Kate Sheppard's activism and engagement with politics began after listening to or reading about a talk by Mary Leavitt from the Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU) of the United States.[18] In 1885 Leavitt toured New Zealand speaking not only about the problems caused by alcohol consumption, but also the need for women to have a "voice in public affairs".[19] She spent two weeks in Christchurch, starting with a public speech at the Theatre Royal on 10 May.[20] Journalists were impressed by the strength of public speaking displayed by a woman, something not witnessed often at that time in New Zealand.[21]