Public Roles, Private Lives: John Hall and Kate Sheppard at Home
About this Event
133 Years of Suffrage: Two Homes, Two Stories
To mark the 133rd anniversary of women’s suffrage in Aotearoa New Zealand discover the story of Aotearoa New Zealand’s women’s suffrage campaign leaders from the homes of Kate Sheppard and Sir John Hall.
This special two-part experience exploring the lives and remarkable political partnership of Kate Sheppard and Sir John Hall will be held on two consecutive weekends.
Part I — Event at Kate Sheppard House 1.30pm, Sunday 20 September 2026
Begin at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, where Helen Osborne, Property Lead of Kate Sheppard House and historian Kate Foster, great-granddaughter of Sir John Hall will share the story of these two influential suffrage advocates.
Hear how their very different lives, convictions and experiences brought them together in the campaign for women’s political rights. Prior or following the talk, take a tour of Kate Sheppard’s home and discover the place where she lived, worked and helped shape the campaign that led to women winning the vote in 1893 and enjoy the spring garden.
Part II —Event at Terrace Station 12pm, Sunday 27 September 2026
The following weekend, continue the story with a visit to Terrace Station near Hororata, the historic home of Sir John Hall . The afternoon will begin with your self-catered picnic in the garden, with complimentary tea and coffee provided by Terrace Station.
Kate Foster will then share the story of Sir John’s remarkable work with the campaign for women’s suffrage. You will get to view Sir John Hall’s office, where his personal suffrage paperwork and memorabilia will be on display. Then you are welcome to explore the other display areas, look into the front rooms of the Hall family home and walk around the extensive gardens.
This is an excellent opportunity to experience the historic setting associated with one of the key political allies in New Zealand’s suffrage story. (Please note: the house itself is not open to visitors.)
Follow the story from one historic home to another.
Tickets for the two experiences can be purchased separately, allowing you to attend one or both parts of this unique suffrage story.
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House —from 1.30pm 20 September 2026
Discover the woman who led the campaign and Sir John Hall who led the campaign in parliament and hear of their lives, values and role in the suffrage campaign presented by Helen Osborne and Kate Foster and then a tour through Kate Sheppard's home, the new suffrage exhibition and the acre of spring garden.
Ticket entry price: $25
Then - the following weekend
Terrace Station – from 12pm Sunday 27 September 2026
Hear more about the man who helped take the women's campaign into Parliament. The Terrace Station event begins with a BYO picnic in the garden, then a talk by Kate Foster at 1pm followed by a tour through the office and display areas.
Ticket entry price: $25
Agenda
🕑: 01:30 PM - 03:30 PM
Kate Sheppard House is the first event of the two consecutive weekend events
Info: Part I - Sunday 20 September - event at Kate Shepard’s former home at 83 Clyde Road, Riccarton, Christchurch 8041 - add-on an option for afternoon tea at $11.90
🕑: 01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Tour through Kate Sheppard House Museum or book an afternoon tea
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Presentation talk on Kate Sheppard and Sir John Hall in the Camellia Room
🕑: 03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Enjoy afternoon tea as an add on or purchase on day
🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Explore Kate Sheppard House with our expert guides
🕑: 12:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Terrace Station is the 2nd event on 27 Sept of the two consecutive weekends
🕑: 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Arrive at Terrace Station and enjoy a BYO picnic in the garden
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Enjoy a talk by Kate. Explore Sir John Hall's office & view suffrage objects
🕑: 02:00 PM - 03:00 PM
Explore the extensive gardens of Terrace Station
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
NZD 13.24 to NZD 53.75
