International Women’s Day: Honouring 130 Years of Women in Community Healthcare

This International Women’s Day (8 March), Nurse Maude is celebrating the legacy of its founder, Sibylla Maude, and the extraordinary contribution of women in healthcare - past and present. 

In 1896, Sibylla Maude made a courageous and visionary decision. At a time when healthcare was largely hospital-based and opportunities for women were limited, she stepped beyond traditional models of care and into the homes of people in Christchurch who were sick and vulnerable. In doing so, she established District Nursing in New Zealand - laying the foundations for modern community healthcare. 

Nurse Maude’s employment contract from 1896 is in our archives, it sets out the duties of a district nurse serving the parishes of St Michael and Sydenham. The formal language reflects its era, but the purpose is clear: to provide compassionate nursing care to those in need within the community. 

Today, 130 years later, that vision continues. 

Nurse Maude now employs 1,276 staff across District Nursing, Specialty Clinics, Homecare, Specialist Palliative Care, Hospice, Care Home, and Retail services. Eighty-seven percent of the organisation’s workforce are women. 

Chief Executive Louise Zacest says International Women’s Day is both a celebration and a moment of reflection. 

“Sibylla Maude’s decision in 1896 was bold and forward-thinking. She recognised that healthcare needed to reach people where they lived. That courage created a legacy that continues to shape community healthcare in New Zealand today.” 

“Eighty-seven percent of our workforce are women. Across every part of our organisation, women bring clinical expertise, compassion, leadership, and innovation to the communities we serve. International Women’s Day is an opportunity to acknowledge that impact and to say clearly - your work matters.”

While celebrating progress, Louise notes it is important to recognise that not all women globally experience the same freedoms and opportunities as those in Aotearoa New Zealand. 

“We are fortunate to live and work in a country where women can lead, innovate and shape healthcare services. International Women’s Day also reminds us that progress is not equal everywhere, and that equity remains an ongoing commitment.” 

From a single district nurse in 1896 to a workforce of more than 1,200 people today, Nurse Maude continues its mission of caring for the community - honouring the legacy of a pioneering woman whose vision changed the course of healthcare in New Zealand.

CHRISTCHURCH.

November 4th 1896.

The Revd. A. W. Averill & Revd. E. A. Scott.

Revd Reverend. & Dear Sirs,

Before taking up the duties of a district nurse for the parishes of St Michael and Sydenham, I shall be glad if my position so far as it is practicable at the present time can be defined.

I am aware of the tentative nature of the work and that much must be left to circumstances as they develop; but I suggest for the consideration of yourselves and Mrs. Heaton Rhoden, who is so large a contributor to the funds required, one or two leading features of the intended arrangement.

That my services as a district nurse within the parishes of St Michael and Sydenham, be engaged for a period of Twelve months from the 5th day of October 1896, and that after that time, the engagement be terminable on either side, by three months notice in writing.

That my services be available for the sick poor only, who are without means to pay, and from whom no payment can be expected.

That my remuneration be fixed at the yearly sum of, not less than £80 payable by monthly instalments.

That regulations be framed for my guidance subject to revision from time to time, as occasion may require, in the drawing up of which I shall be happy to make recommendations or suggestions, if asked to do so.

That amongst other things, to be provided for, I should make quarterly reports in writing of the visits paid, and the cases nursed, and generally of any other matters coming under my notice, as to which information may be of value in furthering the objects of the undertaking, and that in cases of urgency special reports may be made oftener.

That under no circumstances shall I be required to undertake night nursing.

Yours Truly faithfully,

S.P Maude

District Nurse

Dear Miss Maude,

We have to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 4th inst., embodying the terms upon which you will undertake district nursing, for the parishes of St Michael and Sydenham, and in reply have to state we agree to and accept the same.

Yours faithfully.