Canterbury - Westland 

"Elizabeth stood for a fair and inclusive society and left her mark both nationally and locally. One of her most enduring achievements in Christchurch was the building of a crèche and the first women's rest rooms which were in Cathedral Square," said Ms Dyson.

"This was enormously significant, as it recognised that suburban women were using public transport to shop and seek leisure in the central city. This signalled a seismic shift in the role of women in society and was one of many small steps that led to a more inclusive society.

"I am tremendously proud that someone of the calibre of Elizabeth represented the Labour Party. She was a trail blazer in her own right, and took the view that women in the early 1900s should be and were, a part of the political and social fabric of New Zealand. Labour continues that tradition today with such bold steps as Paid Parental Leave and Working for Families.

"Some things never change and Elizabeth would have been shocked to see how little representation women have in the National Party. She would have been equally shocked that at the last election, two female National MPs were sacked or resigned after being unable to represent the right wing agenda.  

After that 2005 election, women held 39 out of the 121 seats. It will be interesting to see what the forthcoming election will deliver. Currently Labour has 8 women in the top twenty of the Parliamentary List, while National has 4.

"Elizabeth McCombs was and still is an inspiration to me. She cracked one of the many glass ceilings and laid the groundwork for women such as me, to enter Parliament and represent our communities in a compassionate and intelligent manner.

"Let us all remember Elizabeth McCombs, for it is in her footsteps that many of us now tread," said Ms Dyson.

"As a Labour opposition MP, Elizabeth McCombs attacked the government's unemployment policy as 'mental euthanasia' and focused on issues such as youth unemployment and the unfair treatment of unemployed women.

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