The Government’s new gender pay gap calculation tool was launched at yesterday’s Champions for Change summit by Minister for Women Nicola Grigg.
Developed by Champion organisation Manatū Wāhine – Ministry for Women, the toolkit offers businesses access to a pay gap calculator, downloadable tailored action plan, and material to support and guide businesses through the pay reporting process.
Manatū Wāhine collaborated with sector leaders and organisations and drew on international approaches during the development of the tool, which will enable New Zealand businesses to assess and address their pay gaps.
“There are significant benefits to understanding and addressing pay gaps, including increased productivity, so our Government is taking action,” says Minister Grigg.
“Many businesses are taking steps to improve their gender pay gaps, and so I encourage all businesses to be courageous and calculate their gaps. This is not about casting judgement on those who have wider gender pay gaps but, instead, is a useful tool that encourages organisations to look beyond the numbers.”
Champions for Change Co-Chairs Roger Gray (CEO of Port of Auckland) and Antonia Watson (CEO of ANZ Bank) welcomed the launch of the toolkit.
“[The tool is] a positive step forward and we are pleased to endorse this work,” says Roger.
The voluntary calculation tool has been designed to be as accessible as possible, to encourage the participation of all organisations. Champions for Change provided expertise and feedback throughout the development process.
“Measurement and reporting of our own gender pay gaps have been an important part of the Champions’ progress and we certainly support the initiative to make this more accessible for businesses more widely,” says Antonia.
Minister Grigg expressed her gratitude to Champions for Change and all those who contributed to the development of the toolkit.
“It is my strong desire for this to be a continued partnership with business as we make further developments to the toolkit over time, including considering ways to address ethnic pay gaps,” says Minister Grigg.
The gender pay gap in Aotearoa New Zealand currently sits at 8.2%. The pay gap for wāhine Māori, Pacific and Asian women, and disabled women is significantly higher than the overall national gender pay gap. Pākehā women earn a median hourly rate of $33.70, Asian women earn a median of $30.00, wāhine Māori earn a median of $29.71, and Pacific women earn a median of $29.00.
Manatū Wāhine – Ministry for Women’s Gender Pay Gap Toolkit is now live and available for use here.