ZONTA CLUB OF WELLINGTON MEDIA RELEASE

13 September, 2016

Suffrage Day High Tea – Launch of the Digital Version of the Trail of Light

The Zonta Club of Wellington has been working on the Trail of Light and Landmarks Exhibition in conjunction with not only the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul, where the exhibition is permanently housed, but also with the convenor of the former Trust Board, Public Libraries in New Zealand, and the National Council of Women. The three tribute books, which are part of the exhibition, have been digitalized to ensure ease of access and for the benefit of future generations.

President Rayoni Keith said “The Zonta Club of Wellington is very excited that the digital version will be launched at a High Tea to celebrate Suffrage Day, (123 years ago) on Sunday 18 September when High Tea will be served at 2.00pm in the Khandallah Village Hall. Suffrage Day is the anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in New Zealand. Following the launch the website will be publicly available at wellington.recollect.co.nz.”

The ‘Trail of Light’ places on record a tribute to all women by identifying some who have made a tangible difference to the status and well-being of women in New Zealand. ‘Landmarks’ is a time-line of the main legal and social landmarks which have been important steps in improving the well-being and status of women in New Zealand.

Zontian Dame Margaret Sparrow, says, “This installation in the Wellington Anglican Cathedral of St Paul is designed and dedicated as a national tribute to the women of New Zealand; to the contribution they have made to the social, economic, political and spiritual development of the country. It also pays tribute to the legislative and social changes which have made New Zealand a world leader in the advancement of the well-being of women”.

The completed project was unveiled by the Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright, PCNZM, DBE on 19 September 2003, to mark the 110 anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in New Zealand. There is a colourful glass etching with the names of 50 women, a high window etched with 50 significant dates, a memorial plaque and three tribute books.

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