New Zealand Women's Auxiliary Air Force

The Women's Auxiliary Air Force was the female auxiliary of the Royal New Zealand Air Force during the Second World War. Established in 1941, it began with an initial draft of 200 women, reaching a peak strength of about 3,800, with a total of about 4,750 women passing through its ranks, of who more than 100 achieved commissioned officer rank.

The majority of WAAFs were quickly demobilised after the end of the war in 1945, but a small number remained, and under the terms of the Air Force Amendment Act 1947 became a permanent part of the peacetime establishment of the RNZAF.

In 1954 the WAAF was renamed the Women's Royal New Zealand Air Force. In July 1977 the WRNZAF was dissolved, and all members were integrated into the RNZAF, gaining equal pay and employment rights, and access to more trades and training.

Restrictions on women serving as aircrew were lifted in the 1980s, and the first female pilot qualified in 1988. By 2008 there were four female wing commanders and one group captain.

In March 2016 17% of RNZAF personnel were women.