Professor Gail Pacheco
Kaihautū Ōritenga Mahi Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner
Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission
Professor Gail Pacheco is the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner at the New Zealand Human Rights Commission. A leading economist, she has previously served as Director of the NZ Policy Research Institute at AUT and as a Commissioner at the NZ Productivity Commission.
Gail has an extensive background in social policy research, with a strong focus on using evidence and collaboration to inform policy and improve wellbeing. Her contributions have been recognised through several major awards, including the 2018 NZIER Economics Award, the AUT Medal in 2019, and Life Membership of the New Zealand Association of Economists in 2025.
As EEO Commissioner, Gail leads work to promote equal employment opportunities, pay equity, fairness and decent work across Aotearoa New Zealand.
SESSIONS
1:10
Streamed Keynote: Equality, Pay Transparency and the Changing Employment Landscape
With employment law reform continuing to reshape workplace obligations, this keynote will examine what recent changes mean for equality, fairness and employer accountability in practice. From pay transparency protections and pay equity developments to the broader push for more inclusive workplaces, this session will explore how HR leaders can respond to changing expectations. Professor Gail Pacheco will bring a practical and evidence-informed perspective on how employers can embed fairness, transparency and accountability into workplace decision-making.
Professor Gail Pacheco, Kaihautū Ōritenga Mahi Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, Te Kāhui Tika Tangata Human Rights Commission