Parties focus on women's rights

Rotorua residents interested in hearing each party's commitment to the progress of women. Photo / Ben Fraser

A variety of Rotorua residents gathered to hear general election candidates speak on women's issues during the latest candidates panel.

The event was hosted last night at St Luke's Church by the Rotorua branch of the National Council of Women of NZ.

Five parties were represented, with Rotorua MP and National's Todd McClay, Act's Lyall Russell, the Green Party's Ian McLean, United Future's Alan Simmons and Rosemary Cathcart on behalf of Tamati Coffey for the Labour Party.

Each representative had three minutes to deliver an opening speech and outline why their party should be elected into Parliament.

Subjects including the environment, water, poverty, and education were common themes with all representatives, while having an "outdoor future", raising the minimum wage, and the well-being of all New Zealanders were emphasised by the Labour Party, United Future, and the Green Party.

Following the introductory speeches, a set of predetermined questions around pay inequality, violence against women, and opportunities for women were asked.

Mr McClay said there has been progress made for women's rights but there was still more to be done.

"Since 2006 there have been 100,000 more women gain bachelors degrees. We need to put a focus on education, participation and leadership to keep making progress," he said.

Mr Simmons said he couldn't understand how sexism still existed in society when, in his eyes, men and women were all equal.

"If you vote United Future in, I will make sure no inequality in any legislation will be passed in Government."

Both the Labour Party and the Green Party had similar social policies, with Mr McLean saying all women should "feel valued and safe", and Ms Cathcart saying the Labour Party is "focused on the needs of women".

Mr Russell said Act would continue to build a strong economy that would "be stimulating for everyone".