According to reports, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has called on the government to reconsider changes to the Equal Pay Act, as they threaten to entrench pay inequities and exacerbate workforce shortages in rural communities.

Moreover, the Nurses Organisation, Tertiary Education Union, NZEI Te Riu Roa, Post-Primary Teachers’ Association, and Public Service Association argued the new rules breached the Bill of Rights Act.

• Their claim will be formally lodged on Friday (29 August) at the High Court in Wellington following a rally by women whose pay equity claims have been cancelled.