On September 19, the National Council of Women of New Zealand held a special event at Kate Sheppard Memorial on Oxford Terrace in Christchurch to commemorate 130 years of suffrage in New Zealand.
About 100 people gathered to remember Sheppard, the leading light of the New Zealand women's suffrage movement, and to celebrate the milestone that was achieved that day in the year 1893, when New Zealand became the first self-governing country to grant women the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
Kate Sheppard National Memorial, situated in a landscaped area beside the Avon River, is the only national memorial in Christchurch and the only New Zealand monument depicting the fight for women's suffrage.
Sculpted by Margriet Windhausen, the memorial depicts life-size figures of Kate Sheppard and other leaders of the suffrage movement. A time capsule enclosed in the wall contains a record of the donors and material relevant to women's lives in 1993.
Among the speakers at the event was Dr Sunita Gautam, the first Indian woman on a community board anywhere in New Zealand. In her speech, Dr Gautam paid tribute to Sheppard's legacy and spoke about the importance of diversity in governance.
"Kate Sheppard's words, though spoken in different times, are a beacon of hope for women," Dr Gautam said, “Encouraging us to recognise the profound impact each of us can make when we come together.
"Kate Sheppard, a name that resonated with me as a fearless champion of women's rights, her tireless dedication to the cause of suffrage serves as an enduring reminder that one person's determination to ignite a movement and one woman's vision can change the course of history. Today, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kate Sheppard for laying the path upon which we all stand."
Dr Gautam also acknowledged the contributions of other trailblazers, such as Helen Clark, Jacinda Ardern, Megan Woods, and Lianne Dalziel. She spoke about the importance of breaking down barriers and championing diversity and inclusion in order to create a more equitable New Zealand.
"Suffrage Day serves as a powerful reminder of the progress we have made, the distance yet to travel," Dr Gautam said. "Let us embrace the legacy of Kate Sheppard and all those who stood shoulder-to-shoulder with her.
“Let's pledge to continue their work by breaking down barriers, championing diversity, and building an inclusive, equitable New Zealand."
Another moving highlight of the event was a stirring performance by Nancy McShane, who played Kate Sheppard and enacted her speech. The event concluded with a moving rendition of ‘True Colors’ by Rangi Ruru School Choir.
Those gathered at the event were carrying camellias, which were laid on the memorial afterwards. Suffragists gave white camellias to their supporters to wear in Parliament during the passing of the Electoral Act 1893. Since then, the flower has become the symbol of the New Zealand women's suffrage movement.
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