12 November 2008
National Realising the Value of Women
The decision by the National Party to put women candidates in contention for crucial electorate seats for their party
paid off says the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ).
Three valuable redrawn electorates and the one new electorate of Botany were secured by National Party women. Of the
five women candidates, who did not secure their electorate seats, Shanks, Blue and Wilkinson secured the party vote from
previously identified Labour heartland electorates.
“The success of this strategy is not surprising,” says NCWNZ National President, Elizabeth Bang. “Women frequently have
broader appeal to the general populace.”
NCWNZ views the backing of these MPs as confirmation that the National Party’s, now the Government’s, intentions are to
be more inclusive of women than perhaps in previous years.
“We hope that these women Members of Parliament will now be given the opportunity to be part of the leadership of the
new government caucus and be entrusted with ministerial positions,” says Elizabeth Bang.
NCWNZ would also like to see a formation of a multi party women’s caucus, which would ensure more inclusiveness within
Parliament, and allow there to be more dialogue across all party lines.
“NCWNZ looks forward to establishing a positive cohesive working with all the women Members of Parliament,” concluded
Mrs Bang.
ENDS