Helping women’s organisations carry practical experience into public policy
1924–2017
National Council of Women
Temuka
Ruth Mellor McInnes was born in Temuka in 1924. Her father, Ashley McInnes, worked there as a doctor, giving Ruth an early view of the needs and relationships within a small South Canterbury community. She later studied at the University of Otago, where she took part in student organisations and editorial work.
After marrying, Ruth became active in organisations including Playcentre, the Mothers’ Union, the Federation of University Women and the National Council of Women of New Zealand.
Her work with the National Council of Women moved beyond attending meetings. She helped prepare submissions, followed legislation and contributed to the Parliamentary Watch Committee. This allowed member organisations to identify proposals that could affect women and families and to bring their collective experience into parliamentary processes.
Issues she recalled working on included children’s nightwear safety and the development of accident-compensation policy. These were not abstract debates. Flammable clothing could cause severe injuries, while the shape of accident compensation affected families, workers and people carrying out unpaid labour.
Ruth also worked with the Women’s Appointment File, which gathered information about women qualified for public boards and committees. The file challenged the claim that suitable women could not be found when appointments were made. Its function was later taken over by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs.
She served as National Secretary of the National Council of Women and was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 1985 for services to the organisation.
Ruth died on 21 May 2017, aged 92.
Impact: Ruth Wylie helped turn the experience of women’s organisations into practical parliamentary submissions, legislative scrutiny and stronger pathways for women to be considered for public appointments. Her work helped make women’s knowledge harder for decision-makers to overlook.
Timaru and South Canterbury connection Ruth was born and raised in Temuka before her education and public work took her elsewhere.
Related WuHoo story: What I learned about the National Council of Women South Canterbury branch
Concise sources
National Library of New Zealand authority record for Ruth Mellor Wylie. Supports her birth, maiden name, education and organisational roles.
National Library oral-history interview. Supports her childhood and detailed work with the National Council of Women, parliamentary submissions and the Women’s Appointment File.
New Zealand Gazette, 1985 Birthday Honours. Official confirmation of her MBE for services to the National Council of Women.
Death notice, May 2017. Supports her death date and age.