New Zealand Marks 132 Years of Women’s Suffrage with Renewed Commitments

New Zealand has marked the 132nd anniversary of Suffrage Day, a historic milestone in global democracy, with Minister for Women Nicola Grigg paying tribute to the nation’s legacy and outlining recent progress for women and girls.

Honouring a Global First

On 19 September 1893, New Zealand became the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote. Minister Grigg emphasised that the anniversary is not only a celebration of past victories but also a reminder of the work still ahead to ensure equality across all areas of society. She noted that Christchurch, the birthplace of the suffrage movement, continues to hold a special place in this legacy.

Closing the Gender Pay Gap

One of the most significant achievements in the past year has been the reduction of the gender pay gap. New Zealand’s gender pay gap has dropped from 8.2 percent to 5.2 percent—the lowest level since reporting began in 1998. This progress follows the launch of the Government’s first gender pay gap calculation toolkit, which gives businesses practical resources to measure and address disparities. A second iteration of the toolkit is already in development, reflecting strong engagement from the private sector.

Women in Leadership

Women’s representation at the top levels of public life remains a cornerstone of equality efforts. For the fifth consecutive year, women account for more than 50 percent of public sector board positions. In addition, nearly 45 percent of board chairs are women, a strong indication of gender balance at leadership levels.

Tackling Online Harm and Empowering Women

Minister Grigg also highlighted the launch of the Free to Lead toolkit, designed to help women navigate online spaces with confidence while addressing the growing challenges of digital harassment. This initiative empowers women to participate more fully in leadership and public discourse without fear of online abuse.

Improving Women’s Health Outcomes

The Government has placed a renewed focus on women’s health services. Key initiatives include extending free breast screening to women aged 70 to 74, a $4.9 million investment to improve access to mental health services for underserved regions, and funding to strengthen the rural health workforce, particularly in frontline mental wellbeing services.

Looking Ahead

While acknowledging New Zealand’s pioneering role in advancing women’s rights, Minister Grigg stressed that achieving “true equality” remains an ongoing journey. She expressed gratitude to all women and girls for their contributions to making New Zealand a more equitable society.

“I want all women to have equal choice and equal opportunities across all areas of life. This Suffrage Day I say thank you to all women and girls for your many contributions that make New Zealand a better place,” she said.

New Zealand’s celebration of Suffrage Day serves as both a reflection on its trailblazing history and a renewed commitment to progress for future generations of women and girls.