The group chatting as they made their way to the reception.
Just before the reception, they received a call from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.
They also met leader of the opposition Simon Bridges.
Meghan enjoyed meeting Majed and Rebecca from Pomegranate Kitchen. The pair said they were "honoured to meet the Duke and Duchess of Sussex. We chatted with Meghan about her favourite recipes from her cookbook, and with Harry about the power of food to bring people together." Pomegranate is a social enterprise producing delicious food cooked by former refugees who are now Wellington locals.
2018 marks the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand. On 19 September 1893 the Electoral Act 1893 was passed, giving all women in New Zealand the right to vote. As a result of this landmark legislation, New Zealand became the first self-governing country in the world in which all women had the right to vote in parliamentary elections.
One beautiful project is a permanent mosaic at the Heretaunga Women's Centre. Spanning 10 meters and showcasing thirty-two figures in total (including Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and her baby Neve!), the mosaic has been beautifully integrated into the Centre's surroundings.
Back in February, Meghan discussed empowering women at the inaugural Royal Foundation Forum. "Women don't need to find a voice. They have a voice. They need to feel empowered to use it and people need to be encouraged to listen." The quote resonated and I knew that day Meghan would not only meet expectations, she would exceed them, and that is what she has continued to do every day since. Tonight, she delivered her third speech of the tour, speaking passionately about women's suffrage and feminism. Given the unceasing pace of this tour, it's not always possible to properly digest each event and the significance of the speeches the Duchess is giving. When we consider the depth, substantive content and flawless delivery of each speech, from a woman who has been a member of the Royal family for a mere five months, it's enormously impressive. This isn't occurring by chance either; it's down to hard work and meticulous research and preparation. I can only imagine what Meghan's speech tonight will mean to the Suffrage 125 campaign. Emily Andrews revealed Meghan also wrote the speech.
The Duchess greeted guests with "tēnā kotou katoa," receiving an enthusiastic round of applause for her Māori language efforts. "The achievements of the women in New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in their world to achieve it, are universally admired. Women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness. Suffrage is not only about the right to vote, but also what that represents."
Meghan's full speech:
'We are proud to be able to join you tonight in celebrating the 125th anniversary of women's suffrage in your country. The achievements of the women of New Zealand who campaigned for their right to vote, and were the first in the world to achieve it, are universally admired.
In looking forward to this very special occasion, I reflected on the importance of this achievement, but also the larger impact of what this symbolises. Because Yes - women's suffrage is about feminism, but feminism is about fairness," she said.
Suffrage is not simply about the right to vote but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of being able to participate in the choices for your future and that of your community; the involvement and voice that allows you to be a part of the very world that you are a part of.
And women's suffrage is not simply about the right to vote for women, but also about what that represents: the basic and fundamental human right of all people including those members of society who have been marginalised whether for reasons of race, gender, ethnicity or orientation to be able to participate in the choices for their future and their community.
So bravo New Zealand, for championing this right a hundred and twenty-five years ago for the women who well deserve to have an active voice and acknowledged vote and for all the people that this effort has paved the way for globally, we all deeply thank you.
In the words of your suffragette, Kate Sheppard, 'all that separates, whether of race, class, creed or sex, is inhuman and must be overcome'."
According to Newshub: "Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern could be seen leaning forward to tell Meghan her speech was 'perfect' as she returned to Prince Harry's side after the speech." I thought it very fitting for a female prime minister and a female governor-general to be there tonight.
More from New Zealand history:
'Sheppard travelled the country, writing to newspapers, holding public meetings and lobbying members of Parliament. Opposition was fierce. As Wellington resident Henry Wright wrote, women were ‘recommended to go home, look after their children, cook their husbands’ dinners, empty the slops, and generally attend to the domestic affairs for which Nature designed them’; they should give up ‘meddling in masculine concerns of which they are profoundly ignorant’.
In 1893 Kate Sheppard and her fellow suffragists gathered the signatures of nearly 32,000 women to demonstrate the groundswell of support for their cause. A 270-m-long petition – then the largest ever presented to Parliament – was unrolled across the chamber of the House with dramatic effect. Despite the opposition of Premier Richard Seddon, the Electoral Act 1893 was passed by both houses of Parliament and became law on 19 September. The news took New Zealand by storm and inspired suffrage movements all over the world.
Kate Sheppard continued to work at home and abroad for women’s rights – from contraception to freedom from the corset. She became president of the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCW) and editor of The White Ribbon, the first newspaper in New Zealand to be owned, managed and published solely by women. In 1909 she was elected honorary vice-president of the International Council of Women.
Sheppard outlived two husbands, her only son, and her only grandchild. She died on 13 July 1934, a year after the first woman MP, Labour’s Elizabeth McCombs, entered Parliament.'
Sheppard's contribution has been acknowledged on the $10 note and a commemorative stamp.
This is the first sheet of the giant suffrage petition signed by ‘Mary J. Carpenter and 25,519 Others’ that was submitted to Parliament on 28 July 1893. Suffrage leader Kate Sheppard’s signature appears about halfway down the left column.
More from NZ History:
"For Māori women, supporting these petitions meant appealing to a colonial government, which was problematic, but for some it might’ve been a step towards reclaiming the political power they had lost."
Below, ‘Lady voters’ approaching the polling booth at the Drill Hall in Rutland Street, just off Queen Street, Auckland, on 6 December 1899. Despite its striking novelty in international terms, the presence of women at the polling booths – if not yet on the hustings or in Parliament – soon became an accepted part of New Zealand’s political scene. The number of women enrolled as electors climbed steadily from 109,461 in 1893 to 163,215 in 1899 and to 212,876 in 1905."
The Duchess was the picture of elegance in a navy cocktail Gabriela Hearst dress.
It appears Meghan's dress is a custom version of the Herve dress. Rendered in silk, the $2,495 dress features a square neckline, tank straps, and an A-line silhouette. The addition of cap sleeves to Meghan's piece gives it's a very 1950s feel.
Meghan wore a beautiful necklace with a traditional māori design. The eagle-eyed Perth Fashion identified the piece as the Tattoo Diamond Pendant by Jessica McCormick. Emily Andrews suggests it may have been a gift given earlier today. The $17,400 diamond pendant takes inspiration from the New Zealand Maori Koru tattoo. Each spiral motif is hand-set with variously sized brilliant-cut diamonds, culminating in a single stone at its centre, mounted in 18k gold, complete with 18k gold fine chain.
Inspired by the ancient Maori art form of Ta Moko this collection symbolises new life, strength and peace. The perfect wearable talisman.
More on the piece:
"All jewellery is handmade in London, hallmarked and individually engraved with a serial number. Each individual piece is supplied with an Authenticity Certificate from Jessica McCormack."
Meghan also accessorised with her Birks Snowflake Large Round Jacket Earrings.
It's been another jam-packed day. Click here for the post on Harry and Meghan's afternoon in Wellington. Meghan opted for a Karen Walker trench and ASOS dress.
And the post on Harry and Meghan's Sydney departure is here.
Tomorrow's Schedule, Monday 29 October:
- The Duke and Duchess will visit one of Wellington’s most iconic cafes. Their Royal Highnesses will meet young people from a number of mental health projects operating in New Zealand offering support to other young people through helplines, social media, websites and school-based programmes.
- From Wellington, the Duke and Duchess will travel to Abel Tasman National Park, which sits at the north-eastern tip of the South Island, and is an area famed for its golden beaches and native bush walks. Their Royal Highnesses will be greeted by a traditional welcome ceremony on arrival, before embarking on a trail walk with one of the park’s rangers to learn more about the history of the forest and the environmental challenges of protecting the park’s habitat. Before departing, the Duke and Duchess will join some of the park’s young ambassadors and local school children at a barbeque lunch and for a tree planting.
- That evening back in Wellington, the couple will visit Courtenay Creative for an event celebrating the city’s thriving creative arts scene. Courtney Creative runs programmes to give young people the tools and experience to excel in the film industry, and the Duke and Duchess will meet a number of young creatives demonstrating their skills in props, make-up, and costume.
Did you enjoy day one in New Zealand?
What color is her dress?
ReplyDeleteI assume it’s black - NZ’s national colour!
DeleteAccording to the website to buy it it is navy.
DeleteHarry's suit is Navy. Side by side it is obvious Meghan is wearing black, not Navy. It is close to what is called "midnight blue"
DeleteThat is the best fitting and tailored business suit Harry has been photographed in.This is a grown up Prince and a serious representative of the Crown. Sometimes he appears at engagements looking like he was back at Eton or out with his mates. As he said, he's had to up his game to keep up with his wife. Quite a change from their initial public appearance at the Toronto Invictus Games..
oops! Spoke too soon. Looks like Harry is back with his mates.
DeleteShe looks stunning, love the dress, and her speech OMG, I am speechless! Thank you Meghan!
ReplyDeleteSo excited they have arrived in NZ.
ReplyDeleteI read an article that the fire alarms have been set off at govt house! All clear though!
She looks beautiful and so happy!
Silly vegetable steamer, apparently! D’oh!
DeleteI think it’s her best speech to date...had a similar tone to her UN Women speech in 2015. She was born to do this! 👏🏼
ReplyDeleteThis is my favourite thing she has done and said yet! So excited about everything about it. I am one of the frequent fashion commenters, so about her fashion, it was appropriate and elegant and therefor made it easy to focus on her message. Great speech and delivery.
DeleteShe's stunning! And as a very proud Kiwi I'm so stoked to see this amazing feminist meet our brilliant female prime minister, on the 125th anniversary of my country being the first in the world to give women the right to vote. Yay!
ReplyDeleteHello fellow kiwi! Nice to see some here I’ve been a long time reader of this blog and always cry seeing the NZ Maori welcomr the royals . This trip feels extra poignant as u say with NZ PM Jacinda Ardern such a treasure I’m sure M&H really really enjoying their time with her in NZ!
DeleteTheresa
You should be! Cheering along with you.
DeleteAs an American, I'm so jealous of your country! In fact... I want to move there. :) You guys are amazing!!
DeleteYou have every right to be! :)
DeleteVery impressive indeed! Never knew NZ was so early with female rights
Deleteoh i love the dress these remind me of the duchess cambridge preen black and red one in her place to be in November 2016 and red one in September her Canadian tour
ReplyDeleteHarry really must pinch himself to suddenly have this woman by his side.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree: She was born to do this!
Kersti
+1 - Harry is lucky:)
DeleteGreat speech, great outfit. Excellent post as well!
I love her speeches as in this case again. The best part is she knew how to modify it at the right place. At the Together book launch in UK it was her turn; and at the conclusion of the Invictus games, the speech was Harry's time. At the Invictus, she modified it as a guest speaker at an introduction into supporting her husband and joining his other team family. The photos she took are also impressive especially very meaningful when Harry practiced in front of her, and another one on stage. Each time she was his audience in a sea of empty chairs. I can assume they will cherish those black and white photos forever. KP had posted it on twitter according to some info.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - Thank you for posting the twitter post video as posted by the two people. I never cared for any form of social media, now I am tempted to explore twitter.
I often read negative comments about Meghan, on other British websites, I just hope if anyone in GB dares to do this in the future, they are quickly corrected, what a superb job she is doing!!! Just in tears, wishing the USA had someone so inspirational to represent us, if we do, our media is quick to hide them...so sad for our beloved country! Meghan is truly special and just heaven sent for the royal family and GB!! You all should be so proud!
ReplyDeleteDiana is resting in peace - how wisely her sons have chosen!! The Duchess is certainly a well rounded, intelligent, gorgeous woman.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte your posts are always incredibly thorough and professional but I found this one particularly educational. Thanks!!
This speech had me tearing up, and I swear I’m not even pregnant! How powerful! She is so well spoken and clearly passionate about using her new platform for good!
ReplyDeleteLove meg and has equally they are a perfect team.
ReplyDeleteI could not love this woman more - she is smart, enlightened, aware and a true inspiration to young girls and woman everywhere!
ReplyDeleteI love the addition of the cap sleeves to this dress! It makes all the difference and turns a plain dress into N interesting one. She looks amazing and she can definitely deliver on the speeches. She is easily the best speaker in the BRF.
ReplyDeleteLisa in NJ
Such an important speech - particularly (and this is so sad to say!!) in our day and age!!! We often take things for granted - but this speech today reminded us how important the right to vote is!!! It should not be taken lightly! We should be grateful for it & use it wisely!
ReplyDeleteShe was BRILLIANT today - remember, this is her THIRD speech during ONE TOUR!!! Here is a woman who USES her voice and her role TO BE HEARD. Bravo, bravo, bravo!! Such an inspiration to all of us!!
She's done amazingly well, hasn't she Eve. I was thinking she'd do well, but she's surprised me.
DeleteShe wrote the speech too. Good for her. Jacinda Ardem seemed to appreciate it a lot too.
Charlotte, my grandmother was a suffragette here in the States, ditching her first date with my grandfather to march in a voting rights parade. Thank you for this historical context. Women in New Zealand got the vote the year before she was born. I’ve always considered voting a sacred duty because of women like these brave souls. Meghan’s speech went straight to my heart. She is a remarkable woman and an exceptional addition to the monarchy. It’s ironic she has to give up voting for true love; but her influence will be felt beyond that simple patriotic act, so it’s worth the sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteI always feel that Grace Kelly vibe in Meghan’s evening wear, and it suits her perfectly. This dress is lovely, just the right structure for her. I suppose the gorgeous necklace is a gift from Harry. Wowing with simplicity, substance, and grace.
Well said!
DeleteThe best sppech i ever heard. For her these ome is my favorite
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - you have done an exemplary job of covering this very hectic royal tour! It almost feels as though we are there through your words. One aspect of this blog that has been so very helpful is the clock which shows the local time for the Duke and Duchess. Outstanding work on each and every post!! You are a remarkable woman to be able to keep up with this hectic schedule.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful, poised, incredibly intelligent and well spoken. What more could anyone want from a working royal? It makes me nuts to read all the negative comments about her on the “daily fail” and on Twitter. She is so hard working, and so passionate about her new role. She is an outstanding partner for Harry.
ReplyDeleteThaT dress is a knock out (and I also see the resemblance to Kate's preen dresses, blue fire). But what a good public speaker she is as well. There was a lot of hype about her going into royal life and I am gobsmacked really. Shes not only got stuck.in, shes done it in such an engaging way.
ReplyDeleteThe fact that feminism is about fairness gets lost in the rhetoric. I stopped when Meghan said that, and wondered why that isnt talked about more.
They've only got a few days left and you must be looking forward to a.good night's sleep charlotte!
Delighting in the duchess's advocacy for women's equality!
ReplyDeleteMeghan looks lovely. I find this dress style to be such a classic. That is a very dark navy - hard to tell. But given her purse, that makes sense. Well if there was going to be a jewelry loan from HM, I suspected this would be it. The necklace she was given is beautiful. And it pairs wonderfully with her Birks Snowflake earrings. Any ID on the sandles?
ReplyDeleteCharlotte I am astounded by the information you've provided in post-after-post. The information on Kate Sheppard is wonderful. Thank you! Meghan's speech was on point and the setting - directly below the painting of HM (thank you for including that photo) was the perfect setting.
Is Meghan wearing a tiny poppy brooch on her dress?
ReplyDeleteYes
DeleteMeghan's done a great job balancing fashion forward style with relatable fashion on this royal tour. She's setting a tone with her wardrobe choices that says just as much as her brilliant speeches.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing BP and KP are realizing they have a dream team with Meghan and Harry and I doubt either Meghan or Harry cares much about their place in line to the throne, they've got bigger plans and the freedom to execute them. (Although I would love for their children to be granted titles)
Indigoisle, If I am reading this correctly, you believe that women in the USA have not been inspirational in leading women's based causes. I say this with reference you must go back in our history to our current time starting with Susan B. Anthony, Rosa Parks, etc. etc. the names of women to numerous to mention. The media has not hidden them, there voices are to loud to be silenced. Most recently, the Supreme Court nomination process. The voice of one women on that given day will change voting I believe in the mid term elections. We are the USA, we are not silenced.
ReplyDeleteCertainly we should celebrate all women who stand up for their rights. In New Zealand although they had to fight against prejudice and personal abuse from others, they did not have to take the actions which resulted in imprisonment and force feeding in Britain for example. Maybe it was easier in colonial societies to stand up and be counted? As an aside our Chief Justice (Judge of our highest court) is also a woman - Dame Sian Elias. We also graduate more women than men in the legal profession but there is still some prejudice here of course. Unfortunately that will always be part of human nature especially when people feel threatened.
DeleteI don't think women have had a easy time in the US either, and women of color have been terribly abused, and still are. They continue to be at best ignored. I think it has been a fight for nearly every society (I say nearly because I don't know about all societies). But there are brave women everywhere -- Rosa Parks was extraordinary because she had no power behind her. I frankly don't know how she survived. The southern states are brutal. My family comes from NC, and there still is terrible prejudice.
DeleteAdditionally, I do believe Meghan has come along just at the right time in history when the RF is in the mist of change for the better. Just a few years ago I do not believe the RF would have ever had anyone in the family speak so honestly of the political ramifications of societies in the world. Meghan was this person as a citizen of the USA and will continue as she becomes a citizen of the UK. Her opinions are not new just a continuation of her belief.
ReplyDeleteCharlotte - I was really struck by your statement "Given the unceasing pace of this tour, it's not always possible to properly digest each event." It is a little like eating at Thanksgiving or Christmas! So feel free in future blogs to come back and dig into some of these events a bit more, maybe during quiet times in engagements. I'd love that. Or maybe we can vote not only on our favourite outfit of the tour but also on our favourite speech or favourite interaction with people. Just an idea. Thanks so much for not only the coverage but also for how you create community amongst us and challenge us to think.
ReplyDeleteWell stated, Canada Fan! I had just said to myself that after the tour is over, I need to come back and read these posts more carefully and take the time to really think about everything that's happened and been said; right now it's all going by in such a whirlwind, I can see you looking back, too, Charlotte, and discussing in future posts more of what's taken place on the tour.
DeleteThe whole tour is just remarkable, so I hope, Charlotte, you're able after it's over and you've had some well-deserved rest, to enjoy the details along with the rest of us. I know I'm going to have a LOT to think about, especially with Meghan's three amazing speeches; she has such a gift in her confident voice, and I love that Harry has no difficulty with her taking her place in the forefront so frequently and letting her lead. He really recognizes what a gem he has found in Meghan, and clearly he's figured out how to respect and enjoy the strong woman by his side -- not that Meghan needs any encouragement to be a strong voice for women and girls! What a terrific team they are and will continue to be for the Royal family!
- Laura in Tampa
A wonderful speech, flawlessly delivered.
ReplyDeleteWow, how elegant and eloquent. AMAZING delivery of the speech.
ReplyDeleteI am hugely impressed.
Any ID on the beautiful sandals?
D.
YES to her speech and YES to her dress. This is the last leg of their and she still looks fresh. I like the 50’s look of the dress. She really dresses to complement what Harry is wearing. Mindful not to overshadow him with dresses with bright colors or prints.
ReplyDeleteThank you again Charlotte for this informative post.
Megan looked fabulous, and her speech and delivery were perfect, of course. I look forward to the significant impact she will have on the causes she champions. I love the photo of her and the Prime Minister putting their heads together. What a fitting time for the Duchess to visit New Zealand, during this 125th anniversary of women's sufferage. I didn't know they were the first. I'm happy to hear from Meghan about Kate Sheppard, and appreciate your telling us more about this admirable woman and her accomplishments, Charlotte. You are amazing! Your research gives us a history lesson with each event. Thank you so much. I hope you're able to get some sleep during the nights of our travelers. Blessings to you.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone recognize the shoe brand?
ReplyDeleteYour post today is, as always, well researched to provide a range of interesting facts and fleshing out of a wide variety of variables: the people, location, buildings, history, fashion, characters, local voices... i learn lots and I like that. This is why I follow your blogs about Kate and Meghan and their work. Thank you for all the work you put into your highly readable, well informed and user friendly writing. Well done to you.
ReplyDeleteFeminism is about fairness.
ReplyDeleteGood to see she is referencing some of the Women's Lib and Feminist Movement leaders of the past. The movement seems to arrive in waves for alternate generations--always the same message--fairness-- yet framed in the issues of the time. Some efforts skirmishes compared to the greater battles.
DeleteIn the Victorian age women were struggling to get higher education and enter the professions. We saw the first female physicians. Marie Curie. Child custody and inheritance issues following divorce and spousal death. I always think of the tragedy of Anna Karenina in this regard. The Women's suffrage movements. Eating without an escort in a restaurant. Entering skilled labor was jump started by the loss of the male work forces during the wars. Heading corporations. Wages, salaries, and promotions.News anchors. Armed services and serving in battle. Entry into West Point, Annapolis, and the Air Force Academy. This last was an earlier indication of the extent that women had been suffering abuse and humiliation in silence because to speak up meant sure failure at a career. Those brave Air Force Academy women continued the campaign not just for equal rights but for respect, dignity, and self-worth that the current Me Too and Time's Up movements have carried on.
I think one of the last frontiers for the USA feminism movement is electing a female President. It is always amazing to me that so many countries have women leaders but the supposed leader of the free world has yet to be a woman. New Zealand-- be very proud.
A quick thank you, Charlotte. Your blogs are a respite from the recent horrible acts in the U.S. Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteH and M look lovely. She's doing a stellar job with public speaking; she dove into it quickly. She clearly has wonderful foundational skills to do so. Love the cap sleeves. Love this website. Charlotte, you are doing amazingly well with so much happening on this tour!!! Kudos to you!
ReplyDeleteMan, everything is happening so quickly, I just haven't had the time to properly savor each post!
ReplyDeleteMeghan is a natural -- I don't know how anyone can be hateful towards or down on her at this point. Her speeches are meaningful and relatable and so easily delivered. Harry (and the Queen) must be really proud.
This dress is gorgeous. It's another favorite look of the tour for me, so far.
I hope this is not a duplicate because there was difficulty in posting. Anyway, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex look soooo lovely. The Duchess is a passionate speaker and her feminist views are NOT anti-men but advocates fairness. I have enjoyed reading and reading again this post. Charlotte, I applaud you for giving us the background history of the areas visited, the purpose for the visits and any and all meaningful videos. This is so much fun. As I said in another post, I have been traveling to areas I probably will never visit by reading about them on these posts. Thanks, Charlotte so very much.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the research you put into your posts! I knew nothing about the NZ suffragette movement before Meghan's speech - and the background you offer here is wonderful. NZ has one of the highest voter turnout rates in the world. Fantastic! (I also love the modified dress, and covet that necklace.) I have followed your "Duchess Kate" blog since the beginning, and very much appreciate that you created this separate blog to keep us all informed about Meghan as well!
ReplyDeleteYou never talked about her shoes... :(
ReplyDeleteI love this dress on her SO much! Fav look so far!
ReplyDeleteMeghan is a great speaker. I hope the royal family will take advantage of this in the future and she'll have the opportunity to give many more speeches.
ReplyDeleteso glad to finally see a side part i love this style on her!!!!!! her dress is stunning she is a goddess! thanks Charlotte. I swear their kid is going to be beautiful with this racial mix and good looking couple
ReplyDelete