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Overview
This badge is an example of the merchandise created to celebrate and advertise the Suffrage Centenary in 1993.
The badge features the suffrage logo – intertwined gold and purple ribbons – which was designed to incorporate a number of important messages. As reported in the 1993 Official Yearbook:
‘The flowing ribbons express freedom, and the winning of the vote for women; while the shape implies the strength of advancement. The direction of the ribbons represent the past, the present, and a dynamic move into the future.
The two ribbons are intertwined but also flow independently, representing the linking of cultures as they work together in harmony towards a common goal. These interweaving lines also reflect the importance of communication and networking to women, and recognise that while women are independent they are also part of the whole—the whanau.
Purple and gold were selected as they are internationally recognised suffrage colours. The gold is derived from the sunflower, and signifies enlightenment. The purple, white and gold combination symbolises loyalty, purity and hope.
It was felt that the ribbon theme was particularly appropriate as the white ribbon is an enduring symbol of the New Zealand Women's Christian Temperance Union which fought so strongly for women's suffrage more than a century ago.’
The badge also includes the phrase ‘Whakatū Wāhine,’ which represents women and all people standing for the rights of women. The phrase was central to the 1993 celebrations and was also widely used during the 125th anniversary in 2018.