Kate Sheppard Camellia Tote Bag

Celebrate over 125 years of women’s suffrage in New Zealand with this special edition Kate Sheppard Camellia Tote Bag.

This stunning piece was designed in collaboration with Auckland War Memorial Museum and the National Council of Women. A portion of proceeds from this product will go to the National Council of Women to help realise their vision of a gender equal New Zealand.

The Kate Sheppard Camellia Tote Bag is emblazoned with white camellias, a symbol of New Zealand’s suffrage movement. In 1893 members of the House of Representatives who had voted in favour of women gaining the vote were given a white camellia flower by the suffragists. Those who had voted against were given a red camellia. A special variety of white camellia was released for the centenary in 1993, and named the Kate Sheppard camellia. 

This tote bag also features Kate Sheppard’s signature as found on the successful petition from 1983, when New Zealand became the first country in the world to give all women the right to vote. It is a practical and beautiful statement for gender equality. 

• Spacious tote bag
• Features white camellias and Kate Sheppard’s signature from the 1983 petition
• Measures approximately 40cm x 40cm
• Fully lined
• Matching silk scarf and lens cloth available
• A portion of all proceeds goes towards the National Council of Women New Zealand

This product is also available for purchase in store at Wellington Museum.