The Fair Sect

The Fair Sect were likely New Zealand's first all-female rock group, forming as they did in Auckland in 1965. The band members were Linda Williams (guitar/organ/vocals), Faye Reid (guitar/vocals), Val Tapene (bass/vocals), and Norma Stacey (drums/lead vocals). The released their debut single, "Kimberley" b/w "Never Again," in 1966. When Stacey moved to the front of the band, male member Ian MacIntosh was briefly brought on board and during his short stint with the band they were renamed The Fair Sect Plus One, who so-billed released "I Love How You Love Me" b/w "Mohair Sam." In 1968 both Stacey and McIntosh left the band and were replaced by Gaylene Aro and Pat Rewai, respectively. Rewai was replaced by Jenny Parkinson, who sang on 1968's "High Flying Bird" b/w "Big Spender." Parkinson was replaced by Mary Bradfield and in 1969 they released "Rattler" b/w "Bye, Bye Baby," which had been recorded with Rewai on lead vocals a year earlier. They relocated to Australia in 1970. Williams left and was replaced by June Littin and Bradfield left and was replaced by Kaye Wolfgramm. This line-up, with Faye Reid as the only original member, lasted until 1972. Wolfgramm next appeared singing in the band Cruise Lane. Gray resurfaced in Noazark. Littin co-authored Maria Dallas's "Pinocchio," a Kiwi chart-topper in 1970.