Porirua City is celebrating 25 of its influential wāhine as part of the national commemoration marking 125 years of women’s suffrage.

The city asked residents to nominate women who have made a positive difference to Porirua, and 25 have been selected.

They are: Barbara Donaldson, Rebecca Morahan, Pania Houkamau. Simone Workman, Jenny Taotua, Maisy Bentley, Marilyn Baigent, Tracey Johnson, Elizabeth Iona, Folole Esera, Melisha Isaako, Judy McKoy, Ondine Souter, Viv Morton, Shona Bowman, Leautuli Sauvao, Ainslie Sauvao, Sue Robbie, Te Rerehu (Lily) Nicholls, Maria (Mia) Uluilelata, Epirosa Fuimaono, Joanna Alderdice, Nicole Robson, Hinemoa Metekingi and Heniaka August.

The wāhine have been invited to attend the Miromoda Runway Show at Pātaka this Saturday as VIP guests.

Deputy Mayor Izzy Ford said it was not surprising to see how many nominations were received, and it wasn’t easy to select just 25.

“Our city is full of wonderful wāhine from all walks of life who make a difference to the people around them – and we thank them all.”

This celebration is one of many events being held nationwide to mark 125 years since New Zealand women won the right to vote – making New Zealand the first self-governing country to grant this.

Councillor Anita Baker says celebrating local wāhine in 2018 serves as a thank you to the brave women from New Zealand’s history who paved the way for the rights and freedoms we enjoy today.

“Our city is full of influential, successful women who help make it the special place it is. We want to celebrate those people, while also reflecting on the past and how we got to where we are.”

Councillor ‘Ana Coffey said the celebration was about past, present and future.

“Porirua is a growing city and our wāhine are not just contributing to its development but creating legacies for our young people.

“Just as the suffragettes did 125 years ago, women today continue to push boundaries and challenge the status quo to create a bright future for the generations that follow.”

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