Women, the Vote and Activism

New Zealand women won the right to vote on 19 September 1893. 125 years on, the Suffrage 125 celebration is an opportunity to remember the suffragists and what they fought for and reflect on women’s rights today. See the Ministry for Women webpage for information about Suffrage 125.

A selection of women’s stories that reflect key issues and activities prominent during three heightened waves of feminist activism.

Women's suffrage petition

Are you related to a woman who signed the 1893 suffrage petition? Find out by searching our database and learn how to add their biography. Recently added biography: Laura von Dadelszen

Suffrage 125 in Te Akomanga

Resources and suggestions to help students engage with the topic of women’s activism in Aotearoa.

Explore zine-making with FeminEast

Zines are usually handmade and self-published. Along with suffragist banners and protestor’s placards, they are a creative form of self-expression, with a history that ties into activism and feminism.

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Suffragist or Suffragette?

Last year I couldn’t vote on election day itself and this saddened me greatly. Having lived overseas for several years, I was looking forward to strolling down to the local school and casting my vote, while being grateful for the ease with which New Zealanders can...

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