Taiwanese Women’s Association

Taiwanese Women’s Association

June 21, 2025Category:

A Kitchen, a Celebration, and 25 Years of Sisterhood

by Eva Chen (ANCAD)


To celebrate Mother’s Day, the Taiwanese Women’s Association in NZ partnered with NZMA to use their kitchen space, where members prepared traditional Taiwanese dishes for a heartwarming community gathering.

This moment was more than a meal—it was the result of decades of relationship-building and quiet resilience. For 25 years, the Association has supported Taiwanese migrant women with little to no formal funding. Relying on the goodwill of early settlers, they’ve built spaces of care across work, family, and social life. Now, their focus is shifting to supporting older members into retirement and nurturing new leaders to carry the torch.

As they marked their 25th anniversary on 14 June, it was clear: this community is powered by women lifting each other up.

On the Ground: What I’m Seeing and Hearing
Legacy and Leadership in the Taiwanese Women’s Community
At the 25th anniversary celebration of the Taiwanese Women’s Association, I saw the deep legacy of quiet, consistent work in community building. What struck me most was their shift in focus—from helping new migrants settle, to now supporting the wellbeing of ageing early settlers, while also elevating emerging leaders. It’s a powerful reminder that community development isn’t linear. It’s generational, adaptive, and built on trust.

Cultural Connector Tips: 5 Things to Know When Engaging with Taiwanese Community Groups

  1. Relationships come first – Many initiatives are built on long-term trust and informal networks.

  2. Volunteer-driven ethos – Most groups operate with minimal funding and rely on goodwill.

  3. Women are often the backbone – Women’s groups are key in maintaining cultural, social, and care-giving roles.

  4. Elders hold community history – Engage respectfully with early settlers; they are knowledge-keepers and connectors.

  5. Leadership is emerging in new spaces – Younger generations are stepping up—support their growth while acknowledging the past.

Reflections from the Field

Attending the Taiwanese Women’s Association’s 25th anniversary, I was reminded of how much of our community infrastructure is carried by women—often unpaid, often unseen. They’ve sustained this group for decades through love, food, friendship, and grit. What inspired me most was their shift in vision, not only honouring their past, but also investing in emerging leaders and looking after those who once looked after us. It’s a full-circle moment, and a blueprint for inter-generational strength.