People's Select Committee on pay equity

Earlier this year, the New Zealand government changed the pay equity laws under urgency in a single day. There was no usual Select Committee process to examine the law change in detail, nor was there a consultation with the Human Rights Commission, the Ministry for Women or others.

International Honorary Zontian, Dame Marilyn Waring, has led the formation of a platform to give the New Zealand public a voice on the pay equity law change. A “People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity,” a historic and unique initiative, has been established to restore democratic scrutiny.

The People’s Select Committee works outside of the New Zealand Parliamentary process. It comprises 10 former women members of Parliament from across the New Zealand political spectrum and from different parts of the country.

On 11 August, the People’s Select Committee met in the capital city of Wellington to hear firsthand the experiences of those most affected by the government’s pay equity law change, and to evaluate its broader economic and social impacts.

Numerous submissions were heard, including one from International Honorary Zontian Dame Silvia Cartwright, who addressed the legal consequences of the pay equity law change. Dame Silvia is a former judge, Governor-General of New Zealand and has previously served on the UN committee monitoring compliance with CEDAW.

The Zonta Club of Wellington, New Zealand, made an oral and written submission to the People’s Select Committee. The submission was endorsed by Zonta International District 16.

The club supported the organization of the People’s Select Committee and assisted with research and hosting committee members with dinner, accommodations and event logistics. At the hearing, a sea of orange T-shirts filled the room, showcasing strong support.

The People’s Select Committee has moved to online hearings through October and will deliver a report summarizing the key themes and conclusions with the 1,600 submissions it has received. This report will be provided to the New Zealand Parliament and will be made public by January 2026.