Women's suffrage in New Zealand

Tribute to the Suffragettes, Christchurch, NZ - cropped

Codlin's the friend

Mrs. K. W. Sheppard (cropped)

Sophia Taylor

Mary Ann Müller

Elizabeth Yates, New Zealand

Women's suffrage in New Zealand refers to the right of women to vote in elections, a significant milestone in the country's history. New Zealand was the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the right to vote, which occurred in 1893.

Historical Background

The movement for women's suffrage in New Zealand began in the late 19th century, influenced by similar movements in other countries. The Women's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) played a crucial role in advocating for women's voting rights. The WCTU, led by prominent suffragist Kate Sheppard, organized petitions and campaigns to raise awareness and support for the cause.

Key Figures

Kate Sheppard is the most well-known figure in the New Zealand women's suffrage movement. Her leadership and dedication were instrumental in the success of the movement. Other notable figures include Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, who advocated for Māori women's suffrage, and Mary Ann Müller, an early suffragist and writer.

The Suffrage Petition

In 1893, a petition with nearly 32,000 signatures was presented to the New Zealand Parliament. This petition was a significant factor in the passing of the Electoral Act 1893, which granted women the right to vote. The petition is one of the largest ever presented to the New Zealand Parliament and is a testament to the widespread support for women's suffrage.

The Electoral Act 1893

The Electoral Act 1893 was a landmark piece of legislation that granted all women in New Zealand the right to vote in parliamentary elections. The Act was passed on 19 September 1893, and women voted for the first time in the general election held on 28 November 1893.

Impact and Legacy

The success of the women's suffrage movement in New Zealand had a profound impact both nationally and internationally. It set a precedent for other countries and inspired suffrage movements worldwide. In New Zealand, it led to increased political participation by women and greater attention to women's issues in politics.

Related Pages

• Kate Sheppard
• Women's Christian Temperance Union (New Zealand)
• Electoral Act 1893
• Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia
• Mary Ann Müller
• History of New Zealand
• Suffrage in New Zealand

See Also

• Women's suffrage
• History of women's rights
• New Zealand politics

External Links

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