Covid-19 updates and emergencies: View our current status

Social workers celebrate pay equity

22 February 2023
Money600x400

The Government has announced an extension of pay equity for all community-based social work roles.

On 24 November the Government announced a pay equity settlement has been extended to cover all social workers in Aotearoa New Zealand. It means that social workers will receive the same pay equity rate and be fairly paid for the work they do.

Social Service Providers Aotearoa (SSPA) has been advocating for the change for the past three years since the first claim was lodged. Historically, social workers have been undervalued as the roles were predominantly undertaken by women. It is a welcome step forward, recognising and valuing the vital mahi of the social work profession.

The impact of the pay equity settlement on the lives of social workers, and the organisations that employ them, is huge. It will also make a positive difference for the children/tamariki, older people/kaumātua, and families/whānau who they support.

Retaining staff will also be easier and the industry can continue attracting exceptional people, and maintaining a stable workforce. 

A confirmed date for when the extension will take effect has not yet been announced, but early this year Te Kawa Maataho (the Public Service Commission) is due to request key information and data from all service providers, so it can ensure everyone who is eligible will receive pay equity.

Want to learn more?

For more information on the extension of pay equity settlement, read the Te Kawa Maataho article by following the link below.

Back to Articles
Subscribe to our free magazine.