About | Ministry of Women's Affairs

The Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Te Minitatanga mō ngā Wāhine, is the Government’s principal advisor on achieving better results for women, and wider New Zealand. The Ministry has three priority areas: greater economic independence, more women in leadership and increased safety from violence.

The Ministry’s main responsibilities are:

Policy advice on improving outcomes for women in New Zealand
Managing New Zealand’s international obligations in relation to the status of women
Providing suitable women nominees for appointment to state sector boards and committees
Providing support services to the Minister of Women’s Affairs

The Ministry carries out its work by acting as a catalyst for action and change, and by getting key issues on the agenda of government agencies and other relevant organisations. The Ministry provides accessible, evidence-based information to inform and assist others. The Ministry is strongly solutions-focused, with advice that is tailored and persuasive. The Ministry carries out its work by bringing the voices, experiences and priorities of different groups of New Zealand women to government. It also works closely with other government agencies, women’s non‑government organisations and stakeholders within the private sector. The Ministry’s work will bring benefits to women, their families and New Zealand as a whole.

The Minister of Women's Affairs is Hon Jo Goodhew. She is also Associate Minister of Health, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector and Minister for Senior Citizens. Read the Minister's latest speeches and media releases.

The Ministry of Women's Affairs also provides policy and administrative support to the National Advisory Council on the Employment of Women (NACEW). NACEW is an independent advisory body to the Minister of Women’s Affairs on matters related to women’s employment.