Foreword

IN NEW ZEALAND TODAY, women’s participation in the paid workforce is increasing, the level at which they participate is improving, and more women are moving into self-employment. Government-funded, paid parental leave is available to assist women to balance paid work commitments and family responsibilities. Across a number of indicators, improvements can be seen in women’s general health and women are performing particularly well in education. These are some of the advances achieved for women in recent years, despite persisting inequalities.

To capitalise on progress made, and to continue work towards improving the circumstances of women, the government commissioned the Ministry of Women’s Affairs to develop the Action Plan for New Zealand Women (the Plan). The Plan articulates the government’s commitment to improving a range of outcomes for women and reducing inequalities between women and men, and between particular groups of women.

The Plan is a whole-of-government approach to improving the circumstances of women in New Zealand, in partnership with women, their communities and the private sector. In recognition of the special relationship between the Crown and Māori, specific actions have been developed to increase opportunities for Māori women to participate more fully in the economic, social and cultural sectors of society, and to progress the aspirations of their whānau, hapü and iwi. Other actions aim to improve outcomes in areas that impact most significantly on New Zealand’s Pacific women, rural women, women with disabilities, ethnic women and older women.

Implementation of the Plan will be overseen by a steering group of chief executives across lead government agencies. The Ministry of Women’s Affairs will drive the process and monitor progress towards the achievement of objectives.

Many women around New Zealand have provided valuable input to the development of the Plan. I would like to acknowledge the contributions of women from all walks of life, and our partnership with the National Council of Women of New Zealand, the Māori Women’s Welfare League and PACIFICA.

The government will continue to strive to achieve further improvements in the circumstances of New Zealand women. The aim is to enable all New Zealanders to benefit from, and participate in, a successful, thriving economy and vibrant society. To realise this aim, women must be able to participate fully, freely and actively in social, political, economic and cultural life. Actions that improve the circumstances of New Zealand women are of benefit to all New Zealanders.

Hon Ruth Dyson
MINISTER OF WOMEN’S AFFAIRS

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