If you’ve heard friends chatting about pay this week, here’s the news behind it.

Stats NZ says the gender pay gap has dropped to 5.2 percent in the June 2025 quarter, down from 8.2 percent a year ago.

That’s the lowest it’s been since records started back in 1998.

What does that mean in real terms?

Women’s median hourly pay is now $33.76, up $1.68 in a year.

Men’s is $35.62, up just 67 cents.

That’s the biggest shift we’ve seen in years, and it shows women’s pay is rising faster across all age groups, jobs, and backgrounds.

Labour market spokesperson Abby Johnston summed it up: “Increases in women’s median hourly earnings were seen across age groups, ethnicity, and occupation.”

For families on the Hibiscus Coast, it could mean a little extra breathing room each week. Maybe that’s a few more dollars towards the food shop, school activities, or even a treat out together.

It’s small steps like these that start to close the gap.

There’s still work ahead before pay is truly equal, but for now, it’s heartening to see the numbers finally moving in the right direction.

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