In 1852, the first election in NZ history, voting was restricted to Māori and European men who owned property, and extended in 1867 all Māori and European men.
On 19 September 1893 that women were finally allowed to vote. This was the result of years of protest and lobbying of the men who were in charge of the country.
Aotearoa/New Zealand was the first country in the world to allow women to vote.
This is why Suffrage Day is celebrated on 19 September.
130 years on – this is still something to celebrate. So at AUT we did!
Kristie is wearing retro attire to demonstrate that while the Equal Pay Act came in in 1972 we have still not arrived at Pay Equity 50 years on. There is currently a claim being addressed in a joint working party of the relevant unions (of which TIASA is one) and the University Employers.
Hilary surveys her Suffrage Empire from on high. Hilary wears Victorian garb to illustrate the passage of time – it is 130 years since women were first allowed to vote in NZ – we all need to exercise our right to vote in this years election on 14 October 2023.
Amy, Rachael and Savine are standing strong for women’s suffrage. Thanks for the great support from the library!
Support from feminists who are teaching their students the importance of understanding how hard women in history have had to fight to achieve the rights we have today.
Psychology students who are researching people’s understanding of gender stereotypes. Hilary and I were filmed giving our thoughts as part of their research.
Cheerful supporters!