{"id":16040,"date":"2012-09-19T06:30:01","date_gmt":"2012-09-18T18:30:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/helenlowe.info\/blog\/?p=16040"},"modified":"2012-09-18T20:11:07","modified_gmt":"2012-09-18T08:11:07","slug":"today-is-womens-suffrage-day-in-aotearoa-new-zealand","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/helenlowe.info\/blog\/2012\/09\/19\/today-is-womens-suffrage-day-in-aotearoa-new-zealand\/","title":{"rendered":"Today is Women’s Suffrage Day in Aotearoa-New Zealand"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>

Kate Sheppard Memorial (still there, post quakes!)<\/p><\/div>\n

Yes, on this very day, in 1893, New Zealand women achieved the vote.<\/p>\n

New Zealand was not only the first country in the world to grant women suffrage “at all” (although I believe the state of Wyoming in the US granted women the state legislature vote in 1869), but granted it to all women, regardless of age, class or race. (Quite right, I hear you cry, but also understand that was not always the case.<\/p>\n

“Canterbury had an integral part to play in the Women\u2019s Suffrage campaign. Both the leader of the women\u2019s campaign for women\u2019s votes, Kate Sheppard, and the leader of the Parliamentary campaign, Sir John Hall, were Canterbury people.” <\/em>(Source: Christchurch.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Kate Sheppard, who led the campaign for the vote<\/p><\/div>\n

Something to be proud of, neh? And I am proud of it—although with women’s wages still lagging at around 85% (a very ’rounded’ average) behind those of men, and the continuing prevalence of violence against women in society, including family and domestic violence, the work of suffragists such as Kate Sheppard is far from done.<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

Suffrage Events in Christchurch Today:<\/strong><\/h3>\n

5.30 pm at the Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Mall: A Suffrage Day Event–Rebuild our Vote for our Schools, City and Environment<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Here’s the Panui:<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>“We are arranging a community, family-friendly event to Rebuild Suffrage on Suffrage Day 19 September–this Wednesday 5.30- 6.30 at the Bridge of Remembrance<\/strong> in central Christchurch.<\/p>\n

The goal is launch a new petition for democratic decision making for our schools, our city and our environment.<\/p>\n

Why? Three big changes have removed meaningful local democracy:<\/p>\n

1. A sweeping array of school closures and mergers threatens to take the heart of many communities away. These school communities have supported us and our children through disaster. Some ideas may be welcomed, others not. Many communities need much more time and support and information. School communities should debate and vote for their school futures via school board elections!<\/p>\n

2. Real decision making power has been taken from the voters for Christchurch City Council and given to an unelected Government body CERA with no plan in sight for how this power will be returned. We may not have all agreed with the City Council, but it was ours! Local democracy and city votes must be at the heart of our rebuild!<\/p>\n

3. We have lost our right to vote for our Regional Council ECan, which makes decisions about our children\u2019s environment, water, air and public transport. If Government-appointed Commissioners are doing a good job, let them stand for election to win our support!<\/p>\n

To recover from disaster we must take people with us. Our tamariki need to grow up with a clean environment, local schools and to be listened to with respect in rebuilding their city. It is undemocratic, unwise and unfair to force rushed change, and experiments while removing our voice. Change must be achieved with the people’s vote through our school boards, city council and regional council.<\/p>\n

If you share our concern come along to launch the petition \u2018Kids Vote Canterbury\u2019 on 19 September, Suffrage Day, at the Bridge of Remembrance.<\/p>\n

An online petition will also be available shortly.<\/p>\n

Bring \/ Wear\/Pledge:<\/strong><\/p>\n

–Bring<\/em> white, purple and green balloons for Suffrage Day
\n–Wear<\/em> a white camellia
\n–Bring<\/em> along some signs, or come down early and make some!
\n–Pledge<\/em> to support suffrage for our children, city and region by signing our petition ‘VOTECANTERBURYKIDS’
\n–Bring<\/em> your families!! This is a community and family-friendly event. \ud83d\ude42<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Follow us on twitter: https:\/\/twitter.com\/votecanterburyk<\/a>
\nFacebook:http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/events\/113307418819925\/?ref=ts<\/a>
\nWebsite: http:\/\/votecanterburykids.wordpress.com\/<\/a> ”<\/p>\n

—<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>7.30 pm: Middleton Grange School—Join Women on Air for their celebration of Suffrage Day<\/a> & the end of 20 years of broadcasting!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

The event will include:<\/p>\n