Waikato District Council has joined other groups and organisations around the country in commemorating 125 years since women succeeded in obtaining the vote.
A special breakfast was held at Council today which was followed by presentations from guest speakers Tipa Mahuta (Waikato Regional Council deputy chair), Parekawhia McLean (chair of Waikato-Tainui’s parliament Te Whakakitenga o Waikato), Janet Gibb (Waikato District Councillor and Business and Professional Women New Zealand vice president) and Crystal Beavis (Waikato District Health Board member).
The event was organised by a group of staff led by Cr Janet Gibb.
“Today we enjoy the heritage of women’s suffrage and the ability of women to play a pivotal role in our society. It was fantastic to gather as a group today to commemorate the hard-fought battle that women before us took up so we have the rights we do today,” Cr Janet Gibb said of the event.
“Many events will be held throughout the country to commemorate and remember the sacrifices made over the last 125 years. We wanted to recognise this and tell the stories of Waikato women and what suffrage means in today’s world.
A portion of the ticket price will be donated to Business and Professional Women Huntly and Districts for their study grant award which supports women in re-entering education and training.
ENDS
Photo caption:
Guest speakers Tipa Mahuta, Crystal Beavis, MC Betty Connolly, speakers Janet Gibb and Parekawhia McLean.
For more information please contact:
Teresa Hancock
Communications Advisor
Waikato District Council
027 706 5776
communications@waidc.govt.nz
