8 Dec 2025

The clouded legacy of Dr Truby King

From Nights, 9:25 pm on 8 December 2025

Dr Truby King was one of New Zealand's most influential figures in the early 20th century, credited with transforming infant and maternal health through the Plunket Society. 

However, in recent years, his legacy has been clouded somewhat due to his views on eugenics and the role of women.

Emeritus Professor of History Barbara Brookes, who wrote King's entry for the Dictionary of New Zealand Biography, has now written a piece arguing that his views on eugenics were not so clear-cut. 

Dr Truby King

Dr Truby King Photo: NZ History.govt.nz