New Zealand Today

New Zealand has not yet achieved equal pay, pay equity, (equal pay for work of equal value) or equal opportunities for women.

Gender equity has not yet been achieved in the public, private or not-for-profit sectors of the economy. In the New Zealand economy as a whole in 2009 there is a median gender pay gap in hourly earnings of 12% and weekly earnings of 31%. Male median earnings are $992, whilst the median weekly earnings of women are $688 (Statistics New Zealand 2009).

Pay and employment equity reviews took place throughout the public sector between 2004 and 2009 as part of the Plan of Action for Women. These reviews without exception found gender equity issues. These varied in type and severity. Employers who took part in pay and employment equity reviews were often surprised to discover that their organisations had gender equity issues. The gender pay gap in full time equivalent (FTE) median annual salaries ranged from 3% to 35%.

Since the reviews one public service organisation has reported having achieved gender equity in pay and representation of women at all levels. Some others have made significant progress. Overall there is still a considerable way to go.