Gender pay gap stays near record low
New Zealand’s gender pay gap held at 5.3% in the June quarter, near the record low of 5.2% reported last year, according to official data released by Statistics New Zealand.
The Minister for Women, Nicola Grigg, attributed the stability to government and employer actions, including the launch of a pay gap calculator in 2024 that has since been used over 80,000 times. The tool enables businesses to assess and address disparities in hourly earnings, which rose for women to $34.95, a 3.4% increase from the previous period. Grigg highlighted the calculator’s role in driving transparency and accountability across sectors.
Despite progress, the pay gap remains wider for Māori and Pasifika women, prompting calls for further action from businesses and organisations. Grigg emphasised the need to address these disparities, noting that systemic inequities persist within specific ethnic groups. The government’s focus includes targeted initiatives to support women’s advancement in the workforce.
To accelerate change, the government has introduced BoardConnector, a database connecting governance-ready women with directorship opportunities in public and private sectors. Additionally, increased KiwiSaver contributions for both employers and employees aim to improve women’s long-term financial security and retirement savings.
Grigg underscored the government’s commitment to closing the pay gap by driving women into higher-paid roles, which is expected to reduce the retirement savings gap and enhance financial stability. The measures reflect a broader strategy to address structural inequities and promote economic participation for women.