Elizabeth Yates

“I think women are quite as well able to legislate as men…”
– Elizabeth Yates.[1]

Elizabeth Yates was the first female mayor in New Zealand and the British empire. She helped pave the way to gender equality and spent her life fighting for what she believed in. Elizabeth was born in Scotland around 1840-1848 [2]. She immigrated with her family to Auckland in 1853 when she was around 8 years old[3], later settling in Onehunga. In 1875 she married mariner Michael Yates, who would serve as mayor of Onehunga from 1888 – 1892. Soon after their wedding Elizabeth became involved in Auckland’s political community. She became a member of the Auckland union parliament emerging as a skilled debater, passionate about women’s suffrage.

Following her husband’s illness and subsequent retirement Elizabeth was nominated in 1893 for the Onehunga mayoralty. Friends strongly encouraged her to go for the role, recognizing her ability [4]. As a ratepayer and property holder she could compete and vote in local body elections, at a time where women still couldn’t in parliamentary elections [5]. She went on to win the election by 13 votes against her opponent, Frederick Court, on the 29th of November and became the first female mayor of New Zealand and the British Empire [6]. Elizabeth was appointed mayor just three months after women won the right to vote. Despite legal change, societal change was still yet to come. Her authority and ability to act as mayor was challenged, as some were still hesitant toward the newfound roles and rights women held.

Cartoon of Elizabeth as mayor. By Ashley Hunter cartoon, *New Zealand Graphic*, 7 April 1894, p. 324.
Elizabeth Yates. (2021). Retrieved 20 July 2021, from https://nzhistory.govt.nz/media/photo/elizabeth-yates-first-female-mayor

Her position caused uproar. Four councilors and the town clerk resigned in protest of Elizabeth’s election. Her proposals were often met with unreasonably strong opposition, mainly from the same few councilors. [7] Some of the general public shared a similar sentiment, believing that council was not a place for a women. Elizabeth was seen as ‘dictatorial’ and having a ‘disregard for rules’[8]. These qualities may of contributed to opposition she faced, often being used as an excuse for challenging her. But maybe these qualities helped her navigate the continuous sexist opposition she faced, or were simply an excuse for challenging her.

Crowds would sometimes gather in the court, interrupting by shouting abuse during the proceedings. During one meeting, the mayoress decided to call the police to clear the crowd that had gathered, famously claiming that she “would not have the council burlesqued.” [9]. While some came to harass her, others came to marvel at the empires ‘first lady mayor’. They came from all over, even some from Australia [10]. She was seen as something between a miracle and a sideshow act, as well as a capable mayoress.

Photograph of the signed agreement for justice of the peace, swearing allegiance to Queen Victoria.
Elizabeth Yates elected Mayor of Onehunga. (2021). Retrieved 20 July 2021, from https://www.flickr.com/photos/archivesnz/49594021096

Despite opposition, Elizabeth continued to fulfill her duties as mayor. Having been widely acknowledged as a rarity, Elizabeth’s position as mayor had also attracted the attention of Queen Victoria, who congratulated her after her election [11] .

Other members of the public also supported her, in a letter to the editor a member of the public said “Women’s enfranchisement proceeds apace. Early this morning I read of the election of the new mayor of Onehunga, Mrs. Elizabeth Yates! She defeated a male candidate. If we Britishers have a queen, why not a lady mayor?”[1 2 ].

One volume of the Auckland Star in 1893 stated that “No doubt the ladies will feel proud that one of their sisters is now the chief magistrate of an important town.” The paper also felt that Mrs Yates was a great parliamentarian. [13].

Elizabeth was outvoted in the 1894 election by 90 votes. She didn’t return to politics again until 1899, where she served in the Onehunga borough council for two years. During this time she challenged the new mayor’s somewhat corrupt decisions. On one occasion, Elizabeth addressed the mayor’s disregard toward the proper protocol when appointing new councilors and his illegal use of council funds, ordering him to repay the money [14]. Michael Yates died in 1902. Then in 1909, Elizabeth was admitted to the Auckland Mental Hospital. She died their on the 6^th of September, 1918. [15] and was buried with her husband.

During her lifetime Elizabeth improved Onehunga substantially making massive achievement in her time as a mayor. Just to mention a few she created a sinking fund to deal with future challenges concerning funding and repayment, She settled the region’s debt, made infrastructure upgrades including roads, footpaths and sewage and restored the Waikaraka Cemetery, a decisive and important issue in the community. Elizabeth left leaving a lasting impression on the political environment of both Auckland and New Zealand as its first female mayoress. Her legacy would go on to affect the view on women in politics and their growing equality in society.

Izzy France

Hi I’m Izzy! I am a student and feminist enthusiastic about changing society for the better by creating a more inclusive and equal New Zealand. I have a passion for the past and working with WHNZ has given me the opportunity to pursue my interest in New Zealand women’s history and share it with others! – Izzy

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Biographies, Firsts, Mayoresss, Suffrage

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