New Zealand women lawmakers outnumber men for first time
NPR Online NewsAUG 2022
This is a milestone for New Zealand. Peke-Mason's induction is significant not only in terms of gender diversity but also because a wahine Māori has marked this moment. New Zealand is a leading global state for gender representation and equity, and this is another moment for celebration.
Though this marks a historic moment for New Zealand, there's still a long way to go to ensure lasting equal representation. Conservatives are likely to make up ground in next year's general elections and they have a lower proportion of women than liberal parties. Reaching gender parity could prove transitory unless the gains are sustained.