The Stout Research Centre was funded by a bequest from John David Stout, an academic scientist. His sister Vida Stout was also an academic scientist, and their parents, Dr Duncan Stout and Agnes Pearce, were a military doctor and the head of women ambulance drivers at a New Zealand hospital in England during World War I. Their grandparents, Premier Sir Robert Stout, after whom the Centre was named, and Anna, Lady Stout, were prime movers in the suffrage movement.

In this talk, Steven Loveridge introduces the Centre and Jane Tolerton looks at the Stout family members as participants in their own generation’s issues.

This talk was presented as part of Whakanuia Celebrate 125—Heritage Open Day, which was held at Kelburn campus on Saturday 5 November to celebrate our 125th anniversary.