Pay Equity Law Reform Undermines Human Rights w/ Oliver Christeller & Rachel Mackintosh: February 26, 2026

The People’s Select Committee reported on the 2025 amendments to the Equal Pay Act on Tuesday this week. The document revealed that recent changes to our pay equity laws represent a clear undermining of human rights on multiple accounts. The legislation was passed under urgency last year, making it more difficult to correct pay inequities and freezing the progress of 33 active workers claims that affect thousands of kiwis’ rights to fair remuneration.

Producer Jasmine Gray first spoke to Oliver Christeller, Senior human rights advisor at Te Kāhui Tika Tangata / Human Rights Commission, about the legislative changes and how the issue disproportionately affects women-dominated professions.

She then also spoke to Rachel Mackintosh, National Secretary at E Tū Workers Union, about their mahi in fighting for pay equity in the current legislative climate.