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New Zealand now has 50% female/male MP’s

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The recent swearing-in of a new MP has meant for the first time in New Zealand’s history females make up half of the MPs in Parliament

Two things have happened this week to bring about the change.

Soraya Peke-Mason has replaced Trevor Mallard, who stepped down last week, while Gaurav Sharma’s resignation means there is no MP holding the Hamilton West electorate.

It means there are now 60 female MPs.

“That’s exciting,” Peke-Mason said before her swearing-in. “While it’s a special day for me I think it’s a historic day for New Zealand.”

Women weren’t allowed to become MPs until 1919, with Elizabeth McCombs the first female MP in 1933.

NZ is one of just six nations to have 50% female representation.

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