'Motherhood penalty' hits Kiwi women

Working mothers earn less than working dads, figures released today show. Photo Getty
Working mothers earn less than working dads, figures released today show. Photo Getty
Being a mother has a huge effect on your pay packet, according to statistics released today that show Kiwi mums earn almost 20 percent less than dads.

Statistics New Zealand has revealed that mums earn about $23.40 an hour compared with dads, who earn $28.30 - a difference of almost $5 an hour dubbed the "motherhood penalty".

The pay gap between women and men without dependent children is 5 percent.

"The difference between the 17 percent gap in what mothers and fathers earn, and the 5 percent pay gap between men and women without children, is significant," Statistics NZ insights manager Stephen Oakley said.

However, the statistics show that despite the pay gap between mothers and fathers, on average parents do make more than childless men and women.

A dependent child is aged under 15 or under 18 who is not working full-time.

"We found that parents generally get paid more than non-parents," Oakley said.

Mothers with dependent children earn more than $23 an hour on average, almost $1 an hour more than men and $2 an hour more than women without children.

According to international studies mothers may get paid less than fathers because many women spend time caring for children, which interrupts full-time paid work.

Past New Zealand research suggests the effects of having children on a mum's pay rate may reflect breaks from work and reduced work experience.

Overseas research notes there is also potential for employers to discriminate against mothers, either knowingly or not.

Comments

If they have to work to make ends meet, bring back the family benefit, paid to mothers who wish to not work away from home.

A structural motherhood penalty shows how off centre Society has gone.