Elizabeth McCombs made history as the first woman elected to the New Zealand Parliament in 1933, representing the Labour Party in the Lyttelton electorate. Her election was a culmination of the suffrage movement in New Zealand, which had successfully secured voting rights for women in 1893, the first country to do so. McCombs was not merely a symbol; she was a dedicated advocate for social change, focusing on issues such as workers' rights and women's issues.

Her journey to elected office began with her active involvement in the Labour Party and local politics. McCombs was known for her strong community ties and her ability to connect with voters on a personal level. While her election came amid the Great Depression, which created a demand for progressive social policies, it also represented a generational shift in political engagement by women in New Zealand. The public's reception of her candidacy indicated an evolving perspective on gender roles within the political sphere.

Following her election, McCombs served until her death in 1935, during which she continued to advocate for social justice, making her a role model for future generations of women in politics. The significance of her achievement was not only in her individual success but also in the precedent it set for increased female participation in governance across New Zealand and beyond. Her legacy is seen in the ongoing discussions about women's rights in politics and the importance of representation.