Auckland, New Zealand | 8 March 2026
On International Working Women’s Day, the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) has called on leaders of universities, polytechnics, and wānanga across Aotearoa New Zealand to actively support pay equity and restore fairness for thousands of women working in tertiary institutions.
The call comes after growing concerns that recent policy changes and decisions related to the Equal Pay Act framework have weakened long-standing pay equity claims, particularly affecting roles traditionally dominated by women, such as administrative staff, librarians, and student support workers.
TEU leaders say the issue is not simply about salaries. It is about recognition, dignity, and fairness for the women who help keep New Zealand’s education system functioning every day.
TEU Calls For Institutional Leadership
Amy Ross, National Secretary of the Tertiary Education Union, has written directly to vice chancellors and chief executives of tertiary institutions across the country. In the letter, she urged them to use their influence and speak publicly in support of restoring pay equity protections.
Ross said tertiary institutions have historically been places where evidence, fairness, and social progress are championed.
According to her, leadership voices from universities and polytechnics could play a significant role in encouraging the Government to reconsider changes that have affected ongoing pay equity claims.
She noted that many administrative and library roles have historically been female-dominated, and the value of that work has not been fairly reflected in pay structures for decades.
“Women in these roles help support teaching, research, and student wellbeing. Yet their contribution has often been overlooked,” Ross said.
Librarians Speak About The Impact
Hannah Jenkin, Co-Branch President and pay equity representative at Te Herenga Waka Victoria University of Wellington, described the impact of the recent changes as devastating for many workers.
Jenkin, who works as a subject librarian, said the removal of established pay equity claims felt like years of work disappearing overnight.
She explained that pay equity is not an abstract political debate. It directly affects everyday life.
For many workers, the additional income from pay equity settlements could mean:
• Being able to afford medical treatment
• Paying for car repairs needed to get to work
• Supporting children’s education
• Escaping unsafe living situations
Jenkin recalled speaking to a woman whose pay equity settlement allowed her to leave an abusive relationship and rebuild her life.
“These changes do not just affect policy discussions,” she said. “They affect real people and real families.”
Women’s Work Still Undervalued
Across many sectors in New Zealand, jobs that are predominantly held by women tend to be paid less than those traditionally dominated by men.
Pay equity legislation was introduced to address this imbalance by allowing workers to compare wages with other sectors performing work of equal value.
However, unions argue that recent decisions have undermined these processes and delayed justice for thousands of workers.
Ross said many women feel that progress made over decades is now being reversed.
“The fact that we are stepping backwards on recognising undervalued work is deeply concerning,” she said.
Pay Equity By The Numbers In New Zealand
Below are some key statistics highlighting the current gender pay situation across New Zealand.
Gender Pay Gap Data (2025 Estimates)
| Category | Average Difference |
|---|---|
| National gender pay gap | 8.6 percent |
| Public sector pay gap | 7.7 percent |
| Private sector pay gap | 9.3 percent |
| Pacific women’s pay gap | approx 12 percent |
| Pacific women pay gap | approx 17 percent |
Women In The Tertiary Workforce
| Role Category | Percentage Women |
|---|---|
| Library staff | 72 percent |
| Administration staff | 69 percent |
| Student services | 66 percent |
| Academic staff | 46 percent |
| Senior leadership | 34 percent |
These figures highlight a continuing imbalance in how women are represented across the education system, particularly in leadership and decision-making roles.
Regional Snapshot Of Women In Tertiary Employment
The following table provides an estimated regional distribution of women working in tertiary education across New Zealand.
| Region | Estimated Female Staff |
|---|---|
| Auckland | 5,800 |
| Wellington | 4,200 |
| Canterbury | 3,400 |
| Waikato | 2,100 |
| Otago | 1,900 |
| Bay of Plenty | 1,200 |
| Manawatū | 1,000 |
Many of these employees work in essential support roles that keep universities and institutes running smoothly.
Government Response And Political Debate
The issue has also become politically sensitive.
Finance Minister Nicola Willis recently referred to some criticism of the pay equity changes as “hyperbole,” a comment that drew strong responses from union representatives and women’s advocacy groups.
TEU leaders say such remarks are disrespectful to the thousands of women who have spent years pursuing fair recognition of their work.
Ross said the union expects pay equity to become an important political issue leading into future elections, particularly as more workers speak publicly about the impact of the policy changes.
Why Pay Equity Matters
Experts say pay equity policies have ripple effects across society.
Fair pay can improve:
• Financial independence for women
• Family economic stability
• Workplace productivity
• National economic participation
Research also shows that closing gender pay gaps can significantly improve national economic growth by increasing workforce participation and consumer spending.
New Zealand has previously been recognised internationally for its progress on gender equality. However, advocates warn that maintaining that reputation requires ongoing commitment and policy support.
The Broader Global Context
Around the world, International Women’s Day continues to highlight the contributions of women across industries, from healthcare and education to business and politics.
In many countries, women still earn significantly less than men for comparable work. Advocacy groups say the issue remains one of the most persistent economic inequalities globally.
In New Zealand, tertiary education workers believe the sector should lead by example.
Universities often speak about social justice, equity, and inclusion. TEU members argue that those values must also be reflected in employment practices.
Webfit News Perspective
At Webfit News, the message from this year’s International Women’s Day is clear. Progress toward equality cannot be taken for granted.
Women have built careers, communities, and institutions across New Zealand despite historical barriers. When policies undermine recognition of their work, the impact goes far beyond salaries.
True progress requires consistent leadership, transparency, and respect for the contribution of women in every sector of society.
As conversations about pay equity continue across the country, many New Zealanders believe that the goal should remain simple and fair: equal recognition for equal value.
A Message To Women Across New Zealand
Despite challenges, the story of women in Aotearoa is one of resilience.
From teachers and nurses to entrepreneurs, researchers, librarians, and community leaders, women continue to shape the future of the nation.
International Women’s Day serves as a reminder that every generation must keep moving forward.
The voices calling for fairness today may well shape a more equal New Zealand tomorrow.
References
• Tertiary Education Union (TEU) statement on pay equity
• New Zealand Equal Pay Act legislation updates
• Statistics New Zealand labour market data
• Ministry for Women gender pay gap research
