September 19 has extraordinary importance in New Zealand’s political history. On September 19 1893, the governor, Lord Glasgow, signed a new Electoral Act into law giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote. As a result, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world to extend this right to all women.
On the 128th anniversary of this day, also known as Suffrage Day, here's what our current women Parliamentarians have to say about the significance of this historical day in New Zealand's politics.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and Youth, as well as Associate Minister for Social Development and Employment
“As someone who's worked for most of my life in the women's rights space, the fact that New Zealand was the first self-governing country in the world where women won the right to vote was one of the reasons I chose to migrate here.
Suffrage day is an opportunity to reflect on how far we've come with regard to women in politics, and leadership positions more broadly, and to reflect on the work we still need to do.
“I am proud that today, New Zealand’s Parliament has nearly 50% women, and is one of the most diverse parliaments in the world. It's important to ensure that the voices of all women are represented at the different levels of decision-making, and that includes ethnic women. We know that diverse groups make stronger decisions, and decisions that are relevant to a broad cross-section of people.”
Jenny Salesa, Assistant Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee
“From the Electoral Law of 1893, New Zealand became the first country in world democracies to allow women to vote and has remained a trailblazer in women’s suffrage. Since the beginning of the 21st century, women have held key positions in our democracy including prime ministers, governors-general, a speaker of the House of Representatives, an attorney general and chief justices.
“At the 2017 election, 38 per cent of our elected Members of Parliament were female, compared to just 9 per cent in 1981. At our 2020 election, this grew to 48 per cent, and I certainly believe this will continue to improve as more and more women become involved in politics.
“Our current Labour Government encourages women's participation avidly as evidenced by 55 per cent of its current MPs being women. As a female MP, I stand proud of our country's history in advancing women's ability to vote and actively participate in politics. We have come a long way from 1893 and we can only get better from here."
Judith Collins, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the New Zealand National Party
“On 128 years of women's suffrage in New Zealand and as leader of the National Party, I am particularly conscious of just how far we have come. I'm also reminded of how important democracy is and how we must never be complacent about it.
“We have seen recently in Afghanistan how progress and women’s rights can be so quickly taken away. I’m thinking of the women who fought for our rights and those women around the world still fighting for theirs.”
Vanushi Walters, Labour Party Member of Parliament for Upper Harbour
“When the Electorate Act was passed in 1893, New Zealand became the first self-governing country to give women the right to vote. The 19th of September if a day for all of us, regardless of our gender identity, to reflect on the powerful wahine who advocated towards this significant moment in New Zealand’s history. It’s also a chance to reflect on all that still remains to be done for women’s rights and the role we all hold as advocates going forward.”
Liz Craig, Labour Party Member of Parliament based in Invercargill
On 19 September 1893, the Electoral Act 1893 was passed – giving all New Zealand women the right to vote. On Suffrage Day I often think of my great grandmother, Rachael Marsden, who signed the original suffrage petition in Dunedin. As a widow, Rachael was left to raise her children alone when her husband William died, a formidable task at a time when there were few social safety nets. Rachael’s courage despite the adversity she experienced is a testimony to the strength of NZ women.”
Barbara Kuriger, National Party MP for Taranaki-King Country and spokesperson on Agriculture, Energy & Resources, and Food Safety
On Suffrage Day, I reflect on the fact that I am the 126th woman MP in New Zealand history. We're beyond that number now and beyond many injustices of the past. But as number 126, I'll continue the fight every day for woman’s equality in New Zealand.”