OPINION
Brian Tamaki
Tuesday marked the 130th anniversary of Women’s Suffrage Day in New Zealand, a day when brave women, led by the indomitable Kate Sheppard, stood up and fought for their right to vote. It’s a day to celebrate the progress we’ve made, but it’s also a day to reflect on how far we still have to go. Because, unbelievably, in 2023, we find ourselves once again fighting for women’s rights.
On October 14th, 2023, New Zealanders will head to the polls, and it’s a pivotal moment for women in this country. We are not just voting for our leaders; we are voting for our women’s rights, our spaces, and our children’s future. It’s a battle on multiple fronts, and it’s a battle we must win.
One of the pressing issues at hand is keeping women’s spaces safe. It’s about ensuring that women have spaces where they can feel secure, like bathrooms, changing rooms, and women’s sports. Without the threat of a man entering their space. We must stand up against policies that compromise the safety and dignity of women in the name of inclusivity.
Another front in this fight is the government’s Relationships & Sexuality Curriculum, which has left many parents concerned about the sexualisation of children in the classroom. It’s crucial to protect the innocence of our children. Politicians must listen to the concerns of parents and address them with respect and care. Yet neither Christopher Luxon nor Nicola Willis will give a straight answer on whether they will address the sexualisation of our children in our schools. They are likely hoping the topic fades away this side of the election.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this struggle is the inability of some politicians to answer the seemingly simple question: “What is a woman?” It’s disheartening that they need scripted responses from their handlers to tackle such a fundamental question.
Kate Sheppard once said, “We want women leaders today as never before. Leaders who are not afraid to be called names and who are willing to go out and fight. I think women can save civilisation.” Today, we need leaders who embody these words. Leaders who are unafraid to stand up for women’s rights, who refuse to be silenced, and who are willing to fight for what’s right.
While Freedoms NZ is fortunate to have fantastic women leaders like Sue Grey, Donna Pokere-Phillips, Aly Cook, and many others within our ranks, I must emphasise my unwavering pride and support when it comes to my wife, Hannah Tamaki, the leader of Vision NZ. Her passion and dedication are truly unparalleled.
Hannah has led a movement of thousands of women for two decades transforming their lives, and her very first political event was ‘Women of Vision’. If anyone in the nation has the credentials to speak to women’s rights, it’s Hannah. Her advocacy for women spans four decades, and she is the embodiment of the kind of female leadership we need today in Parliament.
Ladies, if you’re searching for strong female representation, look no further than the expansive Freedoms NZ umbrella party. This election is one for the women, and it’s our time to make a difference. Let us honour the legacy of Kate Sheppard and all those who fought for our women’s rights by standing up, voting, and ensuring that women’s voices are heard loud and clear.
Join us on the 28th September as women and their families take to the streets in Wellington to ‘Save Our Kids Future’.
Just a closing word of warning: One thing I’ve learned over the years is never mess with a passionate mother, grandmother, or great grandmother. In some circles, they are called a ‘Mama Bear’. Watch out politicians and parties: I know an army of women who have set their target on you! These women are a force to be reckoned with. They won’t back down when it comes to fighting for our children’s future. This election is their battleground, and they’re ready for the fight. So, politicians, take heed, because these determined women are not to be underestimated.
Ladies, bring on the Ballot Box Revolution!
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