The history of pay equity in Aotearoa

06 Oct 2026

Politics

Now You Know, season two, episode 58

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With the election pushing pay equity back into the spotlight, Robbie Nicol explains its history in Aotearoa.

Labour is promising to “restore pay equity” if elected, dismantling changes the coalition government pushed through under urgency last year. In 2025, the Equal Pay Amendment Act immediately brought an end to all ongoing pay equity claims and introduced stricter criteria for future claims. Brooke van Velden (minister for workplace relations and safety at the time) said these stricter criteria “made the law simpler and more robust”.

The National-led government's overhaul of the scheme was expected to claw back $12.8bn over four years, according to finance minister Nicola Willis.

Directed, filmed and edited by Isaiah Tour.
Written and presented by Robbie Nicol.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.

Episodes

A collage of black-and-white images including: Brooke van Velden, Robbie Nicol, the Equal Pay Act 1972 and historical photos of New Zealand in the 1970s.

The history of pay equity in Aotearoa

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