Moxie

2018 saw the 125th anniversary of women achieving the right to vote in Aotearoa New Zealand. The Ministry for Women (in conjunction with the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and the Department of Internal Affairs) asked Moxie to create a symbol for this important milestone in our history.

The requirement was to create a motif that could draw attention to the people of diverse cultures that have contributed to improving the lives of women and the relevance of women’s suffrage and gender equality today.

The resulting Suffrage 125 symbol drew on historical colours and icons adopted by women’s suffrage petitioners and presented them in a contemporary form. Violet represented dignity and self-respect, and the white camellia was worn by those supporting women’s right to vote. The ‘125’ contains a koru as a link to our distinct New Zealand culture.

It was designed as a device that would bring visual cohesion to the many Suffrage 125 celebratory events and activities throughout the year. The symbol was used in many contexts, from the Suffrage 125 pins (designed by Moxie) to pull up banners, event invitations, postcards, posters and web banners.

Moxie has been the preferred design supplier to the Ministry for Women since 2012.

The Minister for Women – Manatū Wāhine

Celebrating Suffrage 125