In the short term, the success of the New Zealand women’s suffrage movement revitalized movements across the globe, led to the formation of women’s political groups, and changed New Zealand’s politics.
New Zealand women who participated in the suffrage movement gained political, organizational, and communication skills. They formed new women’s political groups, including the National Council of Women, led by Kate Sheppard. It fought for women's rights, and it's thought to have influenced 44 pieces of New Zealand's legislation before women won the right to run for national Parliament.
"National Council of Women, Christchurch," 1896, Alexander Turnbull Library.
"Women voting in Auckland," 1899, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections.
After the first election where women voted, anti-suffrage members of Parliament were removed, replaced by more progressive representatives. Women elevated the voting experience, avoiding the drinking and roughhousing common among male voters. The most-feared impacts of their voting, such as child neglect and radical candidate victories, didn’t occur, an argument which other suffragettes were able to use.
"Do not think your single vote does not matter much. The rain that refreshes the parched ground is made up of single drops."
~ Kate Sheppard
"Women vote at their first election," 1893, Alexander Turnbull Library.