The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka has released its second annual Pay Gap report, which reveals a mixed result when it comes to its gender pay gap.
The report shows Otago’s mean gender pay gap is down slightly in 2024 to 12.4 per cent (from 13.7 per cent in 2023), while the median pay gap has risen slightly to 9.9 per cent (from 8.7 per cent in 2023).
Vice-Chancellor Hon Grant Robertson says we can be pleased that the overall trend in both our mean and median gender pay gap since 2020 has been downwards, however these latest results show that there is still much more work to do.
Another key finding of this year’s report is that the median pay gap for Otago’s Māori staff remains below zero and the median pay gap for Pacific staff has decreased significantly to 3.9 per cent.
“This is very encouraging. However, it must be noted that these results are based on a small amount of data so can only be considered indicative,” Grant says.
“I consider any gap – gender or ethnic – to be unacceptable. Closing the gap will require sustained action over time – something both the Council and the Senior Leadership Team are committed to.”
Grant says a number of key initiatives have begun over the past year, including the establishment of a Gender and Ethnic Pay Gap Steering Group and a Pay Gap Working Group to drive this mahi. Work has also started to improve data, data analysis and to review key related policies.
“This will all help to better inform future decisions and actions around this kaupapa,” he says.
Gender and ethnic pay gaps are measured using pay data to show the difference in average (mean) and median earnings between males and females, and ethnicities respectively.
As outlined in its Equity and Diversity Strategic Framework, the University is guided by the principle of social accountability and is committed to a culture of excellence in equity, diversity and inclusive practice. Part of this commitment includes being transparent about, and addressing, its pay gap.
Otago’s full Pay Gap Report for 2024 is available online.