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Status of Women in new zealand
New Zealand's 6th CEDAW report to the United Nations
Panui June 2007
Click here for a PDF [2.4MB] version of the June Pānui
Sexual violence is significantly under-reported in New Zealand and the likelihood of obtaining a conviction when an assault is reported is not high.
A new research project led by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs seeks to change that.
The two-year project – primarily funded by an $800,000 grant from the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology – will investigate how many reports of sexual violence in New Zealand end up with a successful conviction; look at ways to improve the likelihood of victims making formal complaints; and investigate how victims can best be supported through the criminal justice system.
At the announcement of the grant, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, said it was difficult for many victims to talk about what has happened to them because of embarrassment and fear.
‘Going through the trial process can exacerbate this and it can be even worse if the victim and offender are known to each other. We want victims to feel they will be safe and supported when they report such attacks’.
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said she was delighted that the Ministry was successful in its cross-departmental research fund bid.
‘We can now put dedicated analysis and leadership into addressing the issue of sexual violence. We would not have been able to focus our effort on this vital area without the effort of Ministry staff to secure these resources. I congratulate them.
It is another example of the Ministry stretching way beyond its size in order to influence outcomes for women. We cannot, however, achieve our vision without the support of the Ministries of Justice, Health, Police, and ACC. We look forward to working closely with them, others in the state sector, and of course, the NGOs and women themselves who can contribute their knowledge and experience’.
The project will employ a range of methods to explore the issue for different groups of adult victims including:
The project starts in July.
The taskforce will be made up of chief executives from nine government agencies. It will also include senior-level representatives from non-government organisations, and a representative from the judiciary. Its role will be to advise a government ministerial group on how to reduce the incidence and impact of sexual violence.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, and Minister of Justice, Mark Burton jointly announced the taskforce in March, saying eliminating sexual violence must be a priority.
Lianne Dalziel said ‘as well as the physical and mental health impacts on victims, the cost to the community through the health, justice and social systems is significant’.
The new group is modelled on the highly effective family violence ministerial group and its supporting Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families.
In defence of women - Editorial
Last month saw a new milestone for women’s rights in New Zealand – the removal of the last legal discrimination against women in employment.
The passing of the Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill removed the exemption to our human rights laws designed to enable the armed forces to exclude women from combat and other front-line roles. It brings our law in line with current practice because, since 2000 the Defence Force has had a policy of encouraging women into all roles, including those with front-line duties. And indeed, many women have already served in roles that they would not have less than a decade ago.
What makes the law change significant is that it will enable New Zealand to remove the last remaining reservation to the United Nations Convention that is often refered to as an international bill of rights for women – the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). New Zealand has always been a strong advocate for the rights of women internationally, and being able to remove our only reservation to CEDAW will boost our international credibility even further.
I had the privilege of steering the legislation through its final stages as a government Bill, but Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay deserves the credit for her initiative in introducing the legislation as a member's bill. It was also pleasing that the legislation was supported by every party in Parliament.
I am going to be a very proud New Zealand Minister of Women’s Affairs when, on 2 August this year, I present New Zealand’s sixth report to the CEDAW Committee in New York. To advise that the last reservation has been lifted symbolises New Zealand’s commitment to women’s rights as human rights.
The passing of this legislation was a highlight of what has been a busy few months as Minister of Women’s Affairs. The other highlight has been meeting so many wonderful women around the country. In the past three months I have held meetings in Nelson, Wanganui, Hastings, Rotorua, Christchurch and on the North Shore as part of a plan to get out around New Zealand and hear directly what women are thinking. I intend to cover the whole country so, if you are interested in attending a meeting in a town near you, check out the meeting schedule on the Ministry of Women’s Affairs website.
I hope to see you soon.
Hon Lianne Dalziel
The Ministry has now released its Statement of Intent (SOI) for 2007-2010. This sets out our work programme for the immediate year ahead, and our priorities for the next three years. It shows how we will contribute to government goals and improving outcomes over the next three years, and how we will assess whether we have achieved what we have set out to achieve.
For the first time, this year the Ministry is also producing an SOI ‘Highlights’ document, which is being distributed. A full copy of the SOI is available on our website www.mwa.govt.nz/news-and-pubs/publications/soi-general/
New Zealand has passed an international milestone for securing rights for disabled persons.
In March this year, in New York, Disability Issues Minister, Hon Ruth Dyson, signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with representatives from 80 other countries.
It is the first human rights instrument of the 21st century and had the largest number of nations signing a convention on the opening day.
Speaking at the signing ceremony the Minister said ‘the Convention sets out a code of practice consistent with New Zealand’s own Disability Strategy’.
‘It covers a full range of issues from access to justice, liberty of movement, education, health and living independently in the community through to participation in society generally’.
General obligations under the Convention require governments to actively involve disability organisations in the development of policies and action to implement the Convention. There is also a requirement for countries to report on measures taken to give effect to obligations under the Convention and on the progress made in that regard within two years of the Convention coming into force for that country.
The Convention will enter into force when ratified by 20 countries. Work is underway for New Zealand to ratify the Convention as soon as possible.
For the text of the Convention see http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml
For current activity see http://www.odi.govt.nz/what-we-do/un-convention.html
The strength, leadership, and diverse skills of Māori women shone through once again during this year’s Mana Wahine Week, 23-29 April.
Audiences were entertained and inspired as they attended events ranging from successful Māori businesswomen talking of their experiences, to a session with the ‘Ask Your Auntie’ panel, through to a dazzling display of garments created by leading Māori weavers.
Director of Biofarm Products Ltd, Cathy Tait-Jamieson, told attendees at the launch of Mana Wahine Week how, when she and her husband began their organic farm thirty years ago, they were labelled ‘hippies’, with the local community speculating on when they would go ‘broke’. Today, Biofarm yoghurt is available on supermarket shelves throughout the country, serviced by 13 distributors.
The launch, on Monday 23 April, was organised by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Te Puni Kōkiri. Hosted by former Member of Parliament, Georgina Beyer, the guest speakers were Cathy and Judge Caren Fox, Kaiwhakawā of the Tai Rāwhiti Māori Land Court.
On Thursday 26 April MWA, in conjunction with Greenstone Pictures, brought the panel from the popular Māori television programme ‘Ask Your Auntie’ to Wellington to entertain with their wit, humour, and wisdom. Aunties Aroha Hathaway, Mabel Wharekawa-Burt, and Ella Henry were joined by guests Jacqui Te Kani, General Manager of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, and former Silver Fern, Gail Parata, to offer their solutions to some of life’s tricky issues.
The culmination of Mana Wahine Week for MWA was a fashion show held in conjunction with Toi Māori as part of MĀORI MARKet at the TSB Bank Arena. Officially opened on Friday 27 April by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, the fashion show was a stunning display of woven garments and korowai (cloaks) made by members of the National Māori Weavers Collective.
MWA Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said the week reinforced that Māori women are leaders in many fields.
‘The Ministry of Women’s Affairs thanks all who joined us, helped us with organising, and participated as guests and speakers. The hard work in the preparation was amply rewarded by the inspiration gained through involvement in these events.’
MWA has celebrated Mana Wahine Week every year since its inception in 1993, which was also International Year of Indigenous People.
Eleitino Paddy Walker is always willing to talk about PACIFICA, the organisation she founded over thirty years ago. She says her involvement with this Pacific women’s organisation over the years has been rich and rewarding.
Today’s PACIFICA, however, is far removed from that established by Paddy in 1976. Its’ aim was to ‘create opportunities for Pacific Islands women to move into the total society’. Now, she says, its members have moved into our society and are ‘confident and articulate and running their own businesses’.
Samoan-born Paddy came to New Zealand when she was 10 years old as her father was ‘anxious for me to speak English’. She attended St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland, later became a music student, and then went on to become a well-known personality in the world of New Zealand fashion, particularly when she introduced music and dance to the catwalk.
The catalyst for the formation of PACIFICA was a traumatic event which occurred at the plastics company run by Paddy’s husband, Bill. New Zealand had opened its doors to Pacific peoples, who came here looking for work. They were, says Paddy, ill-equipped for the dramatic change, arriving in the country with a lack of suitable clothing for the colder climate and with limited English skills – or, indeed, any skills.
‘They would come to us looking for employment. One night Bill came home and said he could not employ Pacific people anymore because ‘today a man damaged his hand in a machine as he could not read the instructions’. It was at this point I was moved to do something constructive for my grandmother’s people.’
Her inspiration to bring Pacific women living in New Zealand together met with many obstacles, including an attitude of suspicion towards her from many women already involved in social development. They saw her, she says, as ‘someone who lived a European life and had no skills or right’. She persevered, however, and, in 1976, with support from the Niuean and Samoan Women’s Association, PACIFICA was born.
Paddy was offered a helping hand by the then-Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon.
‘He came to the first conference of Pacific women and the next day asked what he could do to help. I received a government grant of $5000 which allowed me to travel to other places in New Zealand to generate understanding of the value of Pacific women coming together. Leaders emerged and each leader would begin a new branch of PACIFICA.’
Today, PACIFICA has branches from Whangarei down to Invercargill. They generally meet monthly and have elected officers. The branches are fairly independent and each run their year’s programme according to the needs, interests, and strengths of their members.
Paddy says, ‘no action of any kind is possible without a willingness to give of one’s self. When PACIFICA was established we all had the deepest belief in its reason for being. By choosing to believe in something we breathe our breath into that belief giving it energy and life – this we have done to PACIFICA’.
http://www.pacifica.org.nz/
An evaluation of the paid parental leave scheme has found that there is widespread support for it amongst parents and employers.
The Department of Labour report of the 2005/2006 evaluation of the scheme was released in May. It found:
The full evaluation can be found on the Department of Labour’s website www.ers.dol.govt.nz/parentalleave
Around 15 percent – over 370,000 – of New Zealanders provide care for sick, disabled or frail family members and, with an increasing elderly population, this figure will rise. Most do not receive any payment.
The development of a new strategy was announced in April. The strategy will seek to address the needs of unpaid family carers of all ages.
At a recent summit Caring for the Carers, Disability Issues and Senior Citizens’ Minister, Hon Ruth Dyson, announced that a national Carers’ Strategy will be developed by 2008. The government will work jointly with the New Zealand Carers’ Alliance, a network of 41 non-profit organisations, including Carers New Zealand.
The Strategy will set the direction for the development of policies and services towards carers for the next decade. A Five-year Action Plan will complement the Strategy and support its implementation.
Further information can be obtained at http://www.carers.net.nz and the Minister’s speech can be seen at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=28959
Young people’s career decisions will be the subject of research being undertaken by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs as part of our wider work programme on occupational segregation.
The Ministry wants to know how gender influences the career choices that people make. In New Zealand there is a high level of gender segregation in employment, with women concentrated in a small number of female-dominated occupations. These occupations traditionally have poorer pay and offer fewer opportunities than male-dominated ones. This occupational segregation could contribute to between 20 and 40 percent of the gender pay gap.
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research will carry out the research which will be available next year.
A small Ministry of Women’s Affairs team spent two weeks at the United Nations in New York in February/March at the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The purpose of CSW is to create international momentum to improve laws, policies and services to contribute to the well-being of women. This year the subject was ‘the elimination of discrimination and violence against the girl child’.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, and Senior Policy Analyst, Cherie Engelbrecht, were well supported by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade based in the New Zealand Mission in New York. Other representatives on the delegation were Cindy Kiro, the Children’s Commissioner, and Diane Mara, National President of PACIFICA.
Shenagh and Cherie give us their impressions of the meeting.
We listened for over two days as each country tried to sum up in five or so minutes what they have achieved in relation to reducing violence against girls. There was also a chance for debate with international panellists. The United Nations succeeded to some extent in encouraging more interaction amongst all countries this year.
Some country delegations and NGOs ran workshops. For example, we attended an interesting presentation on the policies to encourage Nordic fathers in parenting. The Ministry was privileged to speak at a workshop run by the Project 50.
During the second week negotiations occur. They are detailed and inclusive – every country gets a say. The range of cultures and development stages makes reaching agreement very hard. Consensus must be reached on those things that all countries will commit to implement – quite a challenge!
Some of our domestic initiatives, such as the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families, attracted interest. All of these things build the reputation of New Zealand at the United Nations and ensure our leadership in the area of women’s rights.
Readers of Panui can feel proud of the contribution New Zealand makes to improving the status of women internationally through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Nevertheless, progress seems to be very slow, and there is so much more work to be done.
The CSW website is at http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/
Ninety percent of children who arrive at our Women’s Refuges have only the clothes they are wearing. Thanks to a group of North Shore women, they will now receive an ‘emergency essentials pack’ containing a t-shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, school bag, and possibly a toy.
They are the Friends of Women’s Refuges and call themselves the ‘First XV’ of fundraising. They started in 1995 and since then have raised nearly $1,000,000 for Women’s Refuge. These women, however, do not stand on street corners with buckets. They organise art and sculpture exhibitions.
Friends’ chairperson, Lexie Turner, says it all began when, after spending a day in the rain collecting on the streets, it was decided ‘there had to be a better way’. There was.
‘We held an art exhibition at a local community gallery in 1995 hoping to raise money to put towards buying a van for a local needy refuge. To our huge surprise, we made enough to buy the van outright’.
The biennial event took off and, as it got bigger, needed a larger site on which to exhibit the works of significant New Zealand artists. The 2006 NZ Sculpture OnShore exhibition was held at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, a former defence force base overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Friends of Women’s Refuge take a commission on the works sold, and this is the basis for the fundraising.
The charitable trust’s efforts this year resulted in $300,000 being handed over to New Zealand Women’s Refuges. As well as the children’s packs, the funds were allocated to reprinting a resource book called Fresh Start so that every woman entering a refuge can receive a copy. Fresh Start provides essential facts and advice to help her rebuild her life.
In a statement read out at the handover of the funds to Heather Henare, head of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, congratulated Friends of Women’s Refuges for their ‘amazing efforts’ and thanked them for ‘raising both the funds and the awareness that violence in our society is absolutely unacceptable’.
Friends of Women’s Refuges can be contacted on info@nzsculptureonshore.co.nz
The Māori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori, has appointed Huhana Rokx as its’ first female chief executive.
Waikato University has awarded Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten the 2006 vice chancellor’s medal for staff excellence. Cheryl is a senior lecturer in the management communication department in Waikato Management School.
Auckland University senior lecturer Prue Taylor has been selected as one of 20 outstanding women across the world working on climate change issues. The award, from the World Conservation Union, recognises Prue’s contribution as a world pioneer on law, ethics and climate change.
Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has been appointed chairwoman of an arm of reverse mortgage firm Sentinel.
Professor Margaret Brimble is the first New Zealander to win one of the world’s most respected science prizes. Professor Brimble is one of five winners of UNESCO Women in Science laureates for 2007.
New Zealand businesswoman Peri Drysdale has received an honorary doctorate in commerce from Lincoln University. Peri is chief executive of a family owned and operated clothing and homeware company, Untouched World.
Katie Sadleir has been appointed ACC general manager injury prevention.
Anne Hawker, ACC’s Strategic Programme Manager – Rehabilitation, has been elected Rehabilitation International (RI) President-elect, to become President in 2008, the first time a woman has held the role.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs’ assistant policy analyst Vanessa Schouten has been granted a $400,000 scholarship to study at Princeton University for five years. Vanessa leaves for the United States in September to begin studies toward her doctorate in philosophy.
Self-employed chartered accountant Kate Joblin has been appointed chair of the Whanganui District Health Board.
Elaine McFadyen is the new chief executive for Catalyst Risk Management.
Philippa (Pip) Dunphy of Auckland has worked in the financial sector for over 20 years specialising in banking, finance, and investment management. In December last year, Pip was appointed to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Board.
My qualifications include a B Hort Sci (ex Lincoln College) and a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). I began my career in Horticulture but within three years I transferred to finance.
I was working in a job doing market research during a time when horticulture was an emerging industry in New Zealand. I was part of a small unit looking for markets for our exports when it became clear to me that, rather than doing research, I would rather be at the sharp end of the work where I could see the consequences. It was an industry which was just starting to grow and I became much more interested in the commercial side of the business.
I realised it was probably going to be difficult so I knocked on doors until someone offered me a job. Finally they did, and it was in the money market. I was fortunate that at that time employers were prepared to give someone with my background a chance in the finance sector.
I’m now a Chartered Financial Analyst (United States) and, until recently, was Executive Director of Investment Banking/Head of Debt Capital Markets for Goldman Sachs JB Were. Before that I was Head of Capital and Risk Management of Wholesale Financial Services for the Bank of New Zealand. I’m now concentrating on putting together a portfolio of directorships to become a full-time professional director.
Our principal role is to ensure the scheme is administered appropriately. This means that cover is provided, that rehabilitation needs are met, that compensation is provided when required, that we are proactive in injury prevention, and that the assets are managed effectively.
I bring to the ACC board expertise in finance markets, capital raising and investments. We have a diverse range of skills on the board covering a broad cross section of expertise from industry, to medical, government, and finance.
The nominating committee was established to provide the Minister for the New Zealand Superannuation Fund with recommendations for appointing Guardians. It’s responsible for identifying, interviewing and vetting possible candidates for the Guardians, and making appointment and reappointment recommendations to the Minister.
The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation are responsible for investing the Fund on a prudent commercial basis.
Being on a board is not for everyone. I enjoy the variety of work and the diverse group of people I come into contact with. I am now in the process of building a portfolio of board positions, but this will take some time, as getting appointed to boards is a very competitive process.
On the Level – Pay and Employment Equity is a DVD designed to get viewers up to speed on PAEE issues and promote further discussion and action at all levels in the workforce. It was produced with financial assistance and support from the Department of Labour’s Pay and Employment Equity Unit.
For a copy, contact the Department of Labour at equity@dol.govt.nz or telephone 04 915 4347 (but please be quick as supplies are limited) or the CTU, email edwardg@nzctu.org.nz or phone 04 385 1334.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said in an interview on the issue that ‘the gaps were a real concern for women and New Zealand society’.
Request for Proposal (RFP) forms are available on the Families Commission website www.nzfamilies.org.nz as well as details of the research themes, the application template, and the criteria for funding.
The closing date for proposals is 13 July 2007. The contact at the Families Commission is Karen Stewart, Research Funds Administrator, telephone 04 931 7090.
Mātāriki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or the Seven Sisters, which is a small but distinctive cluster. Its appearance in the north eastern pre-dawn sky in late May, early June marks the start of a new phase of life. New Year celebrations most often begin at the next new moon after Mātāriki has risen so the actual timing varies from year to year.
Historically, Mātāriki arrived at the end of the harvest and was a time of plenty, a time to share and present offerings to others.
Mātāriki has two meanings, Mata Riki (tiny eyes) and Mata Āriki (eyes of God). Either way, the eyes are thought to watch over the land and its people.
Mātāriki is also a time to plant trees, prepare the land for planting crops and renew associations with whānau, family and friends. The New Year is also a good time to reflect on your place in the world, to reawaken old skills or try out new ones and set new goals.
The Māori Language Commission has more about Mātāriki on its website www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
Sort Me works out just how financially sorted you are. It’s available on www.sorted.org.nz and all you have to do is answer a few simple multi-choice questions about your financial situation.
Sort Me then tells you how you’re doing in eight different areas of basic money management. It also highlights some simple things you could do right now to get yourself more sorted.
Try Sort Me at www.sorted.org.nz. It’s a great way to get sorted before making a decision on KiwiSaver.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Better justice for sexual violence victims
- Editorial for Minister - In defence of women
- What’s ahead for MWA
- The rights of disabled more secure
- Mana Wahine Week
- It's all about believing - Eleitino Paddy Walker
- Paid parental leave supported
- Carers need care too
- Making important choices
- Eliminating violence against girls
- The art form of Fundraising
- Women on the move
- Women on Boards – Pip Dunphy
- In brief: Pay and Employment equity; Pay gap persists; new research fund launched; Extra holidays and income; Mātāriki; Sort Me
Better justice for sexual violence victims
Sexual violence is significantly under-reported in New Zealand and the likelihood of obtaining a conviction when an assault is reported is not high.
A new research project led by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs seeks to change that.
The two-year project – primarily funded by an $800,000 grant from the Ministry of Research, Science and Technology – will investigate how many reports of sexual violence in New Zealand end up with a successful conviction; look at ways to improve the likelihood of victims making formal complaints; and investigate how victims can best be supported through the criminal justice system.
At the announcement of the grant, Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, said it was difficult for many victims to talk about what has happened to them because of embarrassment and fear.
‘Going through the trial process can exacerbate this and it can be even worse if the victim and offender are known to each other. We want victims to feel they will be safe and supported when they report such attacks’.
The Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said she was delighted that the Ministry was successful in its cross-departmental research fund bid.
‘We can now put dedicated analysis and leadership into addressing the issue of sexual violence. We would not have been able to focus our effort on this vital area without the effort of Ministry staff to secure these resources. I congratulate them.
It is another example of the Ministry stretching way beyond its size in order to influence outcomes for women. We cannot, however, achieve our vision without the support of the Ministries of Justice, Health, Police, and ACC. We look forward to working closely with them, others in the state sector, and of course, the NGOs and women themselves who can contribute their knowledge and experience’.
The project will employ a range of methods to explore the issue for different groups of adult victims including:
- Māori
- Pacific
- ethnic, migrant and refugee
- those with physical and intellectual disabilities
- rural
- male
- those who know their offender/s.
The project starts in July.
New taskforce on sexual violence
Reinforcing the Government’s commitment to addressing the issue of sexual violence was the announcement of the establishment of a Taskforce for Action on Sexual Violence.The taskforce will be made up of chief executives from nine government agencies. It will also include senior-level representatives from non-government organisations, and a representative from the judiciary. Its role will be to advise a government ministerial group on how to reduce the incidence and impact of sexual violence.
Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, and Minister of Justice, Mark Burton jointly announced the taskforce in March, saying eliminating sexual violence must be a priority.
Lianne Dalziel said ‘as well as the physical and mental health impacts on victims, the cost to the community through the health, justice and social systems is significant’.
The new group is modelled on the highly effective family violence ministerial group and its supporting Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families.
Some key facts on sexual violence in New Zealand
- Although it is significantly under-reported, it is estimated to affect approximately one in five New Zealand women and one in 20 New Zealand men. Rates are highest for Māori women (23 percent) and young women (26 percent of 17-24 year-olds).
- Some of the health consequences of sexual violence include reproductive problems such as gynaecological complications and sexually transmitted infections; and mental health problems including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and suicidal behaviour.
- Some of the social problems associated with sexual victimisation include ostracism (victims made to feel they are to blame), poor self-esteem and feelings of isolation and helplessness (Ministry of Justice (2004), Safer Communities Action Plan to Reduce Community Violence and Sexual Violence. Ministry of Justice, Wellington).
- Sexual violence is most often committed by someone the victim knows rather than by a ‘dangerous stranger’. This includes partners and ex-partners, close friends, workmates, and family members.
- In 2003-04, sexual offences are estimated to have cost $1.2 billion. This equates to approximately $72,130 for each sexual offence ( Tim Roper & Andrew Thompson (2006) ‘Estimating the costs of crime in New Zealand in 2003/04’, New Zealand Treasury Working Paper 06/04. New Zealand Treasury, Wellington). It is New Zealand’s most costly category of crime, primarily reflecting the impact on the victims.
| √ Action Plan Action Plan for New Zealand Women, Well-Being 3.2.2 Crime Reduction Strategy. Improve safety for women, girls and older women by continuing the implementation of the Crime Reduction Strategy. In particular, develop interventions aimed at potential or actual offenders, and potential or actual victims, especially Māori, Pacific peoples, at risk families, and those affected by drugs, alcohol or gambling. |
In defence of women - Editorial
Last month saw a new milestone for women’s rights in New Zealand – the removal of the last legal discrimination against women in employment.
The passing of the Human Rights (Women in Armed Forces) Amendment Bill removed the exemption to our human rights laws designed to enable the armed forces to exclude women from combat and other front-line roles. It brings our law in line with current practice because, since 2000 the Defence Force has had a policy of encouraging women into all roles, including those with front-line duties. And indeed, many women have already served in roles that they would not have less than a decade ago.
What makes the law change significant is that it will enable New Zealand to remove the last remaining reservation to the United Nations Convention that is often refered to as an international bill of rights for women – the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW). New Zealand has always been a strong advocate for the rights of women internationally, and being able to remove our only reservation to CEDAW will boost our international credibility even further.
I had the privilege of steering the legislation through its final stages as a government Bill, but Waitakere MP Lynne Pillay deserves the credit for her initiative in introducing the legislation as a member's bill. It was also pleasing that the legislation was supported by every party in Parliament.
I am going to be a very proud New Zealand Minister of Women’s Affairs when, on 2 August this year, I present New Zealand’s sixth report to the CEDAW Committee in New York. To advise that the last reservation has been lifted symbolises New Zealand’s commitment to women’s rights as human rights.
The passing of this legislation was a highlight of what has been a busy few months as Minister of Women’s Affairs. The other highlight has been meeting so many wonderful women around the country. In the past three months I have held meetings in Nelson, Wanganui, Hastings, Rotorua, Christchurch and on the North Shore as part of a plan to get out around New Zealand and hear directly what women are thinking. I intend to cover the whole country so, if you are interested in attending a meeting in a town near you, check out the meeting schedule on the Ministry of Women’s Affairs website.
I hope to see you soon.
Hon Lianne Dalziel
What’s ahead for MWA
The Ministry has now released its Statement of Intent (SOI) for 2007-2010. This sets out our work programme for the immediate year ahead, and our priorities for the next three years. It shows how we will contribute to government goals and improving outcomes over the next three years, and how we will assess whether we have achieved what we have set out to achieve.
For the first time, this year the Ministry is also producing an SOI ‘Highlights’ document, which is being distributed. A full copy of the SOI is available on our website www.mwa.govt.nz/news-and-pubs/publications/soi-general/
The rights of disabled more secure
New Zealand has passed an international milestone for securing rights for disabled persons.
In March this year, in New York, Disability Issues Minister, Hon Ruth Dyson, signed the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, along with representatives from 80 other countries.
It is the first human rights instrument of the 21st century and had the largest number of nations signing a convention on the opening day.
Speaking at the signing ceremony the Minister said ‘the Convention sets out a code of practice consistent with New Zealand’s own Disability Strategy’.
‘It covers a full range of issues from access to justice, liberty of movement, education, health and living independently in the community through to participation in society generally’.
General obligations under the Convention require governments to actively involve disability organisations in the development of policies and action to implement the Convention. There is also a requirement for countries to report on measures taken to give effect to obligations under the Convention and on the progress made in that regard within two years of the Convention coming into force for that country.
The Convention will enter into force when ratified by 20 countries. Work is underway for New Zealand to ratify the Convention as soon as possible.
For the text of the Convention see http://www.un.org/disabilities/convention/conventionfull.shtml
For current activity see http://www.odi.govt.nz/what-we-do/un-convention.html
Mana Wahine Week: leaders, creators and innovators
The strength, leadership, and diverse skills of Māori women shone through once again during this year’s Mana Wahine Week, 23-29 April.
Audiences were entertained and inspired as they attended events ranging from successful Māori businesswomen talking of their experiences, to a session with the ‘Ask Your Auntie’ panel, through to a dazzling display of garments created by leading Māori weavers.
Director of Biofarm Products Ltd, Cathy Tait-Jamieson, told attendees at the launch of Mana Wahine Week how, when she and her husband began their organic farm thirty years ago, they were labelled ‘hippies’, with the local community speculating on when they would go ‘broke’. Today, Biofarm yoghurt is available on supermarket shelves throughout the country, serviced by 13 distributors.
The launch, on Monday 23 April, was organised by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs and Te Puni Kōkiri. Hosted by former Member of Parliament, Georgina Beyer, the guest speakers were Cathy and Judge Caren Fox, Kaiwhakawā of the Tai Rāwhiti Māori Land Court.
On Thursday 26 April MWA, in conjunction with Greenstone Pictures, brought the panel from the popular Māori television programme ‘Ask Your Auntie’ to Wellington to entertain with their wit, humour, and wisdom. Aunties Aroha Hathaway, Mabel Wharekawa-Burt, and Ella Henry were joined by guests Jacqui Te Kani, General Manager of the Māori Women’s Welfare League, and former Silver Fern, Gail Parata, to offer their solutions to some of life’s tricky issues.
The culmination of Mana Wahine Week for MWA was a fashion show held in conjunction with Toi Māori as part of MĀORI MARKet at the TSB Bank Arena. Officially opened on Friday 27 April by the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, the fashion show was a stunning display of woven garments and korowai (cloaks) made by members of the National Māori Weavers Collective.
MWA Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said the week reinforced that Māori women are leaders in many fields.
‘The Ministry of Women’s Affairs thanks all who joined us, helped us with organising, and participated as guests and speakers. The hard work in the preparation was amply rewarded by the inspiration gained through involvement in these events.’
MWA has celebrated Mana Wahine Week every year since its inception in 1993, which was also International Year of Indigenous People.
Contribution to diversity recognisedFor its’ involvement in and organisation of Mana Wahine Week events, the Ministry of Women’s Affairs received an acknowledgement from the Human Rights Commission in recognition of ‘achievement and contribution to diversity in New Zealand’. |
It’s all about believing
Eleitino Paddy Walker is always willing to talk about PACIFICA, the organisation she founded over thirty years ago. She says her involvement with this Pacific women’s organisation over the years has been rich and rewarding.
Today’s PACIFICA, however, is far removed from that established by Paddy in 1976. Its’ aim was to ‘create opportunities for Pacific Islands women to move into the total society’. Now, she says, its members have moved into our society and are ‘confident and articulate and running their own businesses’.
Samoan-born Paddy came to New Zealand when she was 10 years old as her father was ‘anxious for me to speak English’. She attended St Cuthbert’s College in Auckland, later became a music student, and then went on to become a well-known personality in the world of New Zealand fashion, particularly when she introduced music and dance to the catwalk.
The catalyst for the formation of PACIFICA was a traumatic event which occurred at the plastics company run by Paddy’s husband, Bill. New Zealand had opened its doors to Pacific peoples, who came here looking for work. They were, says Paddy, ill-equipped for the dramatic change, arriving in the country with a lack of suitable clothing for the colder climate and with limited English skills – or, indeed, any skills.
‘They would come to us looking for employment. One night Bill came home and said he could not employ Pacific people anymore because ‘today a man damaged his hand in a machine as he could not read the instructions’. It was at this point I was moved to do something constructive for my grandmother’s people.’
Her inspiration to bring Pacific women living in New Zealand together met with many obstacles, including an attitude of suspicion towards her from many women already involved in social development. They saw her, she says, as ‘someone who lived a European life and had no skills or right’. She persevered, however, and, in 1976, with support from the Niuean and Samoan Women’s Association, PACIFICA was born.
Paddy was offered a helping hand by the then-Prime Minister, Sir Robert Muldoon.
‘He came to the first conference of Pacific women and the next day asked what he could do to help. I received a government grant of $5000 which allowed me to travel to other places in New Zealand to generate understanding of the value of Pacific women coming together. Leaders emerged and each leader would begin a new branch of PACIFICA.’
Today, PACIFICA has branches from Whangarei down to Invercargill. They generally meet monthly and have elected officers. The branches are fairly independent and each run their year’s programme according to the needs, interests, and strengths of their members.
Paddy says, ‘no action of any kind is possible without a willingness to give of one’s self. When PACIFICA was established we all had the deepest belief in its reason for being. By choosing to believe in something we breathe our breath into that belief giving it energy and life – this we have done to PACIFICA’.
http://www.pacifica.org.nz/
Paid parental leave supported
An evaluation of the paid parental leave scheme has found that there is widespread support for it amongst parents and employers.
The Department of Labour report of the 2005/2006 evaluation of the scheme was released in May. It found:
- 76 percent of women in employment immediately prior to the birth or adoption of a child had work patterns that qualified them for paid parental leave (PPL)
- 58 percent qualified for the 52 weeks of extended unpaid leave as well as PPL
- It is almost exclusively mothers who use PPL
- The payment improves income stability for many families but over half of mothers who took PPL agreed that the ending of the payment had a significant impact on decisions about the timing of their return to employment
- Most mothers change their working arrangements after the birth or adoption of a child.
The full evaluation can be found on the Department of Labour’s website www.ers.dol.govt.nz/parentalleave
Carers need care too
Around 15 percent – over 370,000 – of New Zealanders provide care for sick, disabled or frail family members and, with an increasing elderly population, this figure will rise. Most do not receive any payment.
The development of a new strategy was announced in April. The strategy will seek to address the needs of unpaid family carers of all ages.
At a recent summit Caring for the Carers, Disability Issues and Senior Citizens’ Minister, Hon Ruth Dyson, announced that a national Carers’ Strategy will be developed by 2008. The government will work jointly with the New Zealand Carers’ Alliance, a network of 41 non-profit organisations, including Carers New Zealand.
The Strategy will set the direction for the development of policies and services towards carers for the next decade. A Five-year Action Plan will complement the Strategy and support its implementation.
Further information can be obtained at http://www.carers.net.nz and the Minister’s speech can be seen at http://www.beehive.govt.nz/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=28959
Making important choices
Young people’s career decisions will be the subject of research being undertaken by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs as part of our wider work programme on occupational segregation.
The Ministry wants to know how gender influences the career choices that people make. In New Zealand there is a high level of gender segregation in employment, with women concentrated in a small number of female-dominated occupations. These occupations traditionally have poorer pay and offer fewer opportunities than male-dominated ones. This occupational segregation could contribute to between 20 and 40 percent of the gender pay gap.
The New Zealand Council for Educational Research will carry out the research which will be available next year.
Eliminating violence against girls
A small Ministry of Women’s Affairs team spent two weeks at the United Nations in New York in February/March at the annual meeting of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
The purpose of CSW is to create international momentum to improve laws, policies and services to contribute to the well-being of women. This year the subject was ‘the elimination of discrimination and violence against the girl child’.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, and Senior Policy Analyst, Cherie Engelbrecht, were well supported by staff of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade based in the New Zealand Mission in New York. Other representatives on the delegation were Cindy Kiro, the Children’s Commissioner, and Diane Mara, National President of PACIFICA.
Shenagh and Cherie give us their impressions of the meeting.
What is it like at CSW?
The halls and meeting rooms are full of women from many countries – ministers, government officials and NGOs. It was a time for talking, sharing and learning what our countries are doing to eliminate violence against girls.We listened for over two days as each country tried to sum up in five or so minutes what they have achieved in relation to reducing violence against girls. There was also a chance for debate with international panellists. The United Nations succeeded to some extent in encouraging more interaction amongst all countries this year.
Some country delegations and NGOs ran workshops. For example, we attended an interesting presentation on the policies to encourage Nordic fathers in parenting. The Ministry was privileged to speak at a workshop run by the Project 50.
During the second week negotiations occur. They are detailed and inclusive – every country gets a say. The range of cultures and development stages makes reaching agreement very hard. Consensus must be reached on those things that all countries will commit to implement – quite a challenge!
What was achieved?
This year agreement was reached on conclusions that may serve as a guide and impetus to improve the conditions for girls suffering the impact of violence and discrimination. It was an achievement that no former international agreements were reversed. It sounds like a hollow victory, but holding ground is valuable. There were some minor advances, for example, African countries raising and recording a concern about female genital mutilation. There was also some more specification about information and education on health.How does New Zealand perform on that world stage?
New Zealand is well regarded. We take an active and independent role in the negotiations, working well with other nations and providing leadership. Our capacity to debate succinctly is valued. The relationship of the New Zealand delegation with NGOs was frequently commended. New Zealand is regarded as very helpful to the Pacific countries.Some of our domestic initiatives, such as the Taskforce for Action on Violence within Families, attracted interest. All of these things build the reputation of New Zealand at the United Nations and ensure our leadership in the area of women’s rights.
Readers of Panui can feel proud of the contribution New Zealand makes to improving the status of women internationally through the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. Nevertheless, progress seems to be very slow, and there is so much more work to be done.
The CSW website is at http://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/
The art form of fundraising
Ninety percent of children who arrive at our Women’s Refuges have only the clothes they are wearing. Thanks to a group of North Shore women, they will now receive an ‘emergency essentials pack’ containing a t-shirt, shorts, underwear, socks, school bag, and possibly a toy.
They are the Friends of Women’s Refuges and call themselves the ‘First XV’ of fundraising. They started in 1995 and since then have raised nearly $1,000,000 for Women’s Refuge. These women, however, do not stand on street corners with buckets. They organise art and sculpture exhibitions.
Friends’ chairperson, Lexie Turner, says it all began when, after spending a day in the rain collecting on the streets, it was decided ‘there had to be a better way’. There was.
‘We held an art exhibition at a local community gallery in 1995 hoping to raise money to put towards buying a van for a local needy refuge. To our huge surprise, we made enough to buy the van outright’.
The biennial event took off and, as it got bigger, needed a larger site on which to exhibit the works of significant New Zealand artists. The 2006 NZ Sculpture OnShore exhibition was held at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve, a former defence force base overlooking the Hauraki Gulf. Friends of Women’s Refuge take a commission on the works sold, and this is the basis for the fundraising.
The charitable trust’s efforts this year resulted in $300,000 being handed over to New Zealand Women’s Refuges. As well as the children’s packs, the funds were allocated to reprinting a resource book called Fresh Start so that every woman entering a refuge can receive a copy. Fresh Start provides essential facts and advice to help her rebuild her life.
In a statement read out at the handover of the funds to Heather Henare, head of the National Collective of Independent Women’s Refuges, the Minister of Women’s Affairs, Hon Lianne Dalziel, congratulated Friends of Women’s Refuges for their ‘amazing efforts’ and thanked them for ‘raising both the funds and the awareness that violence in our society is absolutely unacceptable’.
Friends of Women’s Refuges can be contacted on info@nzsculptureonshore.co.nz
Women on the Move
The Māori Language Commission, Te Taura Whiri I te Reo Māori, has appointed Huhana Rokx as its’ first female chief executive.
Waikato University has awarded Cheryl Cockburn-Wootten the 2006 vice chancellor’s medal for staff excellence. Cheryl is a senior lecturer in the management communication department in Waikato Management School.
Auckland University senior lecturer Prue Taylor has been selected as one of 20 outstanding women across the world working on climate change issues. The award, from the World Conservation Union, recognises Prue’s contribution as a world pioneer on law, ethics and climate change.
Former Prime Minister Jenny Shipley has been appointed chairwoman of an arm of reverse mortgage firm Sentinel.
Professor Margaret Brimble is the first New Zealander to win one of the world’s most respected science prizes. Professor Brimble is one of five winners of UNESCO Women in Science laureates for 2007.
New Zealand businesswoman Peri Drysdale has received an honorary doctorate in commerce from Lincoln University. Peri is chief executive of a family owned and operated clothing and homeware company, Untouched World.
Katie Sadleir has been appointed ACC general manager injury prevention.
Anne Hawker, ACC’s Strategic Programme Manager – Rehabilitation, has been elected Rehabilitation International (RI) President-elect, to become President in 2008, the first time a woman has held the role.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs’ assistant policy analyst Vanessa Schouten has been granted a $400,000 scholarship to study at Princeton University for five years. Vanessa leaves for the United States in September to begin studies toward her doctorate in philosophy.
Self-employed chartered accountant Kate Joblin has been appointed chair of the Whanganui District Health Board.
Elaine McFadyen is the new chief executive for Catalyst Risk Management.
Women on Boards
Pip DunphyGovernance Roles
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Philippa (Pip) Dunphy of Auckland has worked in the financial sector for over 20 years specialising in banking, finance, and investment management. In December last year, Pip was appointed to the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) Board.
MWA: Tell us about your background and qualifications
My qualifications include a B Hort Sci (ex Lincoln College) and a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst). I began my career in Horticulture but within three years I transferred to finance.
MWA: Why did you do that?
I was working in a job doing market research during a time when horticulture was an emerging industry in New Zealand. I was part of a small unit looking for markets for our exports when it became clear to me that, rather than doing research, I would rather be at the sharp end of the work where I could see the consequences. It was an industry which was just starting to grow and I became much more interested in the commercial side of the business.
I realised it was probably going to be difficult so I knocked on doors until someone offered me a job. Finally they did, and it was in the money market. I was fortunate that at that time employers were prepared to give someone with my background a chance in the finance sector.
I’m now a Chartered Financial Analyst (United States) and, until recently, was Executive Director of Investment Banking/Head of Debt Capital Markets for Goldman Sachs JB Were. Before that I was Head of Capital and Risk Management of Wholesale Financial Services for the Bank of New Zealand. I’m now concentrating on putting together a portfolio of directorships to become a full-time professional director.
MWA: What is your role as a member of the ACC board?
Our principal role is to ensure the scheme is administered appropriately. This means that cover is provided, that rehabilitation needs are met, that compensation is provided when required, that we are proactive in injury prevention, and that the assets are managed effectively.
I bring to the ACC board expertise in finance markets, capital raising and investments. We have a diverse range of skills on the board covering a broad cross section of expertise from industry, to medical, government, and finance.
MWA: You’re also on the board of the Nominating Committee for the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation. What does it do?
The nominating committee was established to provide the Minister for the New Zealand Superannuation Fund with recommendations for appointing Guardians. It’s responsible for identifying, interviewing and vetting possible candidates for the Guardians, and making appointment and reappointment recommendations to the Minister.
The Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation are responsible for investing the Fund on a prudent commercial basis.
MWA: What do you enjoy about board work?
Being on a board is not for everyone. I enjoy the variety of work and the diverse group of people I come into contact with. I am now in the process of building a portfolio of board positions, but this will take some time, as getting appointed to boards is a very competitive process.
| Board name: ACC Board |
Board member requirements:
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| For more information about the Nominations Service, check out the Ministry of Women’s Affairs website: www.mwa.govt.nz/women-on-boards |
| √ Action Plan Action Plan for New Zealand Women, Economic Sustainability 1.4.1: Improve women’s participation in leadership and decision-making roles by monitoring women’s representation and participation at senior levels in business and the education sector, and by providing nominations to government boards. |
News in Brief
Pay and employment equity – learning and having fun
A fun, innovative – and free – resource on pay and employment equity (PAEE) was launched on 8 March – International Women’s Day – by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions.On the Level – Pay and Employment Equity is a DVD designed to get viewers up to speed on PAEE issues and promote further discussion and action at all levels in the workforce. It was produced with financial assistance and support from the Department of Labour’s Pay and Employment Equity Unit.
For a copy, contact the Department of Labour at equity@dol.govt.nz or telephone 04 915 4347 (but please be quick as supplies are limited) or the CTU, email edwardg@nzctu.org.nz or phone 04 385 1334.
Pay gap persists
The Equal Pay Act was passed in 1972. Yet, information released recently by Statistics New Zealand indicates that males’ income was consistently higher than females’ income five years after leaving study, across every field of study. For a group of students who all left study in 2000:- the average income one year after leaving study for the males was six percent higher than the average income for the females
- the males’ average income five years after leaving study was 20 percent higher than the females’.
Ministry of Women’s Affairs Chief Executive, Shenagh Gleisner, said in an interview on the issue that ‘the gaps were a real concern for women and New Zealand society’.
New research fund launched
The Families Commission has just launched a new Research Fund which will disburse up to a million dollars worth of grants each year. The Commission is looking to support substantial pieces of research giving valuable information that will make a difference to families.Request for Proposal (RFP) forms are available on the Families Commission website www.nzfamilies.org.nz as well as details of the research themes, the application template, and the criteria for funding.
The closing date for proposals is 13 July 2007. The contact at the Families Commission is Karen Stewart, Research Funds Administrator, telephone 04 931 7090.
Extra holidays and income
As at 1 April this year: New Zealanders became entitled to a minimum four weeks’ annual holiday after they have been in their job for one year; the Working for Families tax credits rose by $10 per child; the minimum adult wage rose to $11.25/hour and the minimum youth rate rose to $9.00/hour; superannuation and veteran’s pensions increased by five percent; and benefits and student allowances increased.Kanapanapa mai ana a Mātāriki!
Saturday 16 June will herald Mātāriki, the Māori New Year for 2007.Mātāriki is the Māori name for the group of stars also known as the Pleiades star cluster or the Seven Sisters, which is a small but distinctive cluster. Its appearance in the north eastern pre-dawn sky in late May, early June marks the start of a new phase of life. New Year celebrations most often begin at the next new moon after Mātāriki has risen so the actual timing varies from year to year.
Historically, Mātāriki arrived at the end of the harvest and was a time of plenty, a time to share and present offerings to others.
Mātāriki has two meanings, Mata Riki (tiny eyes) and Mata Āriki (eyes of God). Either way, the eyes are thought to watch over the land and its people.
Mātāriki is also a time to plant trees, prepare the land for planting crops and renew associations with whānau, family and friends. The New Year is also a good time to reflect on your place in the world, to reawaken old skills or try out new ones and set new goals.
The Māori Language Commission has more about Mātāriki on its website www.tetaurawhiri.govt.nz
How sorted are you?
The Retirement Commission has launched Sort Me – an online financial check-up that’s arrived just in time to get your money sorted before making a decision on KiwiSaver.Sort Me works out just how financially sorted you are. It’s available on www.sorted.org.nz and all you have to do is answer a few simple multi-choice questions about your financial situation.
Sort Me then tells you how you’re doing in eight different areas of basic money management. It also highlights some simple things you could do right now to get yourself more sorted.
Try Sort Me at www.sorted.org.nz. It’s a great way to get sorted before making a decision on KiwiSaver.
| Pānui is published by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, New Zealand. We
welcome your feedback and ideas addressed to The Editor, Pānui,
Ministry of Women’s Affairs, PO Box 10049, Wellington, New Zealand.
Email: mwa@mwa.govt.nz The viewpoints expressed in Pānui do not necessarily reflect the views of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs. |
