Denese Bates KC11
1993
President: Denese Bates KC | Vice-President: Prue Crossan1994
Hon. Dame Judith Potter established the Women’s Consultative Group to promote and advocate for the advancement of women in law. It prepared reports, made submissions on bills, and advised the NZLS.
1994
President: Hon. Judge Kate Davenport KC13
1995
President: Hon. Judge Kate Davenport KC1996
AWLA hosted a symposium attended by over 300 women to mark the centenary since women could be admitted as lawyers, made submissions in two prominent cases, and challenged the judiciary perpetuating rape myths.
1996
President: Hon. Judge Ema Aitken | Vice-President: Helen Rice15
1997
President: Hon. Judge Ema Aitken16
1998
President: Hon. Judge Ema Aitken | Vice-President: Usha Patel17
1999
President: Cathy Rodgers2000
AWLA started its mentoring programme to support women in law by pairing junior lawyers with experienced practitioners, and established the Margaret Wilson Scholarship.
2000
President: Alex McDonald | Vice-President: Treasa Dunworth19
2001
President: Alex McDonald | Vice-President: Vivienne Crawshaw KC2001
2002
Gender disparity in the legal profession was challenged by AWLA in the media.
2002
President: Lady Deborah Chambers KC | Vice-President: Karen Price2002
2003
AWLA raised concerns about Crown Solicitor warrant appointment practices, submitted on the Judicial Matters and Supreme Court Bills, and ran a seminar on achieving work/life balance.
2003
President: Karen Price | Vice-President: Hon. Justice Mary Peters2004
AWLA advocated for amendments to the Crimes Act, and raised concerns about the low representation of women and inequality in the workforce and presenting at legal conferences.
2004
President: Hon. Justice Mary Peters | Vice-President: Jennifer Caldwell2005
AWLA focused on flexible working arrangements, childcare tax rebates, and submitted on key legislative bills, including the Employment Relations (Flexible Working Hours) Amendment Bill.
2005
President: Jennifer Caldwell | Vice-President: Linda Robinson2006
AWLA made submissions on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill and unsuccessfully sought intervener status in a relationship property case.
2006
President: Jennifer Caldwell | Vice-President: Tammy McLeod2007
AWLA consulted with the Law Commission on the partial defence of provocation, hosted a seminar on flexible work practices, reported on the gender disparity in legal directories, and Dame Silvia Cartwright presented the inaugural Dame Silvia Cartwright lecture.
2007
President: Tammy McLeod2008
The Hon. Margaret Wilson was the guest speaker at the annual Christmas dinner in November.
2008
President: Tammy McLeod2009
AWLA submitted on the Domestic Violence (Enhancing Safety) Bill, recommending amendments for better protection and support. AWLA reported on the ongoing income disparity between women, especially Māori and Pasifika.
2009
President: Sarah Carstens | Vice-President: Rachael Reed KC2010
AWLA advocated for legislation to address issues disproportionately facing women, submitted on amendments to the Victim Rights Act, and hosted events with prominent speakers on women's advancement.
2010
President: Sarah Carstens | Vice-President: Rachael Reed KC2011
AWLA commenced a research report into the reasons why women were leaving the legal profession, and submitted on changes to trial processes for child witnesses.
2011
President: Rachael Reed KC | Vice-President: Maria Taylor2012
AWLA prioritised research into why women weren’t progressing to partnership in large firms, and leaving the profession. AWLA advocated for the right to breastfeed in court, and ran a seminar encouraging women litigators to pursue speaking roles in court.
2012
President: Rachael Reed KC2012
2013
AWLA submitted on the Family Court Reform Bill, launched an initiative with resources and advice surrounding parental leave and returning to work, and co-sponsored and featured in the "WomenPower" TV series.
2013
President: Angela Hansen | Vice-President: Angela Stafford2014
AWLA's research exploring the structural and cultural factors hindering the career progression of women was launched.
2014
President: Angela Hansen2014
2015
AWLA launched AUT's report on barriers to women's career progression in law firms, emphasising structural issues, family responsibilities, and the need for flexible work practices.
2015
President: Angela Stafford | Vice-President: Kristin Bradley2016
AWLA's theme of the year was "speak up, take action," focusing on advocacy for women lawyers. Events included a criminal justice forum, and career panels about managing parental leave.
2016
President: Angela Stafford | Vice-President: Janna McGuigan2017
AWLA supported the Pay Equity Coalition Auckland’s submissions on the Pay Equity Settlement Bill, AWLA hosted events on career progression and confidence, and held the inaugural student mooting competition.
2017
President: Janna McGuigan | Vice-President: Alicia Murray2018
AWLA supported #metoo and #timesup, supported Pay Equity Coalition Auckland’s submissions on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill, hosted events on sexual harassment and work-life balance.
2018
President: Alicia Murray | Vice-President: Coroner Tracey Fitzgibbon2019
AWLA submitted on the Abortion Legislation Bill, advocating for inclusive language, safe access, removing gestational limits and removing a medical practitioner’s ability to object on moral grounds. AWLA wrote to NZLS raising concerns over the questions asked in interviews for candidates applying to practise on their own account.
2019
President: Alicia Murray | Vice-President: Kellie Arthur2020
AWLA focused on the future, supported the launch of a report on the culture of the profession, advocated for women’s representation, hosted discussions on Pacific representation and flexible work, and submitted on NZLS’s proposed changes to address how firms deal with harassment and bullying.
2020
President: Laura Carter | Vice-President: Josie McNaught2021
AWLA launched a women’s partnership promotion tracker, advocated for automatic safe areas around abortion facilities, submitted on digital communication laws, and hosted events on career development and court accessibility.
2021
President: Laura Carter | Vice-President: Josie McNaught2022
AWLA focused on reflection, reconnecting and renewal, launching a scholarship for law students, conducting a parental leave survey, and supporting Afghan judges and Fijian university students.