Former National MP Jackie Blue joins Opportunity after pay equity clash with Government

Former National MP and Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Dr Jackie Blue has resigned from the National Party and joined Opportunity, signalling growing tensions over the Government’s controversial pay equity reforms. Her move comes after months of criticism surrounding the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 and raises new questions about the political fallout ahead of the 2026 election.

The outspoken critic of the Government’s pay equity reforms will mentor party leader Qiulae Wong.

Former National MP Jackie Blue joins Opportunity

Dr Jackie Blue MNZM – former National Party MP and Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner – has resigned her National Party membership to join the Opportunity Party as a member and mentor to leader Qiulae Wong.

Pay equity reforms cited as “breaking point”

A member of the cross-party People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity, Blue says the Government’s handling of the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 was her “breaking point”.

“This is not a decision I take lightly, but I can no longer remain aligned to the National Party” says Blue. “The Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 was a hatchet job on 180,000 workers and is representative of a political system that lacks the courage and foresight New Zealand urgently needs.”

“Opportunity is standing on a platform for transformational action and fairness – two things I have dedicated my career to progressing. That’s why I’m proud to join them and support their 2026 election campaign”.

Mentoring Opportunity leader Qiulae Wong

Blue will mentor Qiulae Wong and credits the new leader for having the courage to enter the “nasty business of politics”.

“Qiulae knows what the job means, and she walked in anyway” says Blue. “I’m genuinely inspired by her courage and ability to connect with people. She is exactly the kind of leader this country needs more of and I look forward to supporting her.”

The controversy surrounding the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025

Blue’s announcement follows the release of the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity’s report into the controversial Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025.

“I will never forget or forgive what this Government has done to low-paid workers – mostly women.”

“Workers were belittled and mocked in debate. Some MPs refused to meet affected workers in their own electorates. Procedure was weaponised against the very people Parliament exists to protect.”

Qiulae Wong welcomed Blue’s decision to join Opportunity, noting that “Jackie has spent her career fighting for fairness – in Parliament, as EEO Commissioner and now on the Pay Equity Select Committee. She brings experience, integrity and a deep commitment to the kind of New Zealand we stand for. We’re honoured to have her.”

Political implications ahead of Election 2026

Blue’s membership of the party follows the boycott of the 2026 National Party Blue-Greens forum by a group of conservation NGOs – all of whom attended the Opportunity Party’s ‘Teal Hui’ event instead.

Blue joins former Labour MP Iain Lees-Galloway, who also mentors and advises Qiulae Wong in his capacity as General Manager.

Who is Dr Jackie Blue?

Dr Jackie Blue MNZM served as a National Party MP from 2005–2013, followed by five years as Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner (2013–2018). From May 2025 – February 2026 she served as a member of the cross-party People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity.

What is the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity?

The People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity was established by a group of 10 former women MPs from across the political spectrum to hear submissions from individuals and groups who were not able to be heard on the Equal Pay Amendment Bill 2025 as the Bill was passed under urgency. This committee enabled adequate scrutiny of the regulatory, economic and social impacts of the Bill through consideration of evidence provided by those directly affected and the public.

The Committee released its findings on 24 February 2026 and found that the Bill:

• Cancelled 33 existing pay equity claims, including some near settlement.
• Raised the threshold for defining predominantly female work (from ~60% to 70%).
• Made review clauses in settlements unenforceable and imposed a 10-year bar for repeat claims.
• Gave employers greater control over whether claims proceed, narrowing comparator options.
• Made the process significantly harder for organisations and workers to bring future claims.

About Opportunity (The Opportunities Party)

Opportunity (formerly TOP / The Opportunities Party) was founded in 2017 to address systemic barriers to fairness in New Zealand through bold, evidence-based policy. The party advocates for strengthening democracy, fairer tax systems, affordable housing, climate action and investing in future generations. For more information, visit opportunity.org.nz.

Blue’s decision to leave the National Party and join Opportunity reflects the broader political tensions surrounding pay equity reform and the treatment of workers’ rights. With Election 2026 approaching, the debate over fairness in wages, workplace equality and economic policy is likely to remain a defining issue in New Zealand politics.