- Time Period: Post-WW2
- Year of Institution: 1 July 1993
- Country: New Zealand
The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 was officially established through a Royal Warrant on July 1, 1993. Its purpose was to honor and celebrate Women’s suffrage in New Zealand and to acknowledge the substantial contributions made by individuals, both from New Zealand and the Commonwealth, to advance women’s rights and address women’s issues within New Zealand. Notably, this medal was exclusively awarded in the year 1993.
The background of this commemorative medal is closely tied to the achievement of Women’s suffrage in New Zealand, which was realized with the passing of the Electoral Act 1893 on September 19, 1893. To mark the centennial anniversary of this historic event, the medal was created. It aimed to pay tribute to those New Zealanders and other Commonwealth citizens who had made significant and recognizable contributions to women’s rights or women’s issues within New Zealand. In total, the medal was presented to 544 deserving individuals.
The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial Medal 1993 Design
The medal, crafted in bronze with an antique finish, takes on a circular form.
On its obverse it features the crowned effigy of Queen Elizabeth II. Meanwhile, the reverse side of the medal carries the inscription “1893 The New Zealand Suffrage Centennial 1993.” This inscription is elegantly encircled by a combination of a fern frond and a sprig of camellia foliage, culminating in a single flower. These elements are artistically intertwined, their stems crossed and tied together with a graceful bow at the base.
The medal is attached to a ribbon that is 32 mm wide. This ribbon is predominantly purple, with three slim stripes in the center—white, yellow, and white. When worn by a woman, the medal may be elegantly suspended using the ribbon, which can be shaped into a bow for added distinction.
