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What does fairness at work mean to you?
Research exploring how young people aged 18–34 understand and experience gender equity, pay equity and fairness at work.
Led by the Inclusive Research Centre,
Commissioned and funded by Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Project status
Project status
The project is now live with various activities happening across the country in person and online between 21 September and 31 October 2026.
Interested in participating or contributing to this kaupapa?
Keep scrolling down.
Last updated: 15 September 2026
Our purpose
Our purpose
This research aims to understand how young people in Aotearoa New Zealand think about and experience gender equity, pay equity and fairness at work.
We want to hear how young people understand these ideas, what shapes their views, what unfairness looks like in their working lives and what could make workplaces fairer.
The findings will help strengthen future information, policy, education and action relating to young people and workplace fairness.
Understanding key ideas
Understanding key ideas
How do young people understand gender equity, pay equity, equal pay, pay gaps and fairness at work?
The study will explore whether these ideas feel clear, relevant and accessible to young people.
Diverse young people’s voices
Diverse young people’s voices
Young people are not a uniform group.
The research seeks to understand experiences across different genders, cultures, ethnicities, disabilities, sexualities, locations, education levels, employment situations and socioeconomic circumstances.
Experiences at work
Experiences at work
What helps young people feel respected, included and fairly treated at work?
The research will explore pay, workplace treatment, employment security, progression, speaking up, workplace rights and access to opportunities.
Information and change
Information and change
Where do young people learn about pay, workplace rights and fairness?
The research will examine the influence of education, whānau, culture, communities, peers, media and digital spaces. It will also explore what information and practical changes young people believe are needed.
Who can participate?
Who can participate?
The research is intended for young people who:
Are aged 18–34.
Live in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Can provide informed consent to participate.
The research is interested in a wide range of experiences. Young people do not need to be experts in gender equity or pay equity to contribute.
Whose experiences are we seeking?
Whose experiences are we seeking?
The study aims to hear from young people with diverse experiences and backgrounds, including
Rangatahi Māori.
Pacific young people.
European and Pākehā young people.
Young people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Disabled and neurodivergent young people.
Takatāpui, Rainbow or MVPFAFF+ young people.
Young women, young men and gender-diverse young people.
Students, early-career workers and unemployed young people.
Young people in casual, insecure, low-paid or unpaid work.
Young people living in urban, regional and rural communities.
No individual participant will be expected to represent an entire community.
How young people will be involved?
How young people will be involved?
Young people are able to contribute in three ways.
Online survey - An anonymous online survey will explore young people’s knowledge, views and experiences of gender equity, pay equity and workplace fairness.
Community pop-ups - Short, informal engagements will give young people opportunities to respond to selected questions in community settings.
Conversation circles - Small facilitated group discussions will provide space for young people to explore their experiences and perspectives in greater depth.
Questions about the project?
Questions about the project?
Contact us to get more information on the project
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