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.
Find out more about the Public Role, Private Lives event series, including how to book (Eventbrite). A discount is available if you wish to attend both events.
Kate Sheppard House event
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. You can take a tour of Kate Sheppard’s home before or after the talk, 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.
Date: Sunday 20th September 2026.
Time: 1.30pm.
Location: Kate Sheppard House (83 Clyde Road, Ilam).
Cost: $15 plus booking fee per person.
Terrace Station event
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. Note: the house itself is not open to visitors.
Date: Sunday 27th September 2026
Time: Noon.
Location: Terrace Station (151 Milnes Road, Hororata).
Cost: $25 plus booking fee per person.