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Kōrero: Adoption

Pregnant women, Bethany, 1964

Pregnant women, Bethany, 1964

In the past, unmarried women who became pregnant often left their home towns so their condition would not become publicly known. The Salvation Army's Bethany maternity homes provided these women with a place to live and then give birth, once they had reached the third trimester of pregnancy. They could stay for up to two weeks after the birth. These women are in the Bethany home in Wellington in August 1964. All but one of the 15 residents planned to give their children up for adoption.

Te whakamahi i tēnei tūemi

Alexander Turnbull Library, Dominion Post Collection (PA-Group-00685)

Reference: EP/1964/2653/15

Permission of the Alexander Turnbull Library, National Library of New Zealand, Te Puna Mātauranga o Aotearoa, must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

Ngā whakaahua me ngā rauemi katoa o tēnei kōrero

Me pēnei te tohu i te whārang

Anne Else, Adoption – Adoption and single mothers – 1960s and 1970s, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/mi/photograph/26052/pregnant-women-bethany-1964 (accessed 4 June 2026).

He kōrero nā Anne Else, i tāngia i te 28 February 2011.

Comments

Pamela May Kenny [nee Lewin]
31 March 2023
I gave Birth To a boy at St Helens 1970-71 I lived at I think it was called Fairly in Surrey Cres. Auckland before he was born. I am looking to get in touch or find some information of where the records would be as I don't think the home is there now.
Shyrrel Saldivar nee Alexander
14 February 2023
I have found a Birth Certificate for Elsie Conaghan 15 April 1921 Mother was Caroline Lavinia Maud Conaghan. Elsie died at 3 days. Caroline is My Aunty. Caroline also had a boy Lyall Samul Conagahn Father unknown. I was wondering if his birthdate was 18 September 1918 and whether it is noted that Eil;y and James Conaghan adopted him Sincerely Shyrrel Saldivar
Andrea Tarena Eketone
25 December 2022
Hi my mother gave birth here in the 60s im trying to locate the baby any help woud be appreciated
kathleen close
01 March 2022
I gave birth at Bethany 29th february 1968,Leap year (the only baby born that day) I was one of the lucky ones that kept their baby.It was a lovely caring hospital and I was saddened to hear it had been demolished.
Michelle
13 October 2017
Hi there, My sister and I are trying to locate our older sister who was adopted after our mother gave birth to her. We only know limited information but our mothers maiden name was Thelma Georgina Tremaine. We believe our older sister was born early - mid 60's. Any help and or advice would be greatly appreciated and received.
Kylie
05 July 2017
I am looking on behalf of a friend. She gave birth to a baby girl in Bethany House Christchurch on 26th September, about 1967, give or take a year or so. The mother's name is Jennifer, and she thinks the baby was adopted by a family with the last name "Martin", who had already adopted an older child.
sonya
13 August 2016
My mother was born in bethany hospital in wellington on March 17 1955 her mother's name was Eleanor Mary Miller any information on her would be great. Mum has passed on from this life at a young 52 and never got the chance to pursue this like she wanted too.
Tracey Houghton
05 August 2016
Hi I'm looking for my half brother born 28 Feb 1960 at Bethany home in auckland my mum never wanted to give you up. I believe your name is Donnald O'Connell not sure on spelling. Would like to met you
Matt
21 April 2016
Hey evereybody. My names Matt. I was born at Bethany in the "class of 86". Best thing that ever happened to me btw... Anyhow. Was just curious to see how everyone's life panned out. I was openley adopted and have met both birth parents whilst maintaining an unbreakable bond with my mum and dad (my adoptive parents). Anyone else got any cool stories about being adopted (or just cool stories for that matter) they'd like to share ? Send me an e-mail... [email protected]. love to hear from yas! One love.
Ada
02 February 2016
Hi my name is Ada, im looking for any information on my brother who was adopted out by my mother Judy McLean all i know about him is his name is Jeremy Green and would be in his late 30s - early 40s he was born in Auckland. I have searched years through phone books, google,facebook and have had no luck i would love to have the opportunity to get to know him, thank you in advance for any information you can provide
Michelle
17 September 2015
Hello Trying to find birth mother name Mary Patricia Cavenagh who was from Christchurch and born in 1953. Birth fathers name was Tom (born 1956/57. Also searching for half sister born 27 August 1970.
Amy Sutherland
03 September 2015
Hi. I'm trying to find my half sister. Same mother. Our mothers name at the time was Robyn Oleary.She has since passed and I am unsure of the fathers name however I think his first name was Henry and he was of maori decent. It was a closed adoption so I have no other information to go off as my Grandmother won't discuss anything with me. Please if anyone can help don't hesitate in contacting me. Thankyou
Sarah Ivey
14 May 2015
My sister was born in 1972, was a happy ending, my mum took her home with my dad. But my dad is not her dad. We are trying to find more info on him if Possible. He was From Belgium. mums last name Hamilton. She had a girl on 28 Feb 1972 and had Adoptive parent set up. So sorry for them. Wondering if any staff Members may help us with the name of biological Father. We Know how is Sounds but there are so many Variations...
sue
29 October 2014
Hi all , i was adopted out of Bethany House in Grey Lynn, Auckland in 1966, im looking to find medical info for myself an my grandchildren. .... my birthmother name back in 1966 as i know was yvonne maxwell..... thankz heaps in advance kind regard ...... charsnanny0613@gmil
Te Ara
27 March 2014
We've noticed that quite a few people commenting on this page are looking for information to do with adoptions. In case you aren't already aware of it, you can get help from Child, Youth and Family. There's more information here: http://www.cyf.govt.nz/adoption/finding-your-birth-family/index.html.
Judy Bailey
25 March 2014
Looking for my son. Born 1962 Auckland. Adopted at birth. Known as Owen. I named you Brent. This decision affected me severely. Although at the time there was not an option. Just the chance to meet you and answer any questions. At your discretion. All my love, Mum. Judy Bailey. [email protected]
Belinda
22 February 2014
I Was born in Bethany - Greg Lynn on 25 June 1967. Adopted to wonderful parents 1 week approx later. White female I believe to be 17 to part Maori father 18. Looking for more answers & family background - thank you
Jessica
07 March 2012
That was a completely unselfish decision. I hope you have more children in your life now. I'm sure they all love you very much.
Judith
13 January 2012
My son was born 8 Dec 1967 in Christchurch. My name was Judith Alma Hyndman. He was born at a Salvation Army hospital, and after caring for him at the hospital for three weeks, he was adopted. I did not want to give him away, but I knew I could never give him what he needed. I am to this day glad he was adopted into a family, so that he had a father and a mother. I hope he has had a good life. His little baby image has haunted me for years. I did do the right thing.
William Slade
14 August 2011
Hi all , i was adopted out of Bethany House in Grey Lynn, Auckland. 1970 ...if any one knows of my birth mother or has any information of where i may find her would greatly be appreciated. Her name was Tina Brown...Samoan...Thank you..my email [email protected]