New Zealand celebrates women's suffrage

The movement was driven by courageous and determined campaigners, including suffrage leader Kate Sheppard. Together, they gathered support across the country and helped secure a reform that would inspire democratic participation around the world. When the Electoral Act was passed in September 1893, New Zealand women gained a voice at the ballot box and the country took a defining step forward.

Today, the spirit of that achievement lives on in the many ways women contribute across New Zealand society. From business and science to government, culture, sport and community leadership, women are helping shape the country New Zealand is today and the future it is working towards.

New Zealand has also seen women break barriers in public life. In 1999, Georgina Beyer became the world's first openly transgender mayor and later a Member of Parliament, while in 2018 former Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern became only the second serving prime minister globally to give birth while in office.

The country continues to focus on creating opportunities for everyone to contribute and succeed. Efforts to support women’s participation and leadership can be seen across government, business and communities, helping to ensure a wider range of skills, perspectives and experiences are represented in decision making.  

Each year on 19 September, New Zealand honours the courage and determination of the people who helped women win the right to vote. It is a moment to celebrate a change that reshaped the nation and to recognise the generations who have carried its spirit forward.

If you're looking for a place where participation, opportunity and the belief in people's potential have long been part of the national story, we know a place.

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‍Photo Credit: 'Kate Sheppard', URL: https://nzhistory.govt.nz/people/kate-sheppard, (Ministry for Culture and Heritage), updated 13-Mar-2018