The Pan-Pacific Women's Association grew out of two conferences of women of Pacific countries, held at Honolulu in 1928 and 1930, to discuss questions affecting the welfare of women and children. In 1931 a national committee of the Association was formed in New Zealand. Its aims are to promote friendship and understanding amongst women of the Pacific and, since 1955, of South-East Asia; to work for the better preservation of peace; and to help women in these countries cooperate for the study and improvement of social conditions. At the national level a number of national women's organisations are affiliated as corporate members, while at the local level seven area groups have been formed, to which are affiliated associate groups, that is, local women's organisations. Nine conferences of the whole association have been held.

by Pamela Somers Cocks, M.A., DIP.N.Z.L.S., Archivist, Wellington.