History

In April, 1893 an Auckland philanthropist and successful lawyer, Henry Wilding, chaired the inaugural meeting of the Society for the Protection of Women and Children - this was the foundation of the organisation presently known as the Home and Family Counselling Inc.

The organisation was a pioneer in the social services and a catalyst for reforming the laws affecting the well being of women and children. Thanks to the organisation:

• Incest was included in the Crimes Act
• Age of Consent was raised from 14 years of age to 16
• Children's Court was established
• Maternity services were improved
• Sustenance Payments were established for unemployed women; and
• Women were admitted into the Police Force.

The organisation also managed the SPCA from 1898 to 1926 in order to prevent that service closing.

In 1955 our name changed to The NZ Society for the Protection of Home and Family (Inc) to better reflect the changing needs of the community and the work being undertaken by the agency. Our work with men and fathers had greatly increased as family relationships came under greater pressure within a rapidly changing world.

By its centenary celebrations (in 1993) the name had been set as the Home and Family Society Inc.

In August 2007, the organisation rebranded itself as Home and Family Counselling with a new logo and look to more clearly convey the services it offers.

 But irrespective of the name of the agency the fundamental principles have never wavered - to provide support and care to anyone requesting our help.