Research
Statistics
Gender pay gap
In 2006, women earn 87% of the average hourly earnings of men. Female average hourly earnings as a percentage of male earnings has trended up over time, but between 1984 and 2006, the pay gap has narrowed by just 7%.
The way data is analysed, including what data is chosen to be analysed, over what timeframes, can result in different interpretations of trends and movements in the gender pay gap. Care is needed when drawing inferences from data, particularly when using other people´s data sources. Before drawing any conclusions, a variety of data sources should be examined and, where possible, trends over time. Look at all indicators – each has their advantages and disadvantages.
Be careful when making comparisons of figures, if the base data is different. Of key importance is knowing how the data were collected, what the data contain, the definitions being used and the limitations of the data. Statistics New Zealand provide a technical notes section that is well worth while reading before looking at the data.
On this page, various sources of statistical information are provided, with the facility for you to link to the documents concerned. The material will be updated as new statistics become available. Click on the BOX if you want to be alerted when updates are added to the site.
New Zealand
EEO groups in the Public Service
Data on representation of EEO groups in the Public Service and representation of EEO groups in senior management are contained in the State Services Commission´s Human Resource Capability Survey of Public Service Departments as at June each year. The latest figures are for June 2005 (2006 figures will be available in November).
Focusing on Women 2005
This Statistics New Zealand report looks at the demographic, social and economic characteristics of women in New Zealand. The report provides an overview of the changing status of New Zealand women. It compares their present status with that of men, and with women in the past.
Data sources for the report include the 2001 Census of Population and Dwellings, earlier censuses, and official statistics from other sources, including the Ministries of Education, Health and Justice, and Police.
Gender, Institutions and Development
The Household Labour Force Survey
The HLFS commenced in October 1985 and is published quarterly. It provides regular and comprehensive data on employment, unemployment and people not in the labour force.
The New Zealand Census 2001
Provides a comprehensive range of data, including analysis by gender. Results from the 2005 Census are due for release in November 2006.
The New Zealand Income Survey
The NZIS is published in September/October each year by Statistics New Zealand. It provides full industry coverage and shows average and median earnings per hour worked. It covers only one quarter each year (the June quarter). It is better to use the hourly figures than the weekly figures, because the survey does not include the full–time–equivalent income data for part–timers.
June 2005 quarter
- Full–time female average hourly earnings $17.93 (84% of men´s)
- Full–time male average hourly earnings $21.35
- Part–time female average hourly earnings $16.37 (82% of men´s)
- Part–time male average hourly earnings $19.93
- Average and median hourly earnings for those earning income from wage/salary jobs:
- Female average hourly earnings: $16.80 [85.8% of men´s] median $14.40 (87.27% of men´s)
- Male average hourly earnings: $19.58 (median $16.50)
New Zealand university graduates
The New Zealand Vice–Chancellors´ Committee´s NZUniGradReport is a periodic survey of employment status and salaries of Bachelor/Bachelor with honours graduates.
Numbers of staff employed in each Public Service department
Available in an appendix to the Human Resources Capability Survey released around November each year by the State Services Commission.
Numbers of staff employed in the education sector
These data are available on the Ministry of Education website. Information is also available in the Report of the Taskforce on: Pay and Employment Equity in the Public Service and the Public Health and Public Education Sectors.
Quarterly Employment Survey
The Quarterly Employment Survey (QES) is carried out by Statistics New Zealand and is issued every quarter. It uses payroll data, showing average ordinary time hourly earnings. It excludes some industries, such as agriculture.
The QES shows that female average hourly earnings as a percentage of male earnings has trended up over time, from 82.3% in the June 1997 quarter to 87.1% in the March 2006 quarter.
March 2006 figures:
- Female average ordinary time hourly earnings $19.97
- Male average ordinary time hourly earnings $22.92
- Female earnings 87.1% of male earnings
Statistics New Zealand
Statistics New Zealand´s web pages about New Zealand women include details of age, ethnic affiliation, language, religion, families and households, fertility, work (paid and unpaid) and income, education, housing, and where they live.
Also available is information about women's health and disability status, life expectancy, and the ratio of women to men, as well as statistics on gender and unpaid work.