Managing diversity in the South Pacific

This chapter examines the approaches to diversity management in the South Pacific, specifically New Zealand, Australia and two French Pacific Territories Polynesia and New Caledonia. The focus of the analysis is on gender and racial equality. The chapter will examine the legislative requirements promoting diversity and equality; organizational programs to promote diversity and equality; and the equity and diversity challenges confronting each of the countries/territories. In terms of equity and diversity there are three common features across the region. All have indigenous populations with unique cultures and histories that have in general been marginalized in terms of access to jobs and wealth. All have a colonial legacy as European settlement was imposed across the region in the 18th and 19th centuries and, to different degrees, indigenous communities and lifestyles have been irrevocably altered. Finally, immigration from Europe, and more recently from Asia, has been an ongoing feature of the region. Diversity management and equal employment opportunities (EEO) issues are important across the region with major inequalities by gender, race, age and ethnicity in terms of employment access and labour market outcomes.