Mabel Howard

thumb|right|Mabel Bowden Howard, mid 1950s Mabel Bowden Howard (18 April 1894 - 23 June 1972), was the first woman secretary of the Canterbury General Labourers' Union and New Zealand politician. Quotes Upon her reception to the Wellington women's branch of the Labour Party: "The women of New Zealand have at last arrived," As stated in Stuff's "Flashback: Mabel Howard becomes first NZ woman Cabinet minister," Stuff 2016. Stuff. Published 12 May 2016. Accessed 1 December 2025. "I am a very ordinary type of woman, but I can get on with all women, irrespective of their political outlook." As stated in Stuff's "Flashback: Mabel Howard becomes first NZ woman Cabinet minister," Stuff 2016. Stuff. Published 12 May 2016. Accessed 1 December 2025. Regarding her father, Edwin John Howard, a member of the Canterbury General Labourers' Union and Labour MP for Christchurch South:"I am what I am because of the training my father gave me," As stated in Stuff's "Flashback: Mabel Howard becomes first NZ woman Cabinet minister," Stuff 2016. Stuff. Published 12 May 2016. Accessed 1 December 2025. "I am going to work really hard to improve health conditions in New Zealand, because I think it is work which can best be handled by a woman." As stated in Stuff's "Flashback: Mabel Howard becomes first NZ woman Cabinet minister," Stuff 2016. Stuff. Published 12 May 2016. Accessed 1 December 2025. External links Category:Women politicians in New Zealand Category:1894 births Category:1972 deaths Category:Women born in the 19th century