20 JUNE 2018

The public will get to decide who is on the guest list for a special event celebrating 125 years of suffrage in the Waikato on 19th September 2018.

‘Waikato 125’ is an initiative that will pay tribute to women from the Waikato both from the past, and present day, to commemorate the anniversary of suffrage. The project will gather historical stories of what life was like for women in the Waikato 125 years ago.

It will also celebrate on suffrage day a special high tea celebration for the 125 Waikato women nominated through the public process.

The project is being driven by Hamilton City Councillor Angela O’Leary to mark the 125th anniversary of suffrage in New Zealand, with a unique Waikato aspect.

“When I thought about the women of the Waikato 125 years ago I wondered what life would have been like for them, what struggles they faced, and what kept them awake at night?” O’Leary said.

“And I knew I had to come up with a project to celebrate this significant milestone”.

“I then thought about some of the local women I know today and I wondered how much has actually changed for women in the Waikato”.

“This project is about gathering the stories from Waikato women from the past, and finding out what their hopes and dreams for women today were” she said.

As well as nominations for the guest list of 125 women, the project is also looking for students to take part in the creation of the ‘Waikato 125’ Koru.

“This part of the project offers Waikato students 13 years and older an opportunity to learn about suffrage. They’ll also get to meet some of this regions pioneering women from all walks of life” O’Leary said.

Students who love art and want to play a part in the celebration will spend the day learning about the art of porcelain decoration, enamelling and firing and will decorate and message the handmade porcelain Koru that will be gifted to the 125 nominees on the day.

Public nominations for the 125 women and students interested in being a part of the Koru creation should register at www.waikato125.co.nz

For more information go to: www.waikato125.co.nz

ENDS.

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