Gender Pay Equity is a vital part of all equal pay documentation. It ensures that those working in female-dominated industries are compensated fairly for their work when compared to male-dominated professions, who perform similar jobs, requiring similar effort and training. The jobs included include those that have historically been considered ‘women's work’ or not requiring monetary compensation,

In 2025, the New Zealand Government introduced amendments to the Equal Pay Act. These amendments altered the previous 2020 version of the bill, making it harder for Kiwis working in historically female-dominated areas to receive equal compensation for their work. Compared to others working in similar male-dominated professions. One of the largest changes is that the 2025 Amendment raised the proportion of women needed in the field to make a claim from 60% to 70% (for a period of 10 years or more before the claim - this period had previously not been a requirement).

The PPTA has reported that among other professions, secondary school teachers are no longer considered eligible to make a claim for pay equality. With 32,321 secondary teachers as of 2025 (Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand statistic), whose work is being undervalued for the services they provide. Other professions who have had claims dismissed include nurses, residential support workers and healthcare assistants. All of whom provide essential work that supports thousands around the Motu.

As the 2026 election approaches, now is the time to act. It is our hope that this petition will influence the government of 2027 to revert the Equal Pay Act to the 2020 form. This will expand the scope of professions that can gain fair compensation and ensure thousands of New Zealanders’ work is respected under the law.

To be part of the solution, sign our petition today and provide an opportunity for not just equal pay but pay equity.