Public Roles, Private Lives: John Hall and Kate Sheppard at Home

133 Years of Suffrage: Two Homes, Two Stories

To mark the 133rd anniversary of women’s suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand, discover the story of Aotearoa New Zealand’s women’s suffrage campaign leaders from the homes of Kate Sheppard and Sir John Hall.

This special two-part experience exploring the lives and remarkable political partnership of Kate Sheppard and Sir John Hall will be held on two consecutive weekends.

Part I — Event at Kate Sheppard House 1.30pm, Sunday 20 September 2026

Begin at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, where Helen Osborne, Property Lead of Kate Sheppard House and historian Kate Foster, great-granddaughter of Sir John Hall will share the story of these two influential suffrage advocates.

Hear how their very different lives, convictions and experiences brought them together in the campaign for women’s political rights. Prior or following the talk, take a tour of Kate Sheppard’s home and discover the place where she lived, worked and helped shape the campaign that led to women winning the vote in 1893 and enjoy the spring garden.

Talk by Helen Osborne & historian Kate Foster + house tour & spring garden

Part II —Event at Terrace Station 12pm, Sunday 27 September 2026

The following weekend, continue the story with a visit to Terrace Station near Hororata, the historic home of Sir John Hall . The afternoon will begin with your self-catered picnic in the garden, with complimentary tea and coffee provided by Terrace Station.

Kate Foster will then share the story of Sir John’s remarkable work with the campaign for women’s suffrage. You will get to view Sir John Hall’s office, where his personal suffrage paperwork and memorabilia will be on display. Then you are welcome to explore the other display areas, look into the front rooms of the Hall family home and walk around the extensive gardens.

This is an excellent opportunity to experience the historic setting associated with one of the key political allies in New Zealand’s suffrage story. (Please note: the house itself is not open to visitors.)

BYO picnic, talk by Kate Foster, view Sir John Hall’s office & gardens

Follow the story from one historic home to another.

Tickets for the two experiences can be purchased separately, allowing you to attend one or both parts of this unique suffrage story.

More information about these events and tickets available here

Original information provided by Lily Shields