Dress up for Suffrage
Women, men and children are invited to join the re-enactment march to commemorate and celebrate Suffrage 125 in Katikati on Saturday, September
15.
2018 marks the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. On September 19,1893 the Electoral Act 1893 was passed, giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote. As a result of this landmark legislation, New Zealand became the first selfgoverning country in the world in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
Katikati wants to make a visual statement, so everyone is encouraged to dress up in period costume and make placards. A group of local women recently got together for a fun photo shoot. They want to show how easy it is to put together an outfit for the Katikati Suffrage 125 event. Pat McNeil from the Katikati Floral Art group, who organised the occasion at her home says it is easy and inexpensive to create a Victorian look.
“All you need is a long skirt, a blouse and a hat. Accessories could include a shawl, gloves or a parasol.”
March participants will meet at the Uretara Domain at 11.30am on September 15 and march to the Katikati Memorial Hall, where celebrations will follow at 1pm. Former Prime Minister Helen Clark is guest speaker and there will be a short play, A Woman’s Place, written and presented by Di Logan, among other activities.
There will be a best placard competition with a $50 prize. People are encouraged to create placards on current women’s issues, and placards can have a modern twist. Step back in time, dress in period style and join in the fun and re-enactment of an 1893 Suffrage march to the Katikati Memorial Hall.