Julia Wallace Retirement Village

Each Ryman village is named in honour of a Kiwi or Aussie trailblazer: Anthony Wilding, Lady Diana Isaac, Evelyn Page. They pushed further and set the bar high for others to aspire to. In creating communities that challenge the expectations of ageing, Ryman villages are also setting the bar high. They’re demonstrating that a retirement lifestyle brimming with new experiences, connections and fulfilment is something we should aspire to. Our Kiwi and Aussie namesakes represent the measure of inspiration, while Ryman villages represent the measure of retirement living.

Julia Wallace (1907–1991)

Local politician and community leader Julia Wallace spent her life working for the good of others. Born in the United States, Julia moved to New Zealand as a child in 1914. She went on to help shape the future of her adopted country.

Julia taught in several high schools before becoming the principal of Palmerston North Girls High School in 1948. In 1959 she was the only woman to be appointed to the Equal Pay Implementation Committee of the public service. Soon after, in 1961, she became the first female president of the New Zealand Post-primary Teachers’ Association. She went on to serve as Palmerston North’s first female city councillor from 1962 – 1968.

Afflicted with a permanent limp following a childhood illness, Julia spent her life advocating for the New Zealand Crippled Children Society. Which was one of the many – many – community and industry groups she served. Her tireless work was formally recognised by her appointment as an OBE in 1968. In 1991, she was awarded a Massey University medal for being ‘one of the region’s most distinguished citizens’. Julia Wallace is remembered fondly for the extensive impact she had on Palmerston North and New Zealand society and politics. A true pioneer, Julia was a resolute force to be reckoned with.