Pay equity election promises 2026

The story so far

The Greens followed on 1 October with a promise to reinstate pay equity and set aside funding for care and support workers.^{1 Oct} By late October the debate had moved to stalled pay equity claims, with unions saying Health NZ is withholding data needed for hospice, Plunket and aged care nurses' claims.^{29 Oct} Health Minister Simeon Brown declined to say whether he would force Health New Zealand to provide that data.^{29 Oct}

Latest

Brown has not confirmed whether he will compel Health NZ to share information on stalled pay equity claims.^{29 Oct} Unions say the agency is blocking progress by withholding the data needed to use its workforce as a comparator.^{29 Oct}

Key moments

1. 28 SepHipkins pledges to reverse Pay Equity Act changes within 100 days of government.
2. 1 OctGreens promise to reinstate pay equity and fund care and support workers.
3. 29 OctUnions say Health NZ is withholding data needed for stalled nurses' claims.
4. 29 OctHealth Minister declines to say whether he will compel data sharing.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.