By One Network Wellington Live

Introduction

Have you ever thought about the words we lose when some people’s voices are not heard? I recently read a book called ‘A Dictionary of Lost Words’ by Pip Williams. It’s about a girl named Esme who collects words that were left out of the first Oxford English Dictionary. This story made me think about our own laws here in Wellington and New Zealand, especially when it comes to women’s rights Equity bill.

Sir Ian Taylor and Animation Research

Sir Ian Taylor, the founder of Animation Research, is a big name in Wellington. His company has been at the forefront of digital innovation, but today we’re looking at a different kind of story – one about words, laws, and the people they affect.

The Equal Pay Amendment Bill

The government’s Equal Pay Amendment Bill was rushed through recently. Brooke van Velden, the Minister behind this bill, says it’s to help women. But is it really helping all women? According to a study by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research, women in care and education sectors earn 14% less than men in similar roles. This bill was meant to fix that, but the rush might mean some voices were left out.

The Irony of History

History often repeats itself. Emmeline Pankhurst fought for women’s right to vote in the UK, but only for some women. Similarly, Brooke van Velden, with her background in PR and politics, might not fully represent the working-class women who need this bill the most. She earns over $300,000 a year, which is a lot more than many of the women this bill aims to help. According to Stats NZ, the median income for women in New Zealand is significantly lower, at around $27,000 annually.

The Forgotten Women

Just like Esme collected words from beneath the table, we must remember the women whose work goes unnoticed – the carers, cleaners, teachers, and nurses. These are the women who, according to a report by the Human Rights Commission, are often in the lowest-paid jobs. The irony is that those who need the most help are often the last to get it.

The Return of ‘Pillock’

In ‘A Dictionary of Lost Words’, ‘pillock’ was one of the words left out because it was seen as a ‘woman’s word’ for men. It’s funny how this word has come back into use. For example, when David Seymour claimed Brooke Van Velden saved her budget, Finance Minister Nicola Willis was heard calling him a ‘pillock’. This word captures the frustration many feel when politicians make decisions that seem out of touch.

Real Leadership in Aotearoa

Leadership in New Zealand should mean listening to everyone, especially those whose voices are often ignored. A study from Victoria University of Wellington suggests that inclusive policy-making leads to better outcomes for all. We need to slow down, listen, and make sure everyone is included in the conversation about equity.

Conclusion

As we move forward, let’s not forget the lessons from ‘A Dictionary of Lost Words’. We must ensure our laws reflect true equity, not just for those in power but for all. Otherwise, we might end up with a ‘Dictionary of Lost Bills’, wondering where we went wrong. And remember, on May 31st, we’ll have a new word for ‘pillock’ – Deputy Prime Minister.

This article was brought to you by One Network Wellington Live, your source for local insights and community discussions in Wellington.