The first class was taught by judo black belt Sue Lytollis at a feminist arts festival in Christchurch in 1979. Sue developed her programmes in partnership with the YWCA throughout the 1980s; drawing on her martial arts and feminist knowledge she created a new brand of self defence suited to the realities of violence against women.

In the 1980s Sue began training other women to teach. This influx of newly trained teachers led to the birth of four different women’s self-defence networks: Sue Lytollis Self Defence, Whakamaru Tinana (a kaupapa Māori women’s self-defence network), Positive Action and the Women’s Self Defence Network – Wāhine Toa (WSDN – WT). These groups worked together throughout the 1990s to develop national standards and nationwide availability of self-defence courses for women and girls.

With their powers combined, Alison, Cerridwyn and Mary organised the South Island’s first self-defence teacher training in Riverton in 1988. Eighteen women attended from around the South Island and Positive Action sent four women from the North Island. The teachers in the south continued to meet every six months or so for professional development, and the Southern Women’s Self Defence Network (SWSDN) was born.

SWSDN became the Women’s Self Defence Network – Wāhine Toa when it was legally constituted in 1990 as an incorporated society with charitable status. In the mid-2000s WSDN – WT became the single national self-defence network, encompassing women from all of the early networks.

Hapaitia te ara tika pūmau ai te rangatiratanga mō ngā uri whakatipu
Foster the pathway of knowledge to strength, independence and growth for future generations

Taha Hinengaro & Taha Whānau:
This whakataukī calls us to clear the way and uplift others, especially our tamariki and mokopuna, by embedding strong, values-based pathways. It speaks to intergenerational wellbeing and leadership. By building resilience and mental strength and collective legacy within whānau, we lay a foundation that protects future wellbeing.

Applications for our mahi:
Creating safe, empowering environments where people can grow in confidence and self-awareness strengthens their ability to protect themselves and others.

Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini
My success is not mine alone, it is the success of the collective

Taha Whānau:
A celebration of collective strength. It reminds us that true resilience and wellbeing come from our connections. In healing and hauora (health and wellbeing) journeys, we rely on our people, kaumātua (elderly and wise), rangatahi (youth), pakeke (adult) to uplift and carry each other.

Applications for our mahi:
Safety is a shared responsibility. Collective vigilance, open kōrero, and awhi (support) strengthen our protection systems.

He hono tangata e kore e motu, ka pā he taura waka e motu
Unlike a canoe rope, a human bond cannot be severed

Taha Wairua & Taha Whānau:
This whakataukī is steeped in spiritual and relational depth. It acknowledges that human connections, especially whakapapa and whanaungatanga, endure beyond time and space. Even when tested, these bonds offer comfort and healing.

Applications for our mahi:
Support networks are vital. Those recovering from trauma, violence or adversity often rely on strong whānau or peer relationships to reclaim their sense of safety and self-worth.

Whaowhia te kete mātauranga
Fill the basket of knowledge

Taha Hinengaro & Taha Wairua:
This whakataukī encourages lifelong learning, both practical and spiritual. Mātauranga is a taonga (treasure) that strengthens identity, enhances decision-making, and protects wellbeing. For Māori, knowledge is not separate from spirit or culture.

Applications for our mahi:
Knowledge is protection. When people know their rights, understand their emotions, and are educated about dangers, they’re more equipped to keep themselves and others safe.