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The Fight for Women's Suffrage in New Zealand
The Fight for Women’s Suffrage in New Zealand
From the early 1880s through to 1893, petitions demanding women’s right to vote were presented to both Houses of Parliament. These petitions were driven by the tireless efforts of Kate Sheppard and the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, who led a determined seven‑year campaign for women’s suffrage.
Women across the country travelled long distances to attend lectures and add their names to petitions. In 1893 alone, 13 petitions were submitted—though only one has survived. In an historic occasion, Sir John Hall, Member of Parliament and supporter of women’s suffrage, dramatically unrolled the petition down the centre aisle of the chamber.
Waimakariri’s Contribution
The surviving petition includes signatures from women across the Waimakariri District - Ashley, Clarkville, Cust, Horrelville, Kaiapoi, Leithfield, Ohoka, Rangiora, Saltwater Creek, Sefton, Southbrook, Waikuku, West Eyreton, Woodend, and beyond.
Among them were some of the district’s earliest female settlers, including members of the Ayers, Judson, Stanton, and Gibbs families. Notably, one of the forms bears the signature of Mrs M. Rangiora of Rangiora, one of the few Māori women known to have signed the petition.
A World First
On 19 September 1893, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the Electoral Bill into law, making New Zealand the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote in general elections. Less than two months later, over 109,000 women proudly enrolled to cast their ballots. By contrast, many other democracies did not extend voting rights to women until after World War I.
Commemorating Suffrage Day
Every year on 19 September, New Zealand marks Suffrage Day—a celebration of the courage, persistence, and vision of the women who fought to secure equal voting rights. Their legacy continues to inspire generations in the ongoing pursuit of equality.
Thanks to the strong women of the Waimakariri District for their contribution to that historic event.
You can search our Waimakariri Libraries Heritage website to view all of the Women's Suffrage Petition Roll forms for the Waimakariri District.