VP Issues - May 2026

Kia ora koutou,

This month has been a quieter one for me as I enjoyed a holiday in Vietnam. Experiencing a very different political system highlighted that, despite our differences, many of the challenges faced by women and children in Vietnam, are the same. 

It was a timely reminder of the important work we have done, and continue to do, in New Zealand to advance equality for women in all areas of life. I am deeply grateful for organisations such as BPW New Zealand, along with many others, whose members continue to step forward with commitment and determination to create positive change for women and children.

Employment Disputes System

Back to our current issues in New Zealand:  The Issues Task force has taken on the responsibility of reporting back to the Ministry of Business & Employment, Workplace Relations on the Consultation on Employment Dispute System. You would all have received a copy of this questioner on the 17^{th of} May. Please contact me if you have any questions.

Modern Slavery

Government is also calling for submissions on The Modern Slavery Bill.  Central Hawkes Bay submitted a resolution to conference in 2023, and we now hold Policy on Modern Slavery.  CHB will be making a submission to this Bill.  Submissions are due on the 28^th of May.   If you would like to be part of writing this submission, please contact Teresa Mee, issueschair@bpwnz.org.nz 

Pay Equity

Pay Equity will continue to be on the top of our list, until change is created.  The 5^th of May 2026 marked the first anniversary of last year’s shocking gutting of the pay equity legislation.  Behind the scenes work has kept this to the fore front of the general public to ensure this conversation never ceases until change happens.

On the 5^th of May, a group of organisations lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations, under CEDAW, asking it to investigate whether the government's changes to New Zealand’s pay equity laws amount to systemic discrimination against women.

Our next Task Force Meeting is 22^nd June at 7:30.  If you wish to join us, please let me know!

Ngā mihi

Sherryll Markie-Brookes

VP Issues

BPW NZ