Maker: Jill Wallis

Panel number: 9

Petition sheet number: signed 1892 petition

Person honouring: Margaret Sievwright

Relationship to maker: None

Margaret Sievwright was a prominent resident in Gisborne. She was born in East Lothian, Scotland and even at a young age she was involved in helping others by teaching the poor before going on to train as a nurse. She emigrated to New Zealand and married William Sievwright. They moved to Gisborne in 1883. 

Supported by her husband, she became involved in supporting the needs and rights of women and children as well as many other community projects. She was politically active and held positions in the New Zealand Christian Temperance Union and the National Council of Women – of which she was president from 1901 to her death in 1905. 

Gisborne recognised her by erecting a monument for her in the city gardens. It is still there today, aptly edged by lavender bushes. The inscription on it reads, ‘Ever a friend to the friendless, an uncompromising upholder of all that is merciful, temperate and just’.

Panel materials: Sheeting (purchased) Tartan ribbon for her name, blue thread for the sea, the rest were from my hoard.