The international women's rights organisation Zonta, has appointed its first New Zealand president.

Wellingtonian Lynn McKenzie believes a kiwi president will be beneficial for the group.

" It's good for New Zealand to have someone there, but it's good for the membership to also have a president from a small country. "

Ms McKenzie says her appointment is a real honour, as New Zealand represents only two percent of the group's international population.

The role will help her encourage people to look at how they can improve the status of women worldwide.