Commemorating Suffrage Day and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori 2024

Issue date 19 September 2024

Tēnā koutou katoa

Today is Suffrage Day, a time to reflect on the progress we have made in the journey towards gender equality and to honour the courageous women who paved the way for the rights we hold today.

While we've made great strides, we acknowledge that the work towards achieving full equality is ongoing. There are still barriers to break down and opportunities to create. The Ministry remains dedicated to supporting women, advocating for equal rights, and strengthening partnerships to foster spaces where women can thrive. As we look ahead, we remain committed to building a future where all women, no matter their background, can succeed.

This week also marks Te Wiki o te Reo Māori, a celebration of te reo Māori as an official language of Aotearoa. The 2024 theme, 'Ake ake ake - A Forever Language', embodies the resilience, adaptability, and enduring spirit of te reo Māori. It highlights our collective commitment to nurturing and embracing this language now and for generations to come.

It's been great to come together with my team to share, learn, and reflect, and see people all around the country embrace and celebrate our cherished taonga - te reo Māori.

Both events are good reminders for us to reflect, acknowledge, and thank all of the incredible trailblazing wāhine, past and present, who have fought tirelessly for the rights of women and girls - the right to vote and have a say in our democracy.

Their legacy continues to inspire and shape the work we do, just as Te Wiki o te Reo Māori encourages us to celebrate the richness of te reo Māori in our daily lives. Ka mau te wehi e ngā wāhine toa!

Wherever you are today, I encourage you to reflect on the incredible progress that has been made, the wāhine who paved the way, and the importance of continuing to push for equality for the next generation. Happy Suffrage Day and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori!

Noho ora mai

Kellie Coombes
Te Tumu Whakarae mō te Wahine
Secretary for Women and Chief Executive