Sue Moroney
Women’s Affairs Spokesperson

17 December 2010
Media Statement

National censors its failings on women’s issues

New Women’s Affairs Minister Hekia Parata has today presented to the public a report that shows her Government has censored any potentially negative information, Labour’s Women’s Affairs spokesperson Sue Moroney says.

“The Government's report to Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) released today shows that progress for New Zealand women has stalled under National, and fails to come clean on its recent decisions that discriminate against women,” Sue Moroney said.

“The report was prepared by Pansy Wong as Minister of Women's Affairs, signed by Georgina Te Heuheu as acting minister and is now being trumpeted by new minister, Hekia Parata.

"Most of the positive improvements reported on happened under Labour, while the negative ones from National were simply left out.

“For instance there is no mention of National's decision to stop pay equity audits for school support staff and CYFS social workers in 2009, nor the drastic funding cut of $1m per year for work on reducing the gender pay gap.

“The report was also silent on National’s decision to cut $400m from early childhood education, which will increase costs and reduce choice for women.

“The removal of employment rights in the first 90 days, NZ super fund contribution cuts and tax cuts favouring high income earners also never get a mention.

“Ironically, the report does say legislation on meal breaks and rest periods at work was good for women when National is preparing to take those rights away.

“I look forward to seeing the shadow CEDAW report which should give a more genuine view of discrimination against women in New Zealand,” Sue Moroney said.

ENDS

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