Georgina Abernethy

Georgina Abernethy (née Shorland, 1859–1906) was a New Zealand suffragist and leader of Wesleyan women.

Early life Abernethy was born in Auckland to a carpenter, John Shorland, and his wife (name unknown). Her life centred around the church, where she played music, taught Sunday school and worked on mission projects. On 10 April 1883 she married Christopher Abernethy, who had been born in the Shetland Islands and emigrated to New Zealand at the age of 16.

Adult life The Abernethys were posted to a series of short-term positions at Wesleyan parishes around the country. Initially posted to Hokitika, in 1890 they were living in Balclutha and in 1892 in Gore.