United Nations Urged To Investigate New Zealand's Rollback On Women's Pay Equity Rights
In a formal submission, PECA outlines how the Coalition Government's Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 has dismantled the country's pay equity system, cancelling 33 live claims covering more than 180,000 women, many of whom are low-paid essential workers in care, health, education, and public services.
'This is the most significant rollback of women's rights in over a generation,' said Dame Judy McGregor, speaking on behalf of the coalition. 'These changes breach New Zealand's obligations under CEDAW and other international human rights treaties. They were made without consultation, under urgency, and with no democratic process.'
The submission reveals that $12.8 billion previously set aside to address pay equity claims has been diverted by the government for other budgetary purposes. At the same time, settled claims had their legally agreed review clauses removed, and women are now barred from raising new claims for a decade.
Violation of International Human Rights
The coalition argues that the government's actions breach Article 11 of CEDAW, which guarantees women the right to equal pay for work of equal value, as well as Article 2(3)(a) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which ensures access to effective legal remedies.
'What we are witnessing is state-sanctioned gender pay discrimination,' said McGregor. 'And there are now no domestic legal remedies left for many of these women. This is a full-scale retreat from fairness, accountability, and our international commitments.'
Call for a UN Visit and Monitoring
PECA has formally requested the Commission on the Status of Women to:
• Conduct a country visit to hear directly from affected women, including Māori, Pacific, and migrant workers;
• If a visit is not feasible, undertake a desk-based investigation and independent monitoring report;
• Place New Zealand's regression on the international agenda to ensure accountability for the erosion of women's rights.
'New Zealand has been held up as a global leader in gender equality. That reputation is now at serious risk,' said McGregor. 'This government has not only abandoned its legal obligations — it has silenced the voices of women, ignored civil society, and turned its back on a generation of progress.'
PECA's membership includes major trade unions and national women's organisations such as E Tū, NZNO, PSA, Aotearoa Women's Watch, YWCA Aotearoa, National Council of Women, and many others committed to gender equity.
'This is not just a domestic issue. The world is watching,' McGregor added. 'And we invite the international community to stand with New Zealand women in demanding that justice be restored.'
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