The NCW Auckland Branch was formed in 1917 when Ellen Melville invited several Auckland women's societies to send representatives to a meet and discuss common interests. At a second meeting on June 13th, 1917, the Auckland Branch was formed with Ellen Melville as convenor. Auckland's founding organisations were the Civic League, Y.W.C.A., W.C.T.U., Women's National Reserve, The Society for the Protection of Women and Children and the Women's Political League, The Women Teachers Assoc., Women's Mutual Aid and the Girls' Friendly Society.

From the start, NCWNZ was an advocate on behalf of women in the home and in the workplace, whether vulnerable, or strong and capable. They were concerned about the conditions for women industrial workers and supported an eight hour day and a minimum wage. Over the years the focus changed to meet new needs and challenges; issues such as equal pay for equal work, matrimonial law, adoption and the rights of the child.

Still active today, the NCWNZ is an umbrella organisation providing a powerful political network and lobby group that acts at local, national and international levels.