VP Issues Report - June 2026

Kia ora Members,

It has been another productive month for the Issues Taskforce, with a strong focus The Disability Support Amendment Bill and Online Safety.

Through our representation on the Online Safety Coalition, BPW New Zealand has co-signed a letter calling for stronger action to address online harm.  Cross Sector Call for Digital Accountability.  By adding our voice to this collective advocacy effort, BPW NZ reinforced our commitment to creating environments where women can engage online safely and confidently. The coalition's letter emphasised the need for greater accountability from digital platforms, improved protections for victims, stronger regulatory oversight, and a coordinated national approach to online safety. These issues align closely with BPW's long-standing commitment to gender equality, human rights, and the prevention of violence against women.

Online abuse, image-based exploitation, deepfakes, cyberbullying, and technology-facilitated violence are increasingly affecting people's safety, wellbeing, and participation in public life. Consequently, the Issues Taskforce is currently drafting our own submission on the Deep Fake and Digital Harm and Exploitation Bill. (due 19^th June).

The Issues Team has also been actively monitoring several pieces of legislation currently before Parliament that have potential implications for women and families.  

We have invited members, through both email and our newsletter, to provide feedback on the Employment Dispute Consultation (submissions closing 18 July).

If you have personally been involved in an employment dispute, managed one in the workplace, or are aware of someone who has experienced the process, we would like to hear from you. Your insights and experiences will be collated and forwarded to the consultation team to help them better understand the challenges people face within the current system. This feedback will assist in identifying opportunities to improve and streamline the employment dispute resolution process, making it more accessible, efficient, and effective for all parties involved.

We have also drafted a submission to The Disability Support Services Bill.  (Due 12^th June) making 10 recommendations to Government. We are particularly concerned that the Bill appears designed to limit Government liability rather than improve outcomes. 

Congratulations to Teresa Mee, BPW New Zealand Issues Chair, who presented an oral submission to the Select Committee on 8 June, reinforcing BPW NZ’s concerns regarding modern slavery.

This advocacy work stems from a resolution on modern slavery presented by Central Hawke’s Bay at the 2023 AGM. The resolution was adopted and subsequently incorporated into BPW NZ policy. Seeing that policy translated into direct advocacy at a parliamentary level demonstrates our organisation's commitment to creating meaningful change.

This is policy in action. This is advocacy in action.

Advocacy is often a gradual process, but every submission, every conversation, and every partnership helps build momentum towards positive change. We encourage members to listen to Teresa’s presentation and see firsthand how BPW NZ voices the concerns of women and communities at the national level.

You can listen to her presentation here: Modern Slavery Oral Presentation – Teresa Mee (starts at 3mins 44 s)

I encourage all members to continue watching for calls to action and opportunities to participate in consultations and submissions. It is vital that we work together, share the workload, and maintain BPW New Zealand’s strong and respected advocacy presence. Every contribution strengthens our collective voice and helps ensure that the perspectives of women and girls are heard in policy and decision-making processes.

Ngā mihi,

Sherryll Markie-Brookes

Vice President Issues

BPW New Zealand