September 19 holds extraordinary importance in New Zealand’s political history. Gender equality isn’t a new concept in NZ, and it was on this date in the year 1893 that the governor, Lord Glasgow, signed a new electoral act into law giving all women in NZ the right to vote. As a result, Aotearoa became the first self-governing country in the world to extend this right to all women.
On November 28 1893, 90,290 women cast their votes in the parliamentary elections, a far higher turnout of registered voters (82 percent) than among male voters (70 percent).
Today on the 129th anniversary of this day, also known as Suffrage Day, here’s what current women parliamentarians and leaders have to say about the significance of this historical day, for them and for NZ as a country.
Priyanca Radhakrishnan
Minister for the Community & Voluntary Sector, Diversity, Inclusion & Ethnic Communities, and Youth; Associate Minister for Social Development & Employment and Workplace Relations and Safety
“I chose to migrate to NZ all those years ago for a few different reasons. One of them was because I loved the fact that NZ was the first country where women won the right to vote.
"I worked predominantly in the women's right sector prior to entering Parliament, advocating for change that improves the status of women. It is a privilege to be able to continue to contribute to that work as part of our Government.
"When I walk the halls of parliament, the photos on the wall are a constant reminder of how far we've come – and also how much further we have to go to achieve gender equality for all, including women of colour."
Dr. Ayesha Verrall
Minister for COVID-19 Response, Minister for Research, Science and Innovation, and Minister for Seniors. Associate Minister of Health
"As a female MP and a member of the rainbow community, I never take for granted the mahi done by the woman who stood before me so I am now able to represent the people of New Zealand.
"Growing up in New Zealand I always knew I was lucky, and as I walk through the halls of Parliament today, I still feel lucky.
"I am proud to be in a Party that continues New Zealand’s tradition of championing woman’s rights and to serve a Prime Minister who is a strong and capable woman."
Dr. Megan Woods
Minister of Housing, Minister of Energy and Resources, and Minister of Building and Construction; Associate Minister of Finance
"Happy Suffrage Day - on this day in 1893, NZ led the world when women won the right to vote.
“On a much less noteworthy anniversary - It’s also on this date in 2010 that I was selected to be the NZ Labour Party candidate for Wigram."
Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo
Equal Employment Opportunity Commissioner
.jpg)
“Today marks 129 years since women across Aotearoa NZ fought and earned the right to vote. This unprecedented change came about through a groundbreaking movement forged by a group of mana wahine led by Kate Sheppard.
“It's heartening to know that more people believe in gender equality. The National Council of Women of NZ's latest Gender Attitudes Surveys shows that around 80% of people believe gender equality is a fundamental right.
“While we reflect on how far we’ve come to achieve gender equality, there is still a long way to go for ALL women across Aotearoa NZ to live a life of dignity and become equal!”
Angela O'Leary
Hamilton City Councillor
“Today, we celebrate the 129th commemoration of New Zealand Suffrage Day. It's been 129 years since those giants that went before us won the right for women to vote.
“It's extra special that we celebrate this occasion as we start voting all over the country to elect our next bunch of local government representatives. Let's make sure we all acknowledge the struggles those women faced and use our voices and our votes! Happy Suffrage Day!”
Naisi Chen
Labour List MP
“Kate Sheppard (the leading light of the NZ women's suffrage movement) and the suffragette movement are a source of pride for all New Zealanders. Winning the right to vote was a major step in the pathway to gender equality – something we must continue to fight for today. As part of the largest contingent of women ever elected to Parliament at the 2020 General Election, I feel a sense of hope but also responsibility to advance this cause. As only the second Chinese woman elected to Parliament, I am committed to progress in this space."
Golriz Ghahraman
Green Party MP
“Happy Suffrage, Aotearoa! What a day to honour the past and celebrate our hard-won rights by casting a vote in local elections for progressive, inclusive candidates. We celebrate the wins for equality, those who fought before us, those still fighting in the face of death and torture, and those who will celebrate our wins.”
Nicola Grigg
National Party MP
“Today is Suffrage Day – the day we celebrate NZ becoming the first country in the world to give women the right to vote. Thanks to the bravery of women like Kate Sheppard and the work they did on our behalf leading up to the historic 1893 law change, women like me are not only able to vote but also to become Members of Parliament in NZ's House of Representatives.
“The white camelia became the symbol of the suffragette movement as many supporters wore them in their buttonhole, while opponents wore red. I am privileged to be the National Party's spokesperson for Women and will continue to do everything I can to continue their legacy of pushing for equality and equity for the women of NZ.”
Dr Deborah Russell
Labour Party MP
“It's Suffrage Day! 129 years since women in NZ won their fight for the vote. And what better way to celebrate than by casting your vote in the local body elections.”
ISSUE
