Kate Sheppard, a leading suffragist who campaigned for New Zealand women to get the vote, granted in 1893

Kiwis to join global march defending rights for women

Author: AAP,
Publish Date: Thu, 19 Jan 2017, 5:52AM

Kiwis are expected to march in cities across the country on Saturday to support the Women's March Global movement.

Around a million people have so far committed to take part in 616 marches planned for January 21 across 58 countries, the organisers of the New Zealand marches say.

This includes marches in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Originating in the US in response to an increase in populist politics across the globe, the marches aim to defend democracy by supporting religious freedom and rights for women, immigrants, and the environment among other values.

"This is an unprecedented, organic and viral grassroots global movement that is growing everyday," organisers say.

The marches kick off at 10.30am on Saturday.