With New Zealanders heading to the polls, the National Council of Women is warning that the outcome of the November 7 general election could have lasting consequences for women’s rights, pay equity, healthcare and the wellbeing of future generations.
Te Kaunihera Wāhine o Aotearoa, the National Council of Women of New Zealand (NCWNZ), has issued a strong statement ahead of the election, arguing that decisions made by the next government will shape the opportunities, protections and economic security of women and girls across Aotearoa.
The organisation says the election comes at a critical time for gender equality, with concerns about changes to pay equity legislation, relationships and sexuality education, funding for family violence services and the treatment of gender-diverse communities.
The council is urging voters to examine how political parties intend to address these issues before casting their ballots.
WOMEN’S RIGHTS AND PAY EQUITY UNDER SCRUTINY
NCWNZ Co-President Carin Sundstedt has criticised the National-led coalition’s record on gender equality since taking office in November 2023.
The organisation argues that changes to pay equity legislation have made it more difficult for women working in traditionally female-dominated industries to pursue fair remuneration.
Pay equity has become a particularly contentious issue, with concerns raised about the implications for workers in healthcare, education and community support services.
These sectors employ large numbers of women, including Māori and Pacific women, and play a critical role in supporting whānau and communities.
The council believes changes affecting pay equity could have long-term consequences for women’s economic independence and financial security.
The Government has defended its approach to pay equity reform as necessary to improve the operation and financial sustainability of the system.
The debate reflects differing views about how to achieve fair remuneration while managing the costs of public services.
EDUCATION AND FAMILY VIOLENCE SERVICES RAISE CONCERNS
The National Council of Women has also criticised changes to relationships and sexuality education in schools.
The organisation argues that removing aspects of the curriculum risks weakening education intended to support young people’s understanding of healthy relationships, consent and personal wellbeing.
It has also raised concerns about funding decisions affecting organisations that support survivors of sexual and domestic violence.
For advocates working in these areas, the availability of specialist services is an important part of ensuring women and children can access protection, counselling and practical assistance.
The council maintains that policy decisions involving education, violence prevention and support services should be considered together because of their potential long-term effects on families and communities.
COST OF LIVING, HEALTHCARE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
The council says gender equality cannot be separated from the wider economic and social challenges facing New Zealand.
It identifies the cost-of-living crisis, healthcare pressures, climate change and sexual violence as issues that can disproportionately affect women.
Women are more likely to undertake unpaid caregiving responsibilities and are strongly represented in several lower-paid occupations.
For households already struggling with housing costs, groceries and electricity bills, economic pressures can have significant consequences for family wellbeing.
The organisation argues that the next government must consider how its decisions affect women across different communities and circumstances.
It also warns that the consequences of policy changes may extend beyond the current parliamentary term.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR WĀHINE MĀORI?
For wāhine Māori, the issues raised by the National Council of Women intersect with longstanding concerns about economic inequality, healthcare access, family violence and the recognition of Māori rights.
Māori women play significant roles in whānau, hapū, iwi, community organisations and the wider workforce.
However, disparities in income, health outcomes and access to essential services can create additional challenges.
Pay equity is particularly relevant to wāhine Māori employed in nursing, caregiving, education and social services.
The availability of culturally appropriate healthcare and family violence support is also important for ensuring that Māori women and their whānau receive effective assistance.
From a Māori perspective, the discussion extends beyond individual rights to the wellbeing of the wider whānau and the opportunities available to future generations.
The council’s concerns raise questions about how political parties intend to address these disparities and ensure that Māori women’s experiences are reflected in government policy.
A CALL TO EXAMINE PARTY POLICIES
NCWNZ says it has approached major political parties seeking information about their positions and proposed actions on issues affecting women.
The responses have been made available through the organisation’s website to help voters compare different approaches.
The council wants gender equality to remain a significant consideration during the final stages of the election campaign.
Co-President Katie Thomas has raised concerns about what the organisation sees as a broader international erosion of women’s rights.
The council argues that New Zealand, which became the first self-governing country to grant women the parliamentary vote in 1893, has a responsibility to continue examining its progress towards equality.
Its statement reflects the organisation’s advocacy position rather than an independent assessment of every party’s record.
THE NEXT GOVERNMENT WILL SHAPE THE FUTURE
With advance voting underway, the National Council of Women is encouraging greater public discussion about the impact of government decisions on women and girls.
The organisation says the next Parliament will have significant influence over legislation, public spending and the delivery of essential services.
Those decisions will affect employment conditions, healthcare, education, violence prevention and the economic security of families.
The council’s intervention also highlights the importance of examining election policies beyond headline promises, including how they would be funded, implemented and measured.
For Māori communities, the debate raises broader questions about the future of pay equity, hauora, whānau wellbeing and opportunities for wāhine Māori.
As Aotearoa approaches the November 7 election, the National Council of Women is placing gender equality firmly on the political agenda, challenging parties to explain how their policies will affect women, girls and future generations.
The organisation’s message adds to the wider election debate about the responsibilities of government and the long-term consequences of decisions made in Parliament.
Source: Te Kaunihera Wāhine o Aotearoa – National Council of Women of New Zealand, media release, 26 October 2026. <Cite ref=”turn599973search0″/>
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