The Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Memorials

Kate Sheppard Memorial Walk

This attractive walk adjacent to the Avon River is named in honour of Kate Sheppard, the social reformer who repeatedly co-led petitions to Parliament for New Zealand women to be eligible to vote. They succeeded in 1893. Camellias are the principal plants within the collection, the majority of which have white blooms, as these traditionally symbolise “excellence in women”.

To celebrate 100 years of New Zealand women's suffrage this walk was opened in 1993. Various women’s groups from throughout Canterbury gifted one hundred camellias for this commemoration.