The Māori Women’s Welfare League is backing a People’s Select Committee launched by former Labour MP Nanaia Mahuta to challenge sweeping changes to the Equal Pay Act.
The new law, passed under urgency in May, raised thresholds and wiped out 33 existing claims—affecting over 180,000 mostly female workers. Critics say it disproportionately harms Māori and Pacific women.
The People’s Select Committee, made up of former MPs from across the political spectrum, is gathering public submissions Parliament didn’t hear.
Dr Hope Tupara, National President of the League, says they support the initiative and are committed to ensuring wāhine voices are heard.
“We always totally support the people’s Select Committee, and know that Nanaia is going to do a great job on there, and just hopefully everyone participates in that Select Committee, which the government should have had anyway,” says Tupara.
The League is also undergoing leadership changes, including a new kaiwhakahaere and the first youth representative on the National Executive.
Their annual hui ā tau will be held in October at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Rangi Aniwaniwa, Kaitaia.
