Suffrage marked

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 483, 27 April 1993, Page 5

Suffrage marked

Around 75 Waimarino women commemorated Women's Suffrage in New Zealand by attending a celebrative dinner held at Turoa Lodge in Ohakune on the weekend. A special guest of the evening was former local woman Hannah Wallace, investigative reporter for Television One's Holmes Show. Ms Wallace congratulated New Zealand women for pioneering women's rights worldwide, and presented a video catalogue of a number of courageous women who'd created an impact on her during her career in journalism. "I can't think of a bet-

ter way of telling you what I think is important about this year than to share the energy and courage of these women ... this is what we should be celebrating", she said. The presentation included a brief appearance and word of congratulations from presenter Paul Holmes. In closing Ms Wallace payed tribute to her first and most important role model - her mother. Kay Wallis left the Waimarino in 1988 after many years as public health nurse and had the distinction of being the first woman to be elected to the Waimarino County Council.

"1993 celebrates an important victory, the coming into power of women, but with power comes responsibility - responsibility to ourselves, and to each other", said Ms Wallace. "We've achieved so much ... there still seems to be so much to do." Co-ordinator Peggy Frew acknowledged a donation from the Women's Suffrage Centennial Trust that helped finance the cost of the evening. Those who attended enjoyed a four-course meal catered by Graeme Berry, and entertainment by the allfemale Wellington band, the Hex Crystals.