How will DEI fare in NZ in 2025?
In the United States, a growing number of companies are either pulling back from, watering down or removing their policies and commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). The move follows the July 2023 decision by the US Supreme Court that outlawed affirmative action in college admissions and the return in January of President Trump to the White House.
But what about here in Aotearoa New Zealand? In my latest editorial for NZ Management Magazine, I take a look at the responses by some of our country’s big organisations to the moves against DEI policies. And I explore the ongoing commitment by many of these companies and government agencies to help ensure people from diverse backgrounds are not just “tolerated” but proactively welcomed and supported, and their diversity is acknowledged and celebrated.
A quick Google search (Keywords: “NZ response to DEI”) shows the swathe of Kiwi organisations overtly monitoring, analysing and reporting on DEI initiatives include universities, government agencies such as Stats NZ and MBIE, Sport NZ, and our major banks, insurance companies and telcos.
Why does DEI matter in the NZ workplace? The website of Te Kawa Mataaho | Public Service Commission aptly explains: “When we attract, retain, recognise, value, and develop the skills and experiences of people across all dimensions of diversity … there are multiple benefits, including:
- Diversity of thought to better reflect, understand and contribute to policy, services and outcomes for New Zealand communities.
- Improved ability to engage with stakeholders, Iwi leaders, civil society and community leaders to reflect their perspectives into our work and advice.
- A good employer and work environment which is fair, equitable and inclusive and enables our people to thrive and perform at their best.
- Lower gender and ethnic pay gaps.
While the claim that ‘everyone is equal under the law’ is a noble goal, it is divorced from the reality of inequitable access to education, employment, housing, health care – the acknowledged fundamentals of life. Indeed, many of NZ’s DEI policies and initiatives are founded in legislation that reflects our country’s obligations and commitments to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the Human Rights Act 1993.
Read the original article in full in NZ Management Magazine