11. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Women's Affairs
Is she satisfied with the results of the stocktake of membership of all State sector boards and statutory committees by gender, recently completed by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL (Minister of Women's Affairs) Link to this
Yes, the stocktake identifies that at the end of 2004 women represented 41 percent of the total Government-appointed membership of those boards. That compared very favourably with the most recent data, identifying that women represented only 16 percent of New Zealand Alternative Market companies’ board membership and a mere 5 percent of that of NZX-listed companies.
What are the benefits of appointing women who have the relevant competencies to governance positions?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
Emerging trends in international research are indicating a positive correlation between diversity in board membership and strong company performance. That is because having a wide range of perspectives brought to the board table broadens the ability of a board to identify risks and opportunities. The more narrow the range of perspectives, the greater the risk a board will not anticipate potential risks and opportunities. That is the danger in surrounding oneself with a group of yes-men.
Is the Minister aware of any barriers to increasing the participation of women in governance positions in New Zealand?
Hon LIANNE DALZIEL Link to this
A risk would arise if the Ministry of Women’s Affairs were abolished. That would mean the disbanding of its nominations service, which has been effective in deepening the pool of talent from which board members can be drawn. If anyone has to look for reasons why such a policy might make a party scary to women voters, that would be a good place to start.