In Auckland, influential wāhine (women) such as Kate Sheppard, Mary Ann Müller and Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, among others, led the charge for women’s right to vote in elections
On Suffrage Day immerse yourself in the rich history of women’s empowerment and explore these artworks around Tāmaki Makaurau that recognise women’s efforts for equality.
1. Corban Heritage Wall
The latest chapter in the Corban Heritage Wall will be unveiled at Corban Estate Arts Centre on Women’s Suffrage Day, Thursday 19 Sep 2024, 4:00PM - 6:00PM.
Join this celebratory event, honouring the spirit and strength of the incredible women behind the Corban Estate Winery. Sharon Alexander, great-granddaughter of matriarch Najibie Corban, will share timeless family anecdotes passed down through generations.
Najibie Corban in the vineyard.
She will also highlight the inspirational story of her mother, Miriam Corban, a recipient of the New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal in 1993.
Sharon recalls her mother’s unique blend of strength and humility:
“Mum always believed in equality — she was raised with three older brothers who treated her like one of the boys. She thought women could do anything, which was quite a departure from the typical patriarchal customs of our heritage,” Sharon says.
Miriam’s dedication to community and family was unwavering, from advocating for natural childbirth in the 1950s, to leading the charge for improved obstetric services at Waitakere Hospital in the 1990s.
If you can’t make the event on Suffrage Day, you can still learn about the legacy of the Corban women, and the fearless suffragettes who paved the way for future generations, by visiting the Corban Heritage Wall, supported with funding from Auckland Council, Monday to Saturday during opening hours.
2. 1001 Spheres
Head to Monte Cecelia Park in Hillsborough to marvel at 1001 Spheres, a piece of public art dedicated to gender equality in New Zealand.
This interactive stainless-steel sculpture references a quote from Kate Sheppard: “We are tired of having a ‘sphere’ doled out to us and of being told that anything outside that sphere is ‘unwomanly’.
Created by artist Chiara Corbelletto, the sculpture celebrates the contribution of women in all spheres of life and is an expression of infinite possibilities.
1001 Spheres.
3. Beacon
Created by Lang Ea, Beacon is an award-winning, circular sculpture in polished stainless steel that reflects the historical achievements of the suffrage movement while lighting the way for the women of today.
Located at Milford Reserve, Beacon honours the chosen violet colour adopted by the suffrage movement to represent dignity and self-respect, with a violet-hued reflection at its camellia-shaped centre capturing light during the day. A gentle violet light also illuminates the sculpture from dusk until 10pm each night.
Beacon artwork.
4. Women's Suffrage Mural
Heading into the city centre on Women’s Suffrage day?
Be sure to check out the iconic Women’s Suffrage Mural by Jan Morrison and Claudia Pond Eyley; created in 1993 to mark the centenary of women voting, the mural is made up of 2,000 coloured tiles mounted onto the sides of the Te Hā O Hine Place stairs as 12 separate mosaic panels.
5. The Suffrage Memorial Mural of New Lynn
Or if you’re going west be sure to stop by Sally Griffin’s The Suffrage Memorial Mural of New Lynn - a modernist mural featuring some of the heroes of the suffrage movement – Amey Daldy, Harriet Morrison, Kate Shepperd, Meri Te Tai Mangakāhia, and more.
6. Mahi Tahi
For another incredible artistic rendering of the suffrage movement, check out Jae Kang’s Mahi Tahi, a kinetic sculpture at Pukekohe’s Town Square that represents the journey towards women’s suffrage through the rhythmic, flowing movement of ribbons – a symbol commonly used by suffragettes in the 1800s.
7. Soapbox
Or pop over to Takapuna’s Killarney Park for a modern take on the functional soapboxes used by suffragettes to spread messages about the vote for women with Soapbox, by Jasmax, Olivia Collinson, Vanessa Coxhead, Stephanie Darlington, Prue Fea, Jayne Kersten and Madeleine Racz.
Soapbox artwork.
8. Women's Suffrage Memorial
Located in the adorable gem Wahine Toa Park, in the suburb of Three Kings, this memorial commemorates the local women who campaigned for women's suffrage. Designed by artists Matthew van Sturmer and Carmen Sosich, the sculpture was commissioned by the Puketāpapa Local Board and Auckland Council.
The design is an abstract depiction of the camellia, the symbol of the suffrage movement in New Zealand in the nineteenth century. The base of the flower is inscribed with the names of the local women who signed the 1893 petition to parliament requesting the vote for women. A nearby plaque records the names of Mt Roskill women who have been elected to local and central government, including former prime minister Helen Clark.
The Women’s Suffrage Memorial was unveiled on 19 September 2013, the 120th anniversary of women gaining the vote in New Zealand.
