We're Back, But What in the Pay Equity is Going On?

Episode 53 of the Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right podcast, hosted by Sanam Ahmadzadeh Salmani, titled "We're Back, But What in the Pay Equity is Going On?" was published on May 28, 2025 and runs 12 minutes.

May 28, 2025 ·12m · Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

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Summary

Law Lenz is officially back from break! While we were gone, employment law kept on moving. So much so, that on 13 May 2025, the Coalition Government passed urgent changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay laws. By introducing hierarchical comparators, that claims must have "merit" and redefining what counts as a female-dominated workforce, the changes have impacted employees across industries such as healthcare, teaching and corrections. As the changes have swept the nation, it has caused major outrage and controversy. In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down: What changed in NZ’s pay equity legislation Why the Coalition Government says the changes were necessary What the unions and opposition party thinks The controversy of equal pay and the Federal Budget What other countries have done with their pay equity systems The current real-life impact across NZ Whether you're a compliance guru, a business owner, or just want to understand how gender, politics and budgets collide, this bite-sized episode is your go-to explainer. Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. Resources: Changes to improve pay equity process - Beehive Equal Pay Amendment Bill - NZ Parliament ‘Women’s pay' and ‘retirement funds’ paying for Budget 2025, Labour says - Stuff article Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Episode Description

In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down:

What changed in NZ’s pay equity legislation
Why the Coalition Government says the changes were necessary
What the unions and opposition party thinks
The controversy of equal pay and the Federal Budget
What other countries have done with their pay equity systems
The current real-life impact across NZ

Whether you're a compliance guru, a business owner, or just want to understand how gender, politics and budgets collide, this bite-sized episode is your go-to explainer.

Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.