In New Zealand a large issue affecting the financial status of women and those who experience menstruation nationwide is the 15% GST on sanitary products such as tampons and pads as well as reusable options including the DivaCup menstrual cup. New research carried out by NZ Herald showed that the average kiwi household spend a monthly estimated cost of $35.43 on sanitary products. This came to an estimated $16,000 that each kiwi family will spend on sanitary products in their lifetime. Meaning the amount of GST put on sanitary products in a woman's lifetime is $2,400. This petition aims to influence this taxation to be removed from sanitary products as they are a necessity, not a luxury. It is unfair for women to be taxed over a natural bodily function, something they have no control over.

This is an issue because many women are unable to afford sanitary products due to the ridiculous pricing. Pads and tampons are essential healthcare items although are taxed as if they are a luxury item. Because of the cost young women are staying home from school and work for a week every month causing them to fall behind. It is wrong that because of a natural body function some feel forced to let it affect their education and financial work income rather than risking the embarrassment. Not only is the cost affecting their education but it is also affecting their physical health as some girls are resorting to reusing their sanitary products which enables the dangerous risk of toxic shock syndrome which in worse cases is known to result in loss of limbs and even death.

With this petition, it is our goal to gain 100,000 signatures within 30 days as this is the required amount to be considered in the New Zealand Parliament.

By signing this petition you will be taking a stand with us for this basic human right. The change starts with you, as a society lets come together and fight for our mothers, sisters, aunts and females alike.  

Once this petition has been completed and used for its intended purpose of data to be shown in letters to, The Minister of Health, Minister for Women, Minister of finance and also the prime minister Bill English. The petition will be deleted for your privacy.

This petition was created by Melanie Wilcock and Rebecca Jacobs.

Copyrights - We do not take ownership over the media attached to this petition. The video is from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePIY1EdZJG8