MEMBERS of Wellington Women’s Institute have voted to leave the organisation and form a new independent group.

The decision follows the National Federation of Women’s Institutes (NFWI) decision to exclude trans women from WI membership from April 2026.

After a discussion in Wellington WI’s February meeting, members were invited to vote anonymously whether to remain a branch of the WI, to leave the WI and close the group, or leave the WI and form an independent women’s group.

Karen Janas, Wellington WI’s president, said: “The overwhelming majority voted to change to an independent women’s group.

“Any members who would like to continue as a WI were invited to form a committee to enable it to continue, but as none came forward, we will be holding a special meeting to consider a resolution to close the WI at the end of March.”

Karen described the WI as a ‘valued part of the community’ and that ‘many friendships and activities have grown from it over the years’.

She continued: “Our members appreciate these benefits and are keen for them to continue.

“April will be spent developing what the new independent, inclusive group will offer when it’s launched in May, and we look forward to welcoming new members as well as our existing ones.

“Our aim is to create a welcoming and vibrant community where women can connect, support one another, and enjoy shared experiences.”

The new community group, called Monumental Women of Wellington (WOW) aims to ‘bring women together for friendship, shared interest and community’.

The website states that the upcoming programme of activities and events will be ‘designed around the interests of members’.

Information on the Monumental Women of Wellington group can be found on their new website www.monumentalwomenofwellington.org or by emailing [email protected]