Latest news

Nov 1, 2019
Jane Wrightson named Retirement Commissioner

After 12 years as Chief Executive at NZ On Air, Jane Wrightson has accepted a new role as Retirement Commissioner at the Commission for Financial Capability (CFFC).

Oct 11, 2019
Fred Joyet wins Supreme Award for his work with GWN

GWN's behind-the-scenes technical support ally, Fred Joyet, wins the Supreme Chief Executive's Award at the Ministry of Justice for his work on GWN's websites.

Sep 16, 2019
Dr Caralee McLiesh is new Secretary and Chief Executive of the Treasury

Dr Caralee McLiesh began her role as Secretary to the Treasury and Chief Executive of The Treasury on 16 September.

Jun 19, 2019
Auckland GWN member, Theresse Ioaba, named as Ria McBride Award winner

Theresse Loaba, a team leader from Inland Revenue Manukau, and Te Aka Wāhine o Tāmaki (AGWN) member, has won the 2019 Ria McBride Public Service Management Award.

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About GWN

We are a professional employee-led network working to create a step change that will enable all women in the public sector to achieve their potential.

Women are the majority of the 350,000-strong public sector workforce.

Key facts: 

 

In public service departments, women are:

  • 61% of the workforce
  • 45% of senior managers (tiers 1-3)
  • 12 out of 29 chief executives
 

The numbers are improving but there are some serious challenges:

  • women earn 9.4% less than men in the June 2017 quarter, down from 12% in 2016 (Source: Statistics New Zealand)
  • the gender pay gap in some agencies is as high as 39%
  • women are still 82% of administration and clerical roles but only 33% of IT professionals
 

The statistics are worse for Māori, Pacifica and Asian women.

  • Ethnic diversity is increasing in the public service
  • Māori, Pacifica and Asian women are under-represented at all levels of management
  • Increasing ethnic representation in management requires deliberate efforts and will take time.
Find out more

Become a member

Sign up to be a member and get the benefits of connecting with women in the wider public sector 

 

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