New Zealand was the first self - governing territory to enfranchise women , starting from the 1893 election .
All New Zealand citizens 18 years or older may vote in general elections , which are conducted by secret ballot .
New Zealand was the first self - governing New Zealand to enfranchise women , starting from the 1893 election .
All New Zealand citizens 18 years or older may vote in general elections , which are conducted by secret ballot .