“This Government is systematically dismantling the democratic safeguards that protect fairness, equity, and public voice in Aotearoa. Its repeated use of urgency, its rollback of rights without consultation, and its sidelining of civil society are deeply undemocratic,” NCWNZ Board member, Dellwyn Stuart says.

"It is worse than embarrassing that the country where women were the first to win the right to vote is now showing such a lack of respect for their hard work and contributions.

"In 2023, NCWNZ's Gender Attitudes Survey showed that the trend against gender equality is gaining traction. This Government's actions will virtually guarantee a reversal of any progress we have made – and with their apparent endorsement," Dellwyn Stuart says.

Since the Coalition Government took office in October 2023, it has enacted a series of policies and legislative changes that collectively undermine the rights and well-being of women and gender-diverse individuals. These actions threaten to erode the foundations of New Zealand's inclusive and fair society,” Stuart added.

The Government's attack on gender equality includes: 

Erosion of pay equity protections

In addition to the impact of the pay equity decision for under-paid workers, the roll-on effect for women in financially vulnerable situations – and for the women working in organisations that support victims of family and sexual violence – is that both victim survivors and their champions will suffer due to fewer available services and care workers.

Dismantling of inclusive education

The Coalition has removed comprehensive sex and relationship education guidelines from the national curriculum before a framework to replace them is ready. The proposed replacement framework omits discussions on gender diversity and consent. Educators and health professionals warn that this change compromises young people's ability to navigate relationships safely and respectfully.

Cuts to family and sexual violence funding

Without apparent consultation with the sector, the Government's first budget cut funding and jobs for family violence and sexual violence service providers and restructured agencies supporting the delivery of this important mahi. Providers in the sector have expressed grave concerns over the ongoing safety for women and children in vulnerable situations and their access to services due to reductions in funding and service providers.

Proposed legislation to redefine gender

New Zealand First has proposed legislation to legally define 'woman' strictly as a 'biological female,' which would exclude transgender women from legal recognition. This proposal has been criticised as a regressive step that marginalises gender-diverse communities and undermines inclusive legal protections. 

Language restrictions in health communications

The Government has directed Health New Zealand to cease using inclusive terms like 'pregnant people' in official communications, mandating the exclusive use of 'women.' Critics argue this policy disregards the experiences of transgender and non-binary individuals, potentially deterring them from seeking essential healthcare services. 

Reversal of climate protections and standards

The Government continues to prioritise profit over our climate needs and commitments. In doing so, we risk exacerbating the already untenable position of women, children, wāhine Māori, disabled women and those from ethnic, refugee and migrant backgrounds, in both urban and rural settings as impacts of climate change disproportionately affect women. 

NCWNZ points out that a recent Roy Morgan poll shows a significant gender divide in political support: 55% of women favour opposition parties, while only 42.5% support the ruling coalition. Among women aged 18-49, support for the opposition rises to 66%, reflecting widespread concern over the Government's stance on women's rights.

"We urge the Coalition Government to reconsider these policies and engage in meaningful dialogue with women's rights organisations, educators, healthcare professionals, unions, and the broader community. As signatories to the UN's CEDAW commitments, we are being held to account internationally for our actions to eliminate all forms of discrimination against women. These decisions are not what that looks like. Protecting and advancing gender equity requires inclusive, evidence-based policymaking that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals," Stuart says. 

"This pattern of behaviour is simply unacceptable, and everybody must stand up to push back. This is not just a women’s issue but one that impacts all Kiwis who rely on the crucial and undervalued roles that women play in care, education, health, family and community building. We’re calling on men to stand beside women, to be visible and vocal against these inequalities."

Dellwyn Stuart said NCWNZ will be requesting a meeting with the Minister for Women to discuss their concerns.