Care worker Lisa Marriner highlights human impact of pay equity debate for health workforce

Aotearoa’s care and support workers are being highlighted as the human face of an ongoing pay equity struggle that affects tens of thousands of essential staff. Lisa Marriner, a dedicated care and support worker, recently spoke with Waatea News to shed light on the daily realities of the profession and the financial pressures facing those who look after the most vulnerable members of the community. The discussion comes as the 2026 election campaign brings workforce valuation to the forefront of the political agenda. Labour has proposed an immediate $4-an-hour pay increase for these workers, scheduled to take effect on 1 January 2027. This move, which would provide an average full-time worker with approximately $160 more per week before tax, is part of a broader commitment to restore pay equity legislation within the first 100 days of a new government. For workers like Marriner, the debate extends beyond financial figures to the core of how society values care. Her perspective emphasises the high level of skill and responsibility required in aged residential care, disability support, and mental health services. This workforce, which is predominantly comprised of women, has been part of a long-running pay equity claim involving approximately 65,000 workers represented by NZNO, the PSA, and E tū since 2022. While the New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) has welcomed the proposed wage rise as a positive first step, the union maintains that a salary increase should not be mistaken for achieving full pay equity. The unions point to extensive research conducted on the working conditions and responsibilities of the sector, which found evidence of systemic undervaluation. As the election nears, Marriner’s story serves as a reminder that the outcome of these negotiations will have a direct impact on the wellbeing of workers and the whānau they serve.