Budget sidelines women's economic contribution

“Budget sidelines women’s economic contribution” says BPW NZ President Janet Gibb.

Budget 2025 has some support for businesses and additional funding for Māori Wardens, Māori Women’s Welfare League and Rural Women New Zealand however, it does not empower women, says the New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW NZ).

“Our assessment of Budget 2025 is that this government does not listen to, nor care to address, the systemic barriers and challenges women face,” says President Janet Gibb

“There is no evidence that women’s experiences, needs or realities have been considered in the budget.

The gender pay gap costs the New Zealand economy an estimated $7.6 billion per year, or 5% of total wages and salaries. Despite this, the government has moved to devastate the pay equity process, resulting in the cancellation of 33 active claims—including women-dominated sectors like education, health, and social services.

“This isn’t fiscal responsibility—it’s economic negligence,” says Gibb. “Closing the gender pay gap would inject billions into the economy for the families that desperately need it.”

Women also lose out under the KiwiSaver changes because it leads to more reliance on individual retirement savings which compounds the systemic disadvantage women face leading to much lower KiwiSaver funds at retirement.

In stark contrast, Australia’s 2025 Women’s Budget Statement outlines concrete actions to address gender-based violence, unpaid and paid care, economic security, women’s health, and leadership. 

“It is unacceptable in 2025 that no thought is given to the impact of this budget on New Zealand women – not even a look through a gender lens.”

The establishment of a new $190 million Social Investment Fund further demonstrates the gap in thinking. “The Cabinet paper notes the fund is for ‘vulnerable New Zealanders with highly complex social issues’—yet completely ignores the gender dimension of vulnerability.”

“This Budget is a missed opportunity to advance gender equality - it is blind to the real and growing challenges women face. New Zealand women deserve better.”