Govt buys Kate Sheppard's home

Kate Sheppard's former Ilam home has been purchased by the Government for $4.5 million.

The home will be used as a heritage venue and educational centre where people can learn about trailblazing New Zealand women.

The category one listed home will join 43 other properties cared for by Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga, on behalf of the public.

This Christchurch home was where Kate Sheppard and suffragist supporters spent time working towards New Zealand becoming the first self-governing country in the world to grant women the vote.

It was there that the 270m petition was pasted together before being presented to Parliament.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga will partner with Canterbury University to open the home for a range of future use options, particularly highlighting Kate Sheppard, the suffrage movement and their relevance today.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the home has huge significance both nationally and internationally as it was centre for the activities that ultimately led to New Zealand becoming the first country to give women the vote.

“The legacy of the suffrage movement and achievements of Kate Sheppard and other New Zealand women will be told at this special place,’’ said Ms Ardern.

“In the lead-up to the 126th suffrage anniversary, the Government has secured this house to recognise all New Zealand women who have made a difference and to highlight the milestones and trends that led to social change in our history.

“Through a partnership with the University of Canterbury, the house will be used as a base for collaboration, teaching and academic research. In a second educational partnership, schools will be encouraged to bring students for special tours as part of teaching New Zealand history," said Ms Ardern.

Said Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga chairwoman, Marian Hobbs: “To be given the responsibility to manage this nationally and internationally significant property is a great honour."

“At the time of this historic announcement, it seems especially fitting that several female leaders – including the Prime Minister, MPs, and the Chair of Heritage New Zealand, along with the University of Canterbury Vice-Chancellor and the Mayor of Christchurch – have united to protect this important heritage site for New Zealand and the world. It’s a poignant occasion that perhaps Kate herself would have been justly proud," said Canterbury University Chancellor Sue McCormack.