A Women’s Day of Action protest is set to take place in Whakatāne this month, joining nationwide demonstrations aimed at raising awareness of issues affecting women and families across Aotearoa.

Whakatāne organiser Karina Meyers said the rally would be held at The Gap, Te Wharaurangi, on The Strand, from 11am to 12 noon on Friday, September 20.

“The purpose of the rally is to highlight and educate our communities about the challenges facing the women of Aotearoa – and how these challenges impact the wellbeing of our families,” Ms Meyers said.

A central issue driving the protest is the recent scrapping of 33 Pay Equity Claims, alongside the introduction of new criteria that unions say will make it far more difficult to raise future claims. These legislative changes are now being challenged in court by five major unions.

Ms Meyers, a delegate for the Public Service Association (PSA) and the central regional representative for the PSA Women’s Network Committee, said the protest is part of a wider call for fair treatment, equal pay, and the protection of hard-won workers’ rights.