NZ Budget 2025: funding growth at the expense of pay equity for women could cost National in the long run

Pay equity protest outside parliament on budget day, May 22 2025. Getty Images

In 1936, when the National Party was created through a merger of the United and Reform parties, there was a recognition among the power brokers that attracting women’s votes was crucial.

National’s women’s organisations were integral to mobilising support. Throughout the 1940s, the party’s publicity material promised the women of New Zealand a happy family life. This was a consistent approach over the next 20 years, and National was rewarded with the women’s vote.