27/11/2025
in 1893, nearly 90,000 women across New Zealand cast their votes for the first time — just weeks after the Electoral Act granted women the right to vote.
It was a groundbreaking moment but voting rights at the time were far from equal.
Women on the general roll voted by secret ballot, while those in Māori electorates had to vote publicly by a show of hands. Eligibility rules also meant Māori women were generally restricted to the Māori roll.
Many communities were excluded altogether — people without British citizenship faced barriers, including Chinese and other Asian residents.
Approximately 94,290 women voted in 1893: 90,290 women on the general roll on 28 November, and about 4,000 more in Māori electorates on 20 December.
This milestone marked the beginning of a journey toward greater equity — one that continues today.
Image: Statement showing number of women on [general] rolls and those who voted, 1893. Archives reference: R24761508
