Te Pāti Māori is standing in support of unions taking court action against the government over its failure to honour pay equity commitments, calling it a disgrace that wāhine workers have been forced to fight in the courts just to be heard.

Te Pāti Māori Co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer, said the case exposes the government’s contempt for working people, especially women.

“It should never have come to this. Wāhine workers should not have to drag the government to court to get fairness. This elite government has failed women, failed unions, and failed Aotearoa.”

Pay equity claims have been delayed, denied and downplayed by the government despite years of evidence showing undervaluation in female-dominated industries.

“The fact that women in 2025 are still having to fight tooth and nail for equal pay is an indictment on those in power. This government has chosen to side with the elite and silence the voices of working women, it’s disgraceful” said Ngarewa-Packer.

Te Pāti Māori is calling for urgent action to settle pay equity claims, respect the leadership of unions, and uphold the rights of women in workplaces across Aotearoa.

“We stand with the unions in court today, and with the women who should never have had to be here. When in government Te Pāti Māori will repeal this elite government’s anti-pay equity agenda and ensure the voices of wāhine workers are never ignored again” concluded Ngarewa-Packer.

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