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This section will be updated to reflect the new pay equity law changes, which came into effect on 6 November 2020.
What is pay equity
Pay equity is about women and men receiving the same pay for doing jobs that are different, but of equal value (that is, jobs that require similar degrees of skills, responsibility, and effort).
The amendments to the Equal Pay Act 1972 introduce a new process for individual employees and unions to raise a pay equity claim directly with an employer for work, which may be subject to systemic sex-based discrimination. The new process is similar to New Zealand’s existing employment relations framework.
A new framework for pay equity in New Zealand [PDF 460MB] (external link)
'An introduction to pay equity' is a resource to help employees, employers, and unions understand the early stages of the pay equity claims process.
An introduction to pay equity [PDF 494KB]
Under the Act, employees, employers and unions will negotiate in good faith, and will have access to mediation and resolution services, if dispute resolution support is needed.
Further guidance on the amendments to the Equal Pay Act 1972 is expected over the coming weeks and months. Sign up to receive more information, updates and resources as they become available.
Related topics:
The following pay and gender information and resources will help support fair and productive workplaces in New Zealand.
Gender pay gap
Employment equity is about fairness at work. It means people have the same opportunities to participate fully in employment regardless of their gender.
Pay review process
Use this review process to assess whether your organisation’s pay and rewards, and participation in job types and levels are affected by gender.
Pay review analysis
To assess the impact of gender on the pay and participation of women, organisations need to analyse quantitative HR and payroll data.
Evaluation of equitable jobs
Job evaluation or sizing is the process to work out the ‘size‘ of a job relative to other jobs that are similar or the same in value.
Spotlight skills recognition tool
The Spotlight skills tools help managers and HR personnel to write position descriptions, select staff, manage performance and encourage individual and career development.
Page last revised: 22 December 2020