The Ministry for Women recently profiled the Diversity Agenda, highlighting the progress our movement is making to close the gender pay gap. It’s a milestone worth sharing, but it’s also a moment to reflect on the bigger picture.
Because this isn’t just about numbers. It’s about the people behind them. The voices that spoke up in this story did so with courage, honesty, and purpose. And that’s where real change starts.
THE PAY GAP IS JUST THE SURFACE
Across our signatory firms, we’ve made remarkable progress. In the past year, we’ve reduced the gender pay equity gap to 0.4% — the closest we’ve ever been to our goal of +/-1%. That’s thanks to the commitment and effort of the entire Accord collective.
But this progress doesn’t mean the work is done.
Despite a narrowing pay equity gap, the broader gender pay gap still sits close to double the national average, revealing a much deeper imbalance, especially in leadership. Women continue to be underrepresented in senior roles, and Māori and Pacific Peoples remain significantly underrepresented across the board.
The takeaway? Pay equity is not the problem — it’s part of the solution.
THIS IS WHY 40:40:20 MATTERS
Leadership is a lever for change. One of our strategic goals is achieving 40:40:20 in leadership — that’s 40% women, 40% men, and 20% any gender.
The stats show we’re moving in the right direction, with a 5% increase in women in senior leadership roles across the Accord in the past year. BUT we still see fewer women in technical and technical leadership roles, and too few Māori and Pacific leaders across our sector.
If we want fair outcomes, including pay, we need fair opportunity. That starts at the top.
DATA MATTERS, BUT ACTION MATTERS MORE
The data is important. But what matters more is how you respond to it. Our advice to others is simple: don’t wait until you think the numbers look good. Start by looking, then start making change. Take a look at the Ministry’s Gender Pay Gap Tool to get you underway, and then reach out for support to work out your next steps together.
We shared our story to encourage others in any sector to follow suit. We haven’t yet cracked it, but we’re committed to doing the mahi and shifting the dial together. It’s about our commitment to turning insight into action.
TO OUR FIRMS LEADING THE WAY — THANK YOU
We’re proud of the organisations walking the talk. You’re proving that intentional, values-led work can move the dial on equity.
To those not yet on the journey, nau mai, haere mai.
Because it’s about creating a future where everyone can thrive, and where the world we shape reflects the diversity of the people in it.
