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Samoan culture, ‘talking about it’ and education are key to preventing violence against Samoan women and girls, according to a new report released by the Minister for Women, Hon Louise Upston, and the Minister of Pacific Island Affairs, Hon Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga.

The report, A malu i ‘āiga, e malu fo’i i fafo: Protection for the family, protection for all - Samoan people’s understanding of primary prevention of violence against women, shows Samoan communities see the need to strengthen education on women’s safety. 

Minister for Women Hon Louise Upston has welcomed the National Council of Women of New Zealand’s report Enabling Women’s Potential – the economic, social and ethical imperative, which champions gender equality, fairness and equal opportunity.

“I welcome the Council’s proactive approach to generating what is an important conversation which affects all New Zealand Women. The more these discussions take place and lead to actions and changed behaviours, the better chance we have of instigating real, sustainable change”

Minister for Women Louise Upston has welcomed a new report released by Statistics New Zealand showing women are now almost as likely as men to work in managerial roles.

“More women in leadership is great news. It reflects the qualifications women are gaining and that New Zealand organisations are recognising the benefits of diversity.”

Statistics New Zealand’s new report examines gender and occupations over the period 1991-2013, based on census information.

Employers and unions have agreed to a Government proposal to set up a Joint Working Group to develop principles for dealing with claims of pay equity under the Equal Pay Act.

Minister for Women Louise Upston says she is pleased that gender equality issues are on the table and this is another way the Government is taking proactive steps to look at how the gender pay gap can be closed.

Minister for Women Louise Upston says she is disappointed by updated figures showing the gap between men’s and women’s median earnings has grown.

The New Zealand Income Survey released today by Statistics New Zealand shows the gender pay gap is now 11.8 per cent, up from 9.9 per cent in 2014.

“While it’s been encouraging to see a downwards trend in Gender Pay Gap figures over the past 17 years, it’s disappointing to see this increase.

Suffrage Day is the perfect opportunity to celebrate how far New Zealand women have come since they won the right to vote in 1893, Minister for Women Louise Upston says.

“While it is 122 years since New Zealand women have been able to exercise their democratic rights, we can still be proud of brave Kiwi women like Kate Sheppard whose tireless work broke down social barriers.

A toolkit of resources for women looking to achieve their leadership goals has today been launched by Minister for Women Louise Upston.

Speaking at a breakfast event at Parliament this morning to celebrate Suffrage Day on Saturday 19 September, Ms Upston officially launched the Ministry for Women’s new Inspiring Women project, featuring real-life stories of emerging women leaders.

Kia ora and welcome everyone.

I am delighted to be here today to launch the report Getting it done: Utilising women’s skills in the workforce.

This report focuses on our work with Canterbury stakeholders to increase women’s participation in trades training and jobs, and how these lessons can be applied to opportunities in the labour market elsewhere. 

I’d like to start by thanking Leeann Watson for the warm welcome on this slightly chilly day.

It’s great to see my colleagues Hon Nicky Wagner and Jo Hayes here today.

Minister for Women Louise Upston has today launched a new report detailing how employers can make the most of women’s talents in their workplace.

“Getting it done: Utilising women’s skills in the workforce is a product of the Ministry for Women’s work with partners in Canterbury to increase women’s work choices and boost the number of women in trades,” says Ms Upston.

Consultation on a report highlighting the importance of whānau and the community in preventing violence has been completed with positive results.

Following the February launch of the Ministry for Women’s Wāhine Māori, Wāhine Ora, Wāhine Kaha: preventing violence against Māori women research report, Minister for Women Louise Upston held hui in Taupo, Kaikohe, Invercargill and Te Puke to gather feedback on the report’s findings.

New Zealand women are continuing to strive for leadership success but there’s still more to be done, Minister for Women Louise Upston says.

Ms Upston has welcomed the results of the 2014 gender stocktake of state sector boards and committees, showing 41.7 per cent of female representation on these boards, up slightly from 41.1 per cent in 2013.

Minister for Women Louise Upston has used this week’s 30^th anniversary of the Ministry for Women to encourage all New Zealanders to do their part to encourage and develop women leaders.

In a speech at the Ministry’s offices tonight, Ms Upston said New Zealand has seen many gains for women in New Zealand over the past three decades.

Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

I am honoured to present the New Zealand Government’s national statement to the Commission on the Status of Women.

To start, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge civil society for its contributions to the preparation for this important meeting. In particular, I would like to thank the non-governmental organisations from New Zealand and the Pacific for their contributions to the national and regional preparations.

Gender equality and the empowerment of women will take centre stage at the United Nations in New York this week with New Zealand having a strong voice in discussions.

Minister for Women Louise Upston will arrive in New York today, coinciding with International Women’s Day, to attend the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women until 12 March.

“New Zealand has a strong international reputation on gender equality and this is a valuable opportunity to share our work to improve the lives of women across our region,” Ms Upston said.

Increased participation in the workforce, a decline in the gender pay gap and changes to flexible working arrangements are just a few reasons to celebrate tomorrow’s International Women’s Day.

The theme for this year’s annual celebration is Empowering Women, Empowering Humanity; Picture it, and Minister for Women Louise Upston says opportunities for New Zealand women to be empowered to achieve their potential are on the rise.

E aku rangatira, tēnā koutou katoa. Ka nui te honore ki te mihi ki a koutou.

[Distinguished guests.  It is a great honour to greet you all at this important event today].

Thank you for inviting me to host this important breakfast this morning, and thank you, Beryl, for your kind introduction.

I would like to acknowledge:

A research report released today has highlighted the importance of whanau and the community in preventing violence against Maori women and children.

Minister for Women Louise Upston this afternoon launched Wahine Maori, Wahine Ora, Wahine Kaha - Preventing violence against Maori women.

The research, which was undertaken by the Ministry for Women in partnership with the Ministry for Social Development, reinforces how whanau and the community have a role to play in keeping women and their children safe. 

Minister for Women, Louise Upston, has welcomed statistics showing women’s participation in the labour market and women’s employment is at record highs.

The latest Household Labour Force Survey (from the December 2014 quarter) shows the participation rate for women is 64.6 per cent and the employment rate for women is 60.4 per cent.  Both of these rates are the highest since the survey began in 1986.

“This is great news for women and there are also improvements across key areas,” said Ms Upston.