Gertrude Helen Benson

Gertrude Helen Benson (née Rawson, 25 January 1886 – 20 February 1964) was a New Zealand professor of home science.

Early life and education Benson was born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, on 25 January 1886, to Agnes Annie Cragg and her husband, Joseph Cordingley Rawson. Rawson was a cotton-spinner. Benson attended school in Bradford before embarking on the Natural Science Tripos through Newnham College.

University of Otago and international involvement After completing a postgraduate diploma in household and social science from King's College, London, Benson was appointed as a lecturer in chemistry and household and social economics in the School of Home Sciences at the University of Otago from 1911.

Benson was actively involved in the resettlement of refugees in New Zealand in the 1930s, and lectured on international affairs through the Workers' Educational Association.