Home & Family was originally known as the Society for the Protection of Women & Children (S.P.W.C.). In 1898 S.P.W.C. merged with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (S.P.C.A.) and became known as The New Zealand Society for the Protection of Women and Children and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. For the next 28 years they were administered by one Committee with two honorary Inspectors overseeing the work of each.

In 1900... an important new object was added to the Society’s mandate - “To act as Trustees and  Guardians  of illegitimate children”. From  the  outset the  Society was authorised  to  collect  and disburse maintenance moneys to wives and children separated from their husbands and fathers.

Also in 1900 The Society was successful in its bid to include the act of incest in the Crimes Act.

During the 1900’s through the influence and persuasion of the  Society the age of consent was raised from 14 to 16 years and Children’s Courts were established.

In the 1940’s the Society stated that representations made to the government for the need of improved State maternity Services had proven  fruitful. “Provision of sustenance payments for unemployed women and the admission of women into the Police Force, resulted from the urgings of the Society.”

In 1955 the Annual Report stated that the Society’s name has changed to "The N.Z. Society for Protection of Home and Family (Inc)." The reason being that - "Today under changed circumstances, the old name does not convey the true objective of the organisation.  Our assistance is extended equally to men. women, and children.  The report went on to say  that - Sometimes, men are not the cause of family discord...

The 1980’s … A new development was in the area of Family Court work - handling conciliation matters involving separating people and helping them reach agreement.

A Report stated that a study of 30 cases of battered wives was conducted and, with the information gained from this, the Society was asked by the police to be part of their training programmes dealing with the handling of domestic disputes"

Working with Stepfamilies began as far back as the 1980’s & continues today.

Home & Family has always been a grassroots community agency and is one of the few places offering professional counselling for children, families, couples and individuals, payable on a donation basis