(b) ensure active participation from communities and individuals in all decision making about them at both a local and national level by developing, implementing and actively monitoring appropriately tailored systems and processes. Equality and non-discrimination 43. Despite the many efforts of communities and successive governments, discrimination, social and economic exclusion and entrenched inequalities remain a reality for certain groups of people living in New Zealand. Those seriously affected include women, children, disabled people, Māori, Pacific people, migrants and refugees, older people, and other minority groups. 44. Particularly concerning are growing disparities between Māori and Pacific people and European New Zealanders. These are reflected in child poverty and incarceration rates, education achievement levels, health outcomes, and housing. In 2012, CESCR specifically urged the government to eliminate these disadvantages by addressing the underlying structural discrimination in the delivery of public services.xxxv It also recommended that the government develop specific equality targets for these groups and that it closely monitor progress.xxxvi 45. Some agencies have now acknowledged that the way certain groups are managed is a significant driver for poor outcomes across a range of indicators. For example, Iwi and Police are now joining together to implement an innovative strategy aimed at reducing victimisation among Māori.xxxvii 46. The Commission recommends that strategies be established across all sectors including health, education, and justice to identify and address structural discrimination. These strategies should set specific timelines and targets and be monitored and reported on regularly. 47. Despite government committing to a target of 50% women representation on Government Boards by 2000xxxviii, this has still not been achieved. In 2012, the Government introduced a sliding, lower target, which is of considerable concern to the Commission. The gender pay gap between women and men persists and there is considerable variation by ethnicity, with Māori and Pacific women earning considerably less per hour than women of European descent. 48. Recently the Commission used its Inquiry powers under Section 5 (2) (h) of the Human Rights Act 1993 to examine equal employment opportunities in the aged care sector. In 2012 it released the inquiry report, Caring Counts, Tautiaki tika.xxxix 49. The Inquiry concluded that carers in the aged care sector are one of the lowest paid groups in the country with many receiving the minimum wage for physically, mentally Page 30 of 35