Katikati will turn back the clocks 125 years on Saturday, September 15. But just for the day when the historic town marks a momentous day in New Zealand political development.

The town's women are invited to dress in Victorian style, create banners selling women's messages and march up the town's main street to celebrate New Zealand women being enfranchised.

Banners of the time suggested that 'to ask freedom for women is not a crime” and 'suffrage prisoners should not be treated as criminals.” There will be a $50 prize for the best banner featuring current women's issues.

This is a free, fun event beginning at Uretara Domain in Katikati at 11.30am. The march will proceed to the Memorial Hall where former Prime Minister Helen Clark will be the guest of honour at 1pm. This will be followed by an afternoon of entertainment.

A Katikati family whose great, great-grandmother was Annie Jane Schnackenberg, a Wesleyan missionary, temperance and welfare worker, and suffragist, will lead the parade.

Annie was a driving force behind New Zealand women getting the vote and was Kate Shepherd's right-hand woman.

There will be a demonstration held on Monday, September 3 where women will be dressed head-to-toe in Victorian clothing and holding modern placards as they chain themselves across the main road in Katikati.

For more information go to: www.katikati.org.nz or call: 07 549 5250.