By Mary Marshall 4 March, 2026
Betty was a woman who made a notable contribution to education, first in Blockhouse Bay, then in the wider community and nationally.
Soon after the first of her 7 children started at Blockhouse Bay Primary School she became involved in school activities. Her initial contact was through the Dental Clinic Committee, which looked after the practical running of the clinic. She was co-opted onto the School Committee in 1919. Her ability and drive were recognised as she worked for the school’s benefit for over 26 years. In those days the women on the committee served two roles - Secretary and supper provider. During her 10 years as Secretary, she saw through some arduous jobs such as the transfer of part of the block of land which lies adjacent to the school and was used for sport activities She served as Vice President and President on the Auckland School Committees Association and was an executive member of the National School Committees Federation.
Betty was reluctant to take up that role as meetings were held during the day and she had a preschool daughter. However, the men on the Committee offered their wives’ services as babysitters. (Note: not their own services!). The appearance of a woman on the Education Board was met with some resistance from the men on the Committee, but this was eventually overcome when they realised the valuable contribution she made.
Teacher training and recruitment were her particular interests. Betty was appointed to the Auckland Grammar School and Lynfield College Board of Governors. It was not surprising then that in 1970 she was awarded a MBE for her services to Education.
After moving to Piha in the 1980s Betty shifted her focus from public service to community politics and was president of the Piha Residents and Ratepayers Committee and Waitakere Community Board.
Betty passed away in June 2010 aged 93. Her last public appearance was at the Piha memorial service on Anzac Day that year.
By Mary Marshall