When it hasn’t been women’s day, week, month or even their year, the Nelson Women’s Club has been there for them since 1926.
Offering a social space for women predominantly in their twilight years to either advance or rekindle their zest for life, members will be like the woman of the hour this Saturday as it celebrates its centenary.
Current president Nannette MacKenzie hasn’t been a member for quite that long, only a tender eight years, but says the club has always been located at the same top of Trafalgar St building with a breathtaking balcony.
The club was founded by 60 Nelson women after Lady Mary Ferguson from Dunedin spoke highly of the southern city women's club to them on a crisp Nelson day.
Nannette says the club has since had an unshakeable sisterhood from the “stiff and starchy” days to its 120 diverse girls.
“There's so much that's happened in the world to make people different, and I'm quite sure if those girls from the early days were looking down on us, they would be absolutely astounded by what they would be seeing,” she says.
“For some people, joining has come at the right time in their lives, they've just retired or their husband’s died or their children have left home and think, well, now what?
“Then there's a bunch of women who may have gone through that too, who are suddenly at your fingertips who know what to do, can help you out, and women you trust as well.”
Like its address, the club’s activity circles have remained constant since its establishment.
Today, members can take part in gardening, art, literary, mahjong, fitness, drama, crafts and movie groups, as well as twice-monthly Footloose Fridays, which centre more on a tipple than dancing.
Annual membership costs $140, and Nannette says a stringent selection process has also been maintained.
“We are careful that people who join the club are kind, are caring, and can join in in a positive way,” she says.
Nannette says the greatest challenge as the club hits triple figures, has been retirement villages increasingly offering activities that once drew women to the club.
However, she says membership remains stable and there is no immediate concern.
The centenary is being marked by events throughout 2026, including a frock and cocktail party, a walk visiting villas once owned by founding members and a Theatre Royal tour.
The celebrations continue this Saturday at the Tides Hotel with speeches, a luncheon and cake cutting by long-serving members.
A pearl necklace and matching earrings designed by club member and international pearl expert Harriet Whinney will also be raffled.
“Some lucky girl will go along looking absolutely stunning when she leaves,” Nannette enthuses.
Perhaps just as stunning as the club’s milestone.
