The Plunket Society and Lady Victoria Plunket
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
NZ's Plunket Society and involvement of Lady Plunket and others in its journey since 1907
Plunket, Plunket Society, Lady Plunket, Truby King, Mothers, Babies, Health, Karitane Hospitals, hospitals, Karitane
On 14 May 1907, the "Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children" was formed which became commonly known as the "Plunket Society" after Lady Victoria Plunket (1873-1968) became the patron in November 1907. In mid-1907, the Society set up the 'Karitane Home for Babies' at Dr Truby and Bella King's holiday home in Karitane as a trial; then shifted to larger premises in Dunedin at the end of the year. The Society's official name was amended In October 1909 to "The Society for the Health of Women and Children" to avoid confusion with the "Society for the Protection of Women and Children" formed in 1893.
In December 1910, the 'Karitane Home for Babies' was renamed the 'Karitane-Harris Hospital' in December 1910. By 1927, five more private Karitane Hospitals were established and Plunket rooms began to operate throughout NZ. By 1980, the six Karitane Hospitals had closed due to financial costs and maternity services moving towards community-based care. In 1980, the Society officially changed its name to the "Royal New Zealand Plunket Society". On 1 January 2018, the Society became a charitable trust which was rebranded as "Whānau Āwhina Plunket" in Feb 2000.
On 14 May 1907, "Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children" formed after an address by Dr Truby King
Truby had spoken at a Dunedin Town Hall meeting which led to the Society being established to further his views
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
In mid-1907, the Society set up the 'Karitane Home for Babies' at Dr Truby & Bella King's holiday home in Karitane
The Kings had been informed by nurse Joanne MacKinnon & midwives Mere Harper & Ria Tinini about needs of women & babies
Puke Ariki
In Nov 1907, Lady Victoria Plunket became Society's patron which led to it being commonly known as the 'Plunket Society'
When Lord William Plunket was Governor (June 1904 - June 1910) they lived in NZ during which 7th & 8th child were born
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In Dec 1907, the Karitane Home moved to larger premises in Dunedin & was renamed 'Karitane-Harris Hospital' in Dec 1901
The land & buildings which were being leased were donated in 1910 by owner businessman Wolff Harris
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
In Oct 1909, the Society's name was amended to "The Society for the Health of Women & Children" at its 1st Conference
The amended name was to avoid confusion with the "Society for the Protection of Women and Children" formed 1893
National Library of New Zealand
By 1927, six private Karitane Hospitals were operating & clinics / Plunket Rooms were set up in centres throughout NZ
Funding was largely from trainee fees, public donations & fees paid by some parents, until 1939 when Govt gave subsidies
National Library of New Zealand
Plunket nurses initially trained at Dunedin & then Auckland from 1964, & Karitane nurses trained at the other hospitals
Hospitals had opened at Christchurch (1917), Wanganui (1919), Auckland (1924), Invercargill (1926) & Wellington (1927)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Plunket nurses had to be registered nurses or midwives & could work in hospitals & visit private homes
(1950s: Plunket nurse weighing a baby at the Waterloo Plunket, Lower Hutt)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Karitane nurses did not need to be registered nurses & worked in private homes only & provided mothercare support
(c.1947: A Karitane nurse with a toddler & baby)
Auckland Libraries
Cover of a Plunket Society baby record booklet (1936)
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The 'twelve essentials' of baby management were published in Plunket books
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
The Plunket clock face prescribed exact times for food (every 4 hours between 6am & 10pm), bath, sleep and exercise
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
27 Jan 1954: Queen Elizabeth II watches a baby being weighed at the Karitane Hospital in Dunedin
Alexander Turnbull Library
Plunket Book entitled 'Modern Mothercraft' (1957) which was the Official Handbook of the Plunket Society
Mataura Museum
By 1980, the Karitane Hospitals closed due to funding constraints & a focus on maternity services via community-care
Christchurch City Libraries
In 1980, the Society officially changed its name to the "Royal New Zealand Plunket Society"
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
In 1981, the Plunket-Karitane Family Service was set up with small, neighbourhood units
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
1997: Official opening of a Plunket House with oldest living Plunket baby Fred 'Mac' McCluskey, 91, from Khandallah
Upper Hutt City Library
2017: Mothers and babies at the Kendal Plunket Clinic in Christchurch
Christchurch City Libraries
On 1 Jan 2018, the Society became a charitable trust which was rebranded as "Whānau Āwhina Plunket" in Feb 2000
Its logo acknowledges Ria Tikini & Mere Harper (whose descendant, Amanda Maiu, became CEO from 2016-2022)
TV3
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
1. Key people & events in the development of the Society from 1907-1910
The following recounts the journey taken by key people who helped pave the way for the development of the Plunket Society: Dr Truby and Bella King; nurse Joanna MacKinnon; midwives Mere Harper and Ria Tikini; and Lady Victoria Plunket and her husband Lord William Plunket who was NZ's Governor from 1904- 1910.
Background to the forming of the Society in May 1907
Dr Truby King (b. 1858) was the Superintendent of Seacliff Lunatic Asylum since 1858 & had begun animal & crop farming
Truby investigated plant & animal husbandry, & developed his theories on nutrition, which he published in pamphlets
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
In Feb 1905, Truby & wife Bella (b. 1860) adopted 1 yr old girl which led to him investigating breast milk alternatives
Both were in their forties & did not have children of their own. Truby began investigating child care & nutrition.
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1905, Dr Truby King employed staff member Joanna MacKinnon to teach mothers about modifying cow's milk for infants
MacKinnon, who had been working at the Asylum since 1902, was recommended by Matron Miss Beswick
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
In early 1906, MacKinnon was relocated to Dunedin by Truby to extend his infant feeding scheme
National Film Unit (1958) features Joanna MacKinnon, 'humanised' milk, & the development of Plunket Society (33.54 min)
NZ On Screen
In 1906, midwives Mere Harper & Ria Tikini took an unwell baby to Dr Truby & Bella King at their Seacliff home
Mere (1842-1924) & Ria (1810-1919), both of Kāi Tahu & Kāti Huirapa descent, helped care for the baby for several months
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
During 1906, concerns were raised over the health of women & babies & the care of illegitimate children
In May 1906, the "Society for Protection of Women and Children" (formed 1893) detailed issues in its annual report
National Library of New Zealand
May 1907: "Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children" formed
14 May 1907: Dr Truby King addressed Dunedin Town Hall gathering on "The promotion of health amongst women and children"
The event was called by friends of Sisters of local Dunedin churches who'd been helped by MacKinnon & her assistants
Alexander Turnbull Library
The attendees decided to form "Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children" to further Truby's work
A steering committee with 7 members, including Truby & Bella, was set up to finalise the Committee's membership
National Library of New Zealand
During May 1907, Society's Committee & Constitution were formed to care for mothers & children, and "waifs and strays"
The President was Mrs J. H. Hosking & the finalised Committee members included Bella King
Victoria University of Wellington
Mid-1907: Private 'Karitane Home for Babies' established at Karitane near Dunedin
After the Society was set up, Nurse MacKinnon discovered 3 unwell babies were living in a licensed foster home's stable
Carers of infants under 2 yrs receiving payment for 4+ days had to be licensed as a foster home under 1893 Act
The University of Auckland Library
Nurse MacKinnon took 2 of the babies who were half-starved to Dr King's home at Seacliff for his milk treatments
Ongoing discussions by MacKinnon, Mere Harper & Ria Tikini with Truby & Bella King highlighted needs of newborn babies
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
King suggested a licensed home be opened up & offered his holiday home nearby at Karitane for 6 month trial
Auckland Libraries
Outcome was the Society opening the 'Karitane Home for Babies' two months later in mid-1907 at Karitane
King provided equipment, Society members donated baby clothes, & milk provided free by Taieri & Peninsula Milk Supply Co
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
The Society drew on Mere Harper's & Ria Tikini's network who'd received & gave support to babies & their families
As well as being midwives, Mere & Ria were local tōhuka (tohunga in Northern Māori dialect) & healers
University of Otago
Nurse Lizzie Hughes, who'd raised King's child, Mary, was in charge, with 2 nurses from Seacliff including MacKinnon
The care provided included regular feeding, 'humanised' cow's milk, & plenty of fresh air, sunshine & exercise
Auckland Libraries
Within months, 13 babies were in the care of four nurses, which began to stretch the facilities & staff workload
King added a room to accommodate more babies & the stables were converted for the staff to sleep in
Auckland Libraries
1907: Lady Plunket attends meetings with Dr Truby King & becomes Society's patron
Lady Victoria Alexandrina Plunket (1873-1968) was the wife of Lord William Plunket (1864-1920) who was appointed NZ's Governor from 1904-1910. They had married on 4 June 1884 and arrived in NZ with their six children on 20 June 1904. Both became acquainted with Dr Truby King and accompanied him during 1907 to 1909 to address audiences on women's and babies' health on behalf of the Society, during which their seventh and eighth child were born. In November 1907, Lady Plunket consented to becoming the Society's patron. During 1908, she became instrumental in the introduction of the professional training programme of Plunket nurses (whose name was proposed by the Society) and the coordination of home visits. She had drawn on the healthcare work of her mother, two sisters and a friend who were living overseas. By the time Lord and Lady Plunket returned to England on 7 June 1910, Plunket nurses were located in ten centres.
Lady Victoria Plunket met Sir Truby King in mid-1907 & became the Society's patron in Nov 1907
Victoria's husband was Lord William Plunket & they resided in NZ when he was the Governor from June 1904 - June 1910
Auckland Libraries
Lady Plunket's background & family & friend's healthcare influences:
Victoria's father, Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood, first Marquess of Dufferin and Ava, had various British public service roles, including Governor-General of Canada from 1872-1878, during which she was born in Ottawa in 1873. Influences on Victoria were her mother, two older sisters, and a friend who were involved with nursing, and women and children's healthcare in varying ways. Victoria corresponded from NZ and also travelled home to Britain in 1905 and again in 1907 where she met up with family and they shared their news on the latest nursing practices and politics.
Find out more:
Melanie Oppenheimer (2005), "‘Hidden under many bushel's - Lady Victoria Plunket and the New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children", New Zealand Journal of History (39, 1), URL: https://www.nzjh.auckland.ac.nz/docs/2005/NZJH_39_1_03.pdf
Wikipedia, "Countess of Dufferin Fund", URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Countess_of_Dufferin_Fund
Lady Victoria Plunket was born in Ottawa in 1873 when her father Frederick was Governor-General of Canada from 1872-78
Victoria was 6th of 7 children born between 1863-1875 to Lord Frederick Dufferin (1826-1902) & Lady Hariot (1843-1936)
Digital Public Library of America
Later, Victoria's parents Frederick & Hariot lived in India when her father was appointed Vice-Regal from 1884-1888
Frederick Hamilton-Temple-Blackwood was 1st marquess of Dufferin & Ava & held various British public service roles
Auckland Libraries
Victoria's godmother Queen Victoria asked Hariot to initiate a plan to improve healthcare for women & mothers in India
Queen Victoria had been contacted by missionary Elizabeth Bielby who'd forwarded concerns of the Maharani of Puna
Alexander Turnbull Library
Hariot began gathering donations in India & UK in 1885 to fund the education of women in medical roles in India
It was also used to establish female hospitals & wards in existing hospitals, midwifery schools & medical colleges
National Library of New Zealand
By Feb 1908, 25 million women had benefitted from Lady Dufferin's Relief Fund, stated Lord Minto, Viceroy of India
The Fund had continued under each new Viceroy's wife until 1947 when India gained independence from Gt Britain
National Library of New Zealand
Victoria's sister, Hermione (1869-1960), qualified as a Queen's Nurse in 1901 & worked as a district nurse in Ireland
She became a midwife & president of Irish Nurses’ Assoc's Ulster Branch, & edited Queen's Nurses magazine from 1904-10
National Library of New Zealand
Victoria's sister Lady Helen Ferguson (1863-1941), who was living in Scotland, was involved with the Red Cross movement
Helen was the Vice-President of the Society for the State Registration of Trained Nurses which was formed in 1902
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Victoria's friend Lady Dudley established a district nursing scheme in Ireland & raised funds in 1903-4 for 9 nurses
When husband was Gov-General of Australia in March 1908, she launched Lady Dudley's Bush Nursing Scheme in Aug 1909
Auckland Libraries
Victoria married Lord Plunket in 1894 & lived in NZ from 1904-1910:
In 1894, Victoria married Irish-born Lord William Plunket (1864-1920) who became Governor of NZ from 1904-1910
Auckland Libraries
The Plunkets & their children lived in NZ during his term of office & returned to the UK in June 1910
(Image: 16 July 1904: Lord & Lady Plunket and some of their family members)
Auckland Libraries
1907: Dr Truby King & Lady Plunket on lecture tours & Society's branches opened
Following the establishment of the "Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children" in Dunedin in May 1907, Dr Truby King and Lady Plunket began holding meetings at other centres. Subsequently, local women volunteers set up branch committees in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, New Plymouth and Napier by June 1908.
Lady Plunket became an ardent supporter of the Society & accompanied Dr Truby King on lecture tours during 1907
Image: Victoria holding her 7th child born on 31 March 1907. Her 8th child was born on 6 Feb 1909.
Auckland Libraries
On 12 Sept 1907, Christchurch branch of the Society formed at a public meeting
Meeting was called by the Christchurch Mothers' Union to keep momentum going following Lady Plunket's address in May
National Library of New Zealand
On 21 Oct 1907, Lady Plunket accompanied Truby to Wellington to promote the health of women & children
They addressed the Wellington Society for the Protection of Women and Children
National Library of New Zealand
On 22 Oct 1907, Wellington branch of the Society formed following addresses by Lady Plunket & Dr Truby King
The Wellington Society for the Protection of Women and Children to take up the work of promotng women & child health
National Library of New Zealand
Nov 1907: Lady Plunket became the Society's patron
On 11 Nov 1907, the Otago Daily Times reported that Lady Plunket had consented to become the patron of the Society
National Library of New Zealand
Dec 1907: Karitane Home for Babies relocated to larger premises in Dunedin
In Oct 1907, the Society decided the trial at Karitane had been a success but larger premises were needed to be leased
A sub-committee was formed headed by Mrs Leslie Harris, daughter-in-law of businessman Wolff Harris, to find premises
Auckland Libraries
On 13 Dec 1907, Karitane Home for Babies officially opened in a larger villa in Dunedin leased from Wolff Harris
Alexander Turnbull Library
Media reported Minister of Labour J.A. Millar officially opened the Karitane Home & described the care given by staff
National Library of New Zealand
After attending, Millar granted £100 subsidy to the Society which increased to £500 in 1908
Auckland Libraries
The 6-roomed villa on 3.5 acres had 14 babies under the care of Matron Garrett & 4 nurses who lived in converted stables
Initially, mainly illegitimate babies were cared for; then the number of other infants had begun to increase
Auckland Libraries
Jan 1908: Weekly "Our Babies" newspaper column by Truby & Bella King
In Jan 1908, Dr Truby King began the weekly 'Our Babies' column in Otago Daily Times to communicate with mothers
Using pseudonym "Hygenia", initial columns written by Truby & later columns by Bella, & was syndicated in 50 newspapers
National Library of New Zealand
Feb 1908: Society's Auckland branch formed
On 1 Feb 1908, Auckland branch of the Society was formed following an address by Lady Plunket
National Library of New Zealand
Feb 1908: Lady Plunket proposes formalised community nursing service & MacKinnon appointed
In February 1908, Lady Plunket proposed a formalised community service to be delivered in Dunedin and that a supervisor be appointed to oversee visits to mothers and their babies who had returned to their homes. This led to the Karitane Home for Babies appointing Joanna MacKinnon as the coordinator of home visits.
In Feb 1908, Lord & Lady Plunket proposed a formalised community service & Joanna MacKinnon was appointed as supervisor
McKinnon had promoted mothercare & modified cow's milk on lecture tours with Lady Plunket
Auckland Libraries
After being cared for at Karitane Home for Babies, mothers & babies could receive home visits co-ordinated by MacKinnon
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
MacKinnon also supervised the setting up of wholesale modified milk with Taieri and Peninsula Milk Supply Co
Massey University
March 1908: Society agreed to nursing proposals forwarded by Lady Plunket
On 13 March 1908, the Society agreed to Lady Plunket's written proposal for training of all nurses to be held at Dunedin
She also proposed the name 'Dominion Nurses' but the Society intended to suggest 'Plunket Nurses' for her approval
National Library of New Zealand
On 16 March 1908 at meeting to form a Wellington Branch, Lady Plunket assented to the term 'Plunket Nurses' being used
National Library of New Zealand
The Otago Witness (1 April 1908) reported that on 27 March 1908, the Society for the Promotion of the Health of Women and Children held a special committee meeting to discuss a letter received from her Excellency Lady Plunket which contained the following proposals:
"Dunedin committee should act as a central council for the society throughout the Dominion."
"The services of "Plunket nurses" should be held freely available by all classes of the community for safeguarding the health of themselves and their children, but that where a doctor was in actual attendance his sanction should first be obtained."
"The services of a nurse to attend at the meetings which her Excellency contemplates holding at various centres, the intention being that the nurse shall remain for a week or more to demonstrate and explain to mothers in a preliminary way pending the appointment of permanent nurses, who will have to go through a prescribed course of training at the Karitane Home and in Dunedin."
The Dunedin Committee decided to send Joanna MacKinnon to accompany Lady Plunket to New Plymouth. "During her absence the visiting work in Dunedin will be carried out by her understudy, Miss O'Shea."
On 27 March 1908, Society agreed to Dunedin committee acting as a central council & nursing services to be free
Also that MacKinnon to accompany Lady Plunket & hold sessions at centres in readiness for nurses being appointed
National Library of New Zealand
On 10 April 1908, the Society outlined a training programme for Plunket nurses for approval by Lady Plunket
Nurses to already hold a certificate to be eligible to receive specialist training by doctors & fully-trained nurses
National Library of New Zealand
In April 1908, the Society produced its manifesto in an attempt to secure support & funding from parents & the community
National Library of New Zealand
Various events were held by communities to raise funds for the Plunket Society
(Image: 22 Dec 1909: Hastings flora fete held to raise funds)
Auckland Libraries
April 1908: Awarding of 1st Plunket medal and badge to Joanna MacKinnon
In March 1908, Lady Plunket initiated the Plunket Service badge for presenting to nurses who had completed their training and received their nursing certificate. The Badge was to be retained whilst the recipient continued working as a Plunket nurse and was to be returned on resigning. At that time, Plunket nurses were required to resign when marrying, as was the norm for women in public service roles who were expected to become financially dependent on their husbands.
In 1908, Lady Plunket initiated the Plunket Service badge for nurses who'd received a certificate on completing training
Western Bay Museum
In April 1908, Lady Plunket announced that an exception would be made for the first recipient of the Plunket Service badge who did not have a nursing certificate but had carried out pioneering work for the Plunket Society - Joanna MacKinnon. A couple of months later Joanna married James Dingwall Murray on 22 July 1908. She resigned from her position in Dunedin and handed in her badge. However, she continued to go on lecture tours with Lady Plunket to promote the society and assisted in the establishment of new Plunket nursing districts. Consequently, on 14 Aug 1909 Lady Public re-awarded the Plunket badge tor Joanna to keep. Later in 1903, Joanna Murray formally resigned from the Society.
On 6 April 1908, Lady Plunket announced MacKinnon to be the first nurse in the Dominion to receive the Plunket badge
An exception was to be made for MacKinnon as she did not hold a nursing certifcate
National Library of New Zealand
On 30 April 1908, the first Plunket badge & medal were presented to MacKinnon for pioneering Plunket's nursing service
When Joanna married James Dingwall Murray on 22 July 1908, she was required to resign as a nurse & returned her badge
National Library of New Zealand
In May 1908, Lady Plunket presented a medal & badge to Nurse Chappell who'd completed training & held a certificate
National Library of New Zealand
On 14 Aug 1909, Lady Plunket re-presented the medal to Mrs Murray (née MacKinnon) for continuing to assist the Society
She'd voluntarily accompanied Lady Plunket on lecture tours & assisted in establishing new Plunket nursing districts
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
1908 - 1909: Society's branches continued to form
Initially, branches of the Dunedin committee were established in Christchurch, Wellington, Auckland, New Plymouth and Napier by June 1908.
On 8 April 1908, New Plymouth committee formed to establish a branch following an address by Lady Plunket
National Library of New Zealand
On 28 May 1908, contents of the Society's 1st Annual Report to be presented on 29 May was reported by Otago Daily Times
National Library of New Zealand
On 29 May 1908, the first annual report of the Society was delivered at the Dunedin Town Hall
Media recounted the comments & questions from attendees & motions carried
National Library of New Zealand
On 13 Jun 1908, Lord & Lord Plunket addressed public meeting at Napier to promote the forming of a branch of the Society
National Library of New Zealand
On 17 June 1908, Lady Plunket addressed meetings in Havelock North & Napier branch of Women's Christian Temperance Union
National Library of New Zealand
On 14 Aug 1908, Society's monthly meeting at Dunedin outlined the nurses' training programme & staff salaries
Training at the hospital to be followed by training at the Taieri and Peninsula Factory, prior to district work
National Library of New Zealand
Lady Plunket designed a pram hood with ventilation openings to improve airflow, which she displayed during lecture tours
She patented the design “Hygienic Hood for Perambulators and Go-Carts” (Pat.26054) which C. J. Williamson manufactured
Western Bay Museum
In Sept 1908, at two meetings in Wellington, Lady Plunket promoted first duty of a mother was to nurse her baby herself
She also spoke against patent food & the use of dummies as being unsanitary, & promoted safe use of prams
National Library of New Zealand
On 6 Feb 1909, Lady Plunket's eighth child was born
Auckland Libraries
By Sept 1909, Plunket Nurses were located in 10 centres which relied on voluntary subscriptions & donations
National Library of New Zealand
Article (27 Nov 1909) summarises work of Karitane Home in Dunedin, its staffing & the after-care for mothers
National Library of New Zealand
14-16 Oct 1909: Society's 1st conference held & Lady Plunket resigned as patron
On 14-16 Oct 1909, the Society held its 1st Conference during which Lady Plunket tendered her resignation as Patron
Lord Plunket's tenure as Governor of NZ was ending in June 1910
National Library of New Zealand
During the Conference, the Society amended its name to "The Society for the Health of Women and Children"
The intent was to avoid media's confusion with the "Society for the Protection of Women and Children" (formed 1893)
National Library of New Zealand
7 June 1910: Lord & Lady Plunket depart NZ as term as Governor had ended
Prior to their departure from NZ on 7 June 1910, Lord & Lady Plunket attended farewell ceremonies throughout NZ
Auckland Libraries
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2. Plunket Society's services: 1910 - Nowadays
1910: Society's handbook "Feeding and care of baby" written by King
Dr Truby King wrote Feeding and care of baby (143 pages) which was issued by the Society during 1910 and became popular. The Society's support for parents included “mothercraft” advice on their child’s health and well-being - regular feeding (four-hour feeding cycle between 6am and 10pm), diet, sleeping, bowel habits, hygiene, bathing, fresh air and exercise.
Handbook, Feeding and Care of Baby
Wyndham & Districts Historical Museum
Feeding and Care of Baby
University of Otago
Feeding and Care of Baby
University of Otago
Dec 1910: 'Karitane Home for Babies" at Dunedin renamed 'Karitane-Harris Hospital'
In Dec 1910: The 'Karitane Home for Babies' at Dunedin became known as the 'Karitane-Harris Hospital'
The land and buildings being leased in Dunedin had been donated by owner businessman Wolff Harris
Auckland Libraries
Babies and nurses, Karitane Hospital grounds, Andersons Bay, Dunedin
Alexander Turnbull Library
1912-1917: Dr Truby King tours NZ & invited by Lady Plunket to visit UK
In 1912, Dr King was seconded to the Department of Public Health for six months to carry out a lecture tour throughout NZ promoting infant welfare, which led to more Plunket branches opening. The following year, he represented New Zealand at the Child Welfare Conference in London and was invited to assist in the establishment of a child public health service in Britain. In 1917, Lady Plunket invited King to create the Babies of the Empire Society, later called the Mothercraft Training School, which implemented aspects of mothercraft training in New Zealand. For his work, King was awarded the CMG (Companion of the Most Distinguished Order of St Michael and St George) in 1917.
In 1912, Dr Truby King was seconded to Dept of Public Health for 6 months to carry out a lecture tour on infant welfare
The lecture tour led to more branches of the Society opening and by 1914 there were over 50 throughout NZ
National Library of New Zealand
On 11 Jan 1915, the location of Plunket Nurses & Branch secretaries were listed in 'Our Babies' article by Bella King
National Library of New Zealand
In 1915, King represented NZ at a child welfare conference in London
Afterwards, he was invited to help establish a child public health service in Britain
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1917, Lady Plunket invited King to create Babies of the Empire Society, later called Mothercraft Training School
For his work in Britain, King was awarded the CMG in 1917
National Library of New Zealand
1917: Society renamed "The Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children"
In 1917, the Society was renamed, "The Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children"
Hocken Collections - Uare Taoka o Hākena, University of Otago
Between 1917-1927, five more private Karitane Hospitals opened & clinics/Plunket Rooms set up in centres
Five more Karitane Hospitals were established as private hospitals that operated as training centres for nurses and community care clinics.
The Karitane Hospitals cared for about 10 mothers and 30 babies, including those with malnutrition and other dietetic health issues, and premature babies. Each Hospital’s clinic assisted mothers with nurturing and raising their babies. The Karitane Hospitals were staffed by matrons, nurses, honorary visiting doctors and the Karitane nurse trainees.
Between 1917-1927, five more private Karitane Hospitals opened & clinics / Plunket Rooms were set up in centres
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Christchurch's Lady King Karitane Hospital opened in 1917 & was rebuilt in 1938
Volunteers doing Plunket washing during the 1918 influenza epidemic, Armagh Street, Christchurch
Alexander Turnbull Library
Wanganui's Truby King–Stewart Karitane Hospital opened in 1919
Karitane nurses home in Wanganui decorated with vegetation and flags
Alexander Turnbull Library
Auckland opened in 1924, & was renamed Truby King Karitane Hospital in 1935 & rebuilt in 1952
Auckland's Karitane Home For Infant Welfare
Auckland Libraries
Invercargill's Karitane-Hunt Hospital opened in 1926
Karitane Home For Invercargill
Auckland Libraries
Wellington's Sir Truby and Lady King Karitane Hospital opened in 1927
Infant Welfare In New Zealand's Capital: Wellington's New Karitane Home Opened To Receive Patients Last Week
Auckland Libraries
Karitane & Plunket nurse training programme:
Whereas the five new Karitane Hospitals trained Karitane nurses, the Plunket nurses were only trained in the Dunedin hospital until 1964 when Auckland became a training school for Plunket nurses. Karitane training was initially 12 months but increased to 16. In the 1930s trainees paid £40 to be trained. In 1974, the training programme was changed to twelve months in the hospital plus six months in the community, in homes with Plunket nurses and in early childhood centres.
Unlike Karitane nurses, Plunket nurses had to be registered nurses or midwives. Whereas Plunket nurses could work in the community for Plunket or in Karitane hospitals, the Karitane nurses worked in private homes, providing support in mothercare training and assistance. Once qualified, Plunket nurses earned board and lodgings plus a salary of £100. They worked for six days a week and for transport were given a bicycle. Each nurse wore a Lady Plunket medal and a grey armband with VP embroidered in white.
The 5 new Karitane hospitals trained 'Karitane nurses' who worked in private homes only providing mothercare support
Karitane nurses did not have to be registered
Alexander Turnbull Library
'Plunket nurses' initially trained only at Dunedin & then Auckland from 1964 & could work in hospitals or the community
Plunket nurses had to be registered nurses or midwives
Auckland Libraries
Post-WWI - 1925: Truby King changes roles & awarded a knighthood
After WWI, Dr King was one of British reps at the Inter-allied Red Cross Conference & sent reports to Plunket Society
He also became involved in the War Victims Relief Committee which travelled through Europe
National Library of New Zealand
In 1921, after resigning from Seacliff, King was appointed Director of Child Welfare in the Dept of Health
The newly created role also oversaw the Plunket Society
National Library of New Zealand
During 1925, Truby King became the Inspector-General of Mental Hospitals & was awarded a knighthood for his work
University of Otago
1927: Bella King passes away & Lady King Scholarship established by Plunket Society
On 15 Jan 1927, Lady Bella King passed away aged 66 years following ill-health
Sir Truby arranged for a friend to photograph her grave & sent a print & a tiny spray of flowers to each Plunket nurse
Alexander Turnbull Library
The Plunket Society honoured Bella by founding the Lady King scholarship for medical graduates to research child health
The scholarship was funded by public subscription & a government grant
National Library of New Zealand
In 1928, 1st recipient was Otago Univ graduate Helen Easterfield who began Plunket nurse training & studied nutrition
She completed her MD thesis, married in 1929 & became a medical adviser (Mrs Helen Deen) to Plunket Society
National Library of New Zealand
1927-1938: Sir Truby King resigns & his state funeral held
Sir Truby King resigned in 1927 & for his work was a recipient of King George V's Silver Jubilee Medal in 1935
National Library of New Zealand
King died on 10 February 1938 aged 79 years at his home in Wellington
A state funeral was held - the first time for a private citizen in NZ
Alexander Turnbull Library
1930s: Plunket branches expanded & services continued to be delivered
By the 1930s there were 125 branches & 700 sub-branches, & fundraising activities continued to be held
National Library of New Zealand
Founder of the Plunket Society opens new rooms at Christchurch
Auckland Libraries
Gisborne Provincial Plunket Conference
Alexander Turnbull Library
1939: Hospital services became subsidised by Govt
Initially services provided by the Society were generally free, though some users were able to pay towards their care
Some paid by subscriptions or gave donations if they could afford to do so
Auckland Libraries
Running costs of Karitane Hospitals were largely covered by £40 fee paid by Karitane nurse trainees & public donations
Auckland Libraries
Branches of the Plunket Society continued to hold fund-raising events
1935: Baby Queen Carnival held to raise funds for the Spring Creek branch of the Plunket Society in Marlborough
Auckland Libraries
July 1935: "Spanish Revels" Plunket Ball organised by the Wellington branch of the Plunket Society
AT LAST NIGHT'S PLUNKET BALL.—Gay Senoritas, many accompanied by gaily-dressedpicador or matador, made a colourful scene of the Town Hall last nigh...
National Library of New Zealand
May 1937: Public appeal held to raise donations for the Plunket Society
PLUNKET APPEAL (Evening Post, 08 May 1937)
National Library of New Zealand
Nov 1937: Dunedin's Plunket Ball held to raises funds
Dunedin's Plunket ball raises good sum
Auckland Libraries
In 1939, the Govt provided a subsidy to hospitals for free care under the Social Security Act 1939
The Karitane Hospitals were not permitted to charge fees
The University of Auckland Library
1940s: Society's hospital & community services continued to be delivered
c.1940: " Guide to Baby Feeding: Truby King System"
Guide to Baby Feeding: Truby King System
University of Otago
10 April 1940: Plunket & Karitane nurses training at Karitane-Harris Hospital at Anderson's Bay, Dunedin
Nurses training for Plunket and Karitane certificates at Anderson's Bay, Dunedin
Auckland Libraries
1943: Nurse reaching inside a fridge for babies milk at the Karitane Hospital, Christchurch
Nurse reaching inside a fridge for babies milk, Karitane Hospital, Christchurch
Alexander Turnbull Library
Plunket book entitled 'Modern Mothercraft' which was the 1945 Official Handbook of the Plunket Society
Plunket Book
Mataura Museum
1947: A Plunket nurse measures the height of a toddler, Auckland
'How tall?' Auckland, 1947.
Auckland Libraries
1950s: Financial difficulties arose
Karitane Hospitals began facing financial difficulties & Govt made emergency grants in 1958 to keep them open
Alexander Turnbull Library
In 1959, the Consultative Committee on Infant and Pre-school Health Services in New Zealand was formed
Committee investigated Plunket's services & the Karitane Hospitals
Auckland Libraries
Committee's findings supported the work of Plunket & Karitane Hospitals & increasing the Govt subsidies
(Image: Plunket nurse visiting a mother and her children at their home, 1957)
Alexander Turnbull Library
The Committee’s report led to the National Government increasing the subsidies to private hospitals in 1962
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
1960s-1970s: Plunket & the Karitane Hospitals continue to deliver services under financial constraints
July 1969: A Plunket nurse examining a girl at the Hataitai Plunket Rooms in Wellington
Examination time, Hataitai Plunket Rooms, Wellington, 1969
Auckland Libraries
July 1969: A mothercraft course at the Wellington Plunket rooms
Nursing - Plunket
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
July 1972: Members of the Papakura Plunket Society preparing decorations for a fundraising ball
Plunket mothers, Papakura, 1972
Auckland Libraries
July 1976: A Karitane nurse checking the babies' bottles before they are taken out to the wards
Nursing - Karitane
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
1977: Money being donated for the Karitane Hospital in Wellington
Child donating money for the Karitane hospital in Wellington
Alexander Turnbull Library
Between 1978-1980, all six Karitane Hospitals closed & community care centres stayed open
Eventually, in 1978, Plunket decided to close the Karitane Hospitals due to the financial costs to run. However, Plunket to continue to provide its family support units in line with society's increasing focus in maternity services towards community-based care. Consequently, all six Karitane Hospitals were closed by 1980: Dunedin (July 1978), Wellington (July 1978), Auckland (Oct 1978), Christchurch (Dec 1978), Wanganui (1979), and Invercargill (March 1980).
Between 1978-1980, all 6 Karitane Hospitals close due to costs & Plunket's family support units continue to operate
Society's increasing focus was on delivering maternity services via community-based care
Archives New Zealand Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
In 1980, the Society officially changed its name to the "Royal New Zealand Plunket Society"
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
1982: Royal New Zealand Plunket Society 1907-1982 First Day cover
Royal New Zealand Plunket Society 1907-1982 First Day cover
University of Otago
1980s leaflet: Cover states 'Plunket Society' and 'A vital child health society for all New Zealand families'
Leaflet, 'Plunket Society'
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
c.1980: Nurse weighing a baby in a mobile Plunket unit
Nurse weighing a baby in a mobile Plunket unit
Alexander Turnbull Library
c.1992: National Plunket President, Pat Seymour
Pat Seymour, National Plunket president
South Canterbury Museum
Nov 1992: Rallies were held to protest at cuts in Plunket's services
'Good turnout at Plunket protest', Auckland, 1992.
Auckland Libraries
In April 1994, PlunketLine began as free ‘out of hours service’ from 4pm-1am, which became 24/7 in Oct
Call Plunketline poster
University of Otago
On 1 Jan 2018, the Society became a charitable trust which was rebranded as "Whānau Āwhina Plunket" in Feb 2000
In Feb 2000, the Society was rebranded "Whānau Āwhina Plunket" after becoming a charitable trust on 1 Jan 2018
National Library of New Zealand
Plunket's new logo acknowledges Ria Tikini & Mere Harper
(Mere Harper's great-great granddaughter, Amanda Maiu, became CEO from 2016-2022)
Radio New Zealand
Find out more:
Brookes, Barbara. 'King, Frederic Truby', Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, first published in 1993, updated October, 2011. Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/biographies/2k8/king-frederic-truby
NZHistory: 'Plunket Society formed', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/foundation-of-the-plunket-society, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage)
Olssen, E. (1981). 'Truby King and the Plunket Society: an analysis of a prescriptive ideology'. New Zealand Journal of History (15, No 1: 3–23)
Oppenheimer, Melanie (2005), "Hidden under many bushel's - Lady Victoria Plunket and the New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children", New Zealand Journal of History (39, 1), URL: https://www.nzjh.auckland.ac.nz/docs/2005/NZJH_39_1_03.pdf
Tennant, Margaret and Lesley Courtenay (2017) ''The Karitane': the rise and fall of a semi-profession for women.' New Zealand Journal of History (51: 113–134)
Wikipedia: Karitane hospitals, URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karitane_hospitals#External_links
Wikipedia: Mere Harper, URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mere_Harper
Wikipedia: Ria Tikini, URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ria_Tikini
You can also search DigitalNZ to find further images of Plunket and Karitane nurses in the Karitane Hospitals and community clincs / Plunket rooms: https://digitalnz.org/explore