New Zealand poll shows support for delaying fiscal targets to restore pay equity

A new Talbot Mills poll commissioned by the Public Service Association (PSA) indicates that New Zealanders are willing to adjust fiscal targets to restore pay equity. According to the data, 49% of respondents would support delaying the return to a budget surplus by one year, while 46% would support delaying the net debt target by two years to accommodate the costs.

The poll highlights a divide in political support: a majority of Labour, Greens, and Opportunity voters favor these delays, whereas National voters are split evenly at 39% for and 39% against delaying the surplus. ACT voters expressed strong opposition.

The findings come in response to the National-ACT-New Zealand First coalition's decision to scrap pay equity claims, a move estimated to save $12.8 billion over four years. PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons stated that the organization rejects the notion that fiscal targets should take precedence over paying women workers their proven worth.