11. SUE MORONEY (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Women's Affairs
What reports has she received on New Zealand’s performance regarding the gender gap relative to other countries?
Hon STEVE CHADWICK (Minister of Women’s Affairs) Link to this
New Zealand has one of the smallest gender gaps in the world. We are now ranked fifth out of 128 countries in the 2007 Global Gender Gap Report. That is up two places from seventh position last year. New Zealand performed stronger than other countries because of the level of women in the workforce and their level of income.
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
New Zealand is ranked fifth in the Global Gender Gap Report behind Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Iceland. Business New Zealand chief executive, Phil O’Reilly, says our gender gap should be celebrated and he hails the report as an endorsement of New Zealand business and our way of life. This proves that Labour policies are making a difference for women, with paid parental leave, Working for Families, and 20 free hours’ early childcare education. Although we are on the right track, the gender pay gap is 12 percent, and there is a lot more work to be done.
Hon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I seek leave to table the Business New Zealand press release on the small gender pay gap.
Madam SPEAKERHon STEVE CHADWICK Link to this
I seek leave to table the Global Gender Gap Report, which states we are fifth out of 128 countries.