Goodhew's performance disappoints

The National Government is letting New Zealanders down when it comes to appointing women on boards says Labour’s spokesperson for Women's Affairs, Sue Moroney.

The Census of Women's Participation, released yesterday by the Human Rights Commission, shows the proportion of women appointed to state sector boards has declined under National from 42% in 2008 to 41.1% in 2012.

"It's great to see that private companies have finally started to lift their game on appointing more women to boards. However, their progress is being undermined by the Government's sorry performance.

"It's another example of the failure of Minister of Women's Affairs Jo Goodhew to influence her Ministerial colleagues into action.

“The Government should be leading by example. Instead, John Key has relegated the Minister of Women's Affairs to a position outside of Cabinet and the participation of women has continued to decline under his Government.

"Minister Goodhew has already reduced her Government's target for appointing women to state sector boards from the previous target of 50% in 2012 down to just 45% in 2016, but at this rate they won't even reach that modest target.

"Jo Goodhew and the National Government need to lift their game,” Sue Moroney said.