Ahead of the 7 November 2026 election, the PSA has released a package of new research and resources on the true cost of cancelling pay equity, and what restoring it would deliver for workers, families, and the economy.
These resources are free to use. We encourage our members and others to draw on the findings, cite the figures, and share the material in the lead up to the election.
The PSA is calling on Parties to restore pay equity and commit to settling and fully funding the care and support workers' claim within the first 100 days of being elected, on the basis of the agreed undervaluation. The work has been done. What is needed now is the political will to make it happen.
Pay equity would improve the lives of 136,000 New Zealand children
New modelling shows 136,000 children, in 91,000 families, would benefit from restored pay equity, including 11,000 children currently in poverty. Families would gain an average of $300 a week.
Analysis of Treasury modelling shows pay equity would increase GDP and employment at lower cost
This analysis finds that the Treasury’s own MATAI modelling shows reinstating pay equity would grow the economy by $13.5b and create 13,000 jobs, at a net fiscal cost of $6b over four years or $1.5b a year.
Voices of Pay Equity Lost
This report provides first-hand accounts from care and support workers on what the 2025 cancellation has cost them and their families, alongside a timeline of the Bartlett case and the fight for pay equity since 2012.
You can watch clips from PSA members, Kate and Christie, who took part in the report, speaking at the report launch event below.
Unions High Court Legal Action
Five unions, New Zealand Nurses Organisation, Tertiary Education Union, Post Primary Teachers’ Association, the Public Service Association, and the New Zealand Educational Institute – launched a High Court challenge on the grounds that the Government's actions on pay equity are inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990. You can watch and share the talk below with Peter Cranney, one of the lawyers representing the unions, discussing the case with PSA National Secretary, Fleur Fitzsimons.
