A Hamilton charity is calling for a piece of legislation crucial to giving women equality in New Zealand to be publicly acknowledged on its 100th anniversary.
On October 29, 1919, the Women's Parliamentary Rights Act passed into law, giving women the ability to stand for election to the House of Representatives. While women had previously been given the right to vote, earlier attempts at getting them the right to stand for election had failed.
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Tuesday marks the centenary of the legislation passing, and Hamilton group TOTI - Theatre of the Impossible Charitable Trust - is calling for it to be given greater public acknowledgement.
While people celebrate the suffrage movement and women being given the right to vote in 1893, the group says many don't know women still weren't able to stand for Parliament.
TOTI member and Hamilton's first female mayor, Margaret Evans, said in a statement the centenary was "extra special not just for women, but for the entire nation, with women now being voted into top positions all over, record numbers in this month's council elections, and Paula Southgate as Hamilton mayor (as well as Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister)".
"It was the 1940s when Hamilton electors finally supported two marvellous women, both social activists in their day and committed to a better future for the people."
Pirihira Kaio, the first Māori woman elected to the Hamilton City Council, noted Dame Hilda Ross (Hamilton's first female councillor and deputy mayor) and Iriaka Ratana (New Zealand's first Māori female MP) as two inspirational figures.
"They were remarkable for their collaboration and their care for the families they represented," Kaio said.
"These were our pioneers, long-serving MPs, colleagues and friends, working together to promote wellbeing and we should remember them. Marking history like this sheds light on the political progress women have made but also inspires others to follow in their footsteps."
TOTI has been working on plans for artwork acknowledging Ross and Ratana. The group works on "creative projects sustainable community benefits, involving 21st century technology & community engagement, integrated artistry & multi-media communication, adding value to the future".
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