Preface Every person is born with inherent dignity and rights to equality, self-determination and freedom from violence and discrimination. We live in a nation that is blessed and wealthy – socially, culturally, economically and environmentally. We also have a political system that is highly ranked globally as one of the least corrupt. Beneath the averages, however, is where we need to look to see more clearly the diverse realities and human costs of inequity. The Pacific Pay Gap Inquiry (the Inquiry) was conducted because New Zealanders believe that we are good people, and we strive to do right by members of our nation’s family who are missing out, suffering or being left behind in our collective experience of a decent society, wellbeing and prosperity. Pacific peoples are overrepresented among those struggling and who we must do right by with respect and urgency. I want to acknowledge and thank all the Pacific workers and the young future workers who engaged in this Inquiry. Thank you for gifting your precious time, wisdom and voice – and taking the opportunity to be seen and heard despite numerous challenges. I also want to thank the businesses who participated either on their own accord or by accepting an invitation from the Te Kāhui Tika Tangata, Human Rights Commission. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, challenges and ideas so other businesses on the journey to identify and address pay inequity by ethnicity may benefit. I also want to thank the unions who helped facilitate engagement with their members in different parts of the country and spoke on webinars for the Inquiry. I want to acknowledge the members of the Inquiry reference group who provided necessary critique, industry and community intelligence, bridged connections and brought mana to the Inquiry. Finally, thanks to the Commission’s Pacific Pay Gap team for their dedication and hard work. To you all, meitaki ma’ata, mālō ‘aupito, fakaaue lahi, fakafetai lahi lele, fakafetai lasi, fạiakse‘ea, vinaka vakalevu, tangkiu tumas, dhanyavaad, kam rabwa, faafetai tele lava. The Inquiry has exposed legislative and policy gaps, business leadership invisibility and systemic indifference to pay inequity based on ethnicity that has perpetuated inequality, unfairness, discrimination and hardship in the lives of Pacific peoples. The protection and realisation of basic human rights for Pacific peoples will lead to overall benefits for all New Zealanders. Now that we see more clearly and understand better, we must act with urgency. Ia manuia Saunoamaali’i Karanina Sumeo Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Te Kāhui Tika Tangata New Zealand Human Rights Commission Voices of Pacific peoples 7