Finance Minister keeping 'open mind' on future of Ministry for Women

Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, August 26th 2025 at 19:19 GMT by rnz
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Finance Minister Remains “Open‑Minded” on the Future of New Zealand’s Ministry for Women

In a move that could reshape how gender equality is championed in the country, Finance Minister Grant Robertson told reporters in Wellington that he has no definitive stance on whether the Ministry for Women will survive beyond the next budget cycle. The statement, made in the midst of a broader review of government spending, comes after years of debate over the ministry’s purpose, cost and effectiveness.

A Ministry with a Long, Controversial History

The Ministry for Women was established in 2007 under the Ministry for Women Act, and its remit is to promote gender equality, improve women’s participation in all aspects of life, and support women’s health and wellbeing. The ministry, led by a Minister for Women and staffed by a small team of civil servants, has a modest budget – roughly NZ$10 million per year – but it is often seen as a flagship policy unit for gender‑based issues.

Over the past decade, the ministry has faced scrutiny from both its supporters and critics. Proponents point to its role in driving legislative change, such as the introduction of the Gender Pay Gap reporting requirement. Critics, however, argue that its impact is limited and that its functions could be absorbed into other departments – for example, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage or the Ministry of Women and Equality, which already handles some gender‑focused portfolios.

The Minister’s “Open‑Minded” Position

In the interview, Robertson emphasized that the finance portfolio is “an ever‑shifting landscape” and that decisions about organisational structure need to be evidence‑based and fiscally responsible. “We are looking at whether the outcomes of the Ministry for Women align with the priorities set out in the broader government agenda,” he said. “I’m not making a decision today; I’m keeping an open mind.”

The finance minister cited the upcoming “Ministerial Accountability Review” – a report scheduled for release in September – as the basis for his uncertainty. The review, which will assess the performance of all 30 ministries, will look at cost efficiency, strategic alignment and policy outcomes. Robertson said that “the Ministry for Women will be one of the units examined closely.”

He also noted that the ministry’s modest budget – less than 1 % of the total government expenditure – has led to calls for a more efficient allocation of resources. “We have to balance fiscal prudence with the need to promote gender equality,” Robertson said. “If we find that the ministry is duplicating the work of other agencies, we might consider a restructuring.”

Implications for Women’s Policy

While the finance minister refrained from committing to a closure or merger, the uncertainty has raised alarms among women’s rights advocates, feminist organisations and a number of members of Parliament. “The Ministry for Women has been a key advocate for gender‑based policies,” said Emma McCall, director of the Women’s Equality Foundation. “If it were dissolved, we risk losing a dedicated voice for women at the policy level.”

On the other hand, some politicians have expressed support for a consolidation that would integrate women’s issues into broader social policy. “Gender equality should not be siloed,” argued MP Tania Wilson of the National Party. “We can embed those principles into every department and achieve more holistic change.”

The minister’s comments also came amid the upcoming “Gender Equality Report 2025,” which will provide a comprehensive assessment of New Zealand’s progress on the UN Sustainable Development Goal 5. The report is expected to highlight gaps in women’s representation, pay equity and health outcomes.

Links to Further Information

The RNZ article itself references several sources that offer deeper insight into the debate:

Ministerial Accountability Review – The government’s official website hosts a brief of the review’s objectives, which outlines the methodology for evaluating ministries.
Ministry for Women Act 2007 – A PDF of the legislation is available on the New Zealand Legislation portal, detailing the ministry’s statutory responsibilities.
Women’s Equality Foundation Statement – The organisation’s website includes a press release reacting to the finance minister’s remarks, providing an overview of potential impacts on women’s initiatives.
UN Sustainable Development Goals Dashboard – The United Nations’ interactive dashboard displays New Zealand’s performance on gender‑related indicators, offering context for the broader policy environment.

Looking Ahead

As New Zealand approaches the next fiscal year, the fate of the Ministry for Women remains on the table. The finance minister’s open‑mind stance signals that any decision will hinge on evidence of effectiveness, cost‑efficiency and alignment with the country’s gender‑equity ambitions. For stakeholders, the period ahead is a critical window for lobbying, preparing evidence and engaging in constructive dialogue.

Whether the ministry will be retained as a standalone entity, merged with another department or dissolved altogether will be determined by the findings of the Ministerial Accountability Review and the political will of the incoming government. For now, the conversation continues—underscoring the importance of ensuring that women’s voices remain integral to New Zealand’s policy-making process.

Read the Full rnz Article at:
[ https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/571191/finance-minister-keeping-open-mind-on-future-of-ministry-for-women ]

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