Victoria League in Otago president Christine Bell with fellow members, for their last gathering which ended the league’s 121-year history. After serving the Dunedin community for more than 120 years, the Victoria League in Otago has been wound up. League president Christine Bell said the end had become a reality when the organisation simply ran out of people to run it. The Otago league was New Zealand’s first branch and its volunteers were dedicated to fostering friendship and understanding, hospitality, education and cultural ties among Commonwealth nations. ‘‘Tea, dances and outings and visits — lots of people used to meet through the Victoria League and get married.’’More recently, it had become increasingly difficult to attract younger members and keep the league going, she said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 08, 2026 22:37 UTC