A nationwide review of council-owned swimming pool facilities has revealed that only a small number of Councils in New Zealand are clearly providing female-only spaces for women and girls.
The Council Score Sheet, based on responses from City and District Councils across the country, shows a consistent and concerning pattern.
Only eight councils clearly provide female-only changing and showering facilities.
Nearly 9 out of 10 either do not—or cannot clearly say that they do.
“If a space is labelled female, it should mean female,” said Suzanne Levy, spokeswoman for Speak Up for Women.“What we’ve found instead is widespread confusion, inconsistency, and in many cases, the quiet removal of female-only spaces.”
Across the country, many Councils continue to label facilities as “female” while operating policies that allow access based on gender identity.
In practice, this means that many spaces described as female are not female-only.
Other Councils were unable to clearly explain their policies at all, relying on vague language such as “case-by-case” decisions or providing no clear rules.
“Women and girls should be able to rely on clear signage and straightforward rules,” Levy said.“Right now, in many places, they can’t.”
“Councils are treating guidance as if it were law,” Levy said.“This is an untested legal interpretation being applied as public policy.”
“This is about transparency and accountability,” Levy said.“If councils are not providing female-only spaces, they should at least be honest about it.”
Source: MEDIA RELEASE: Only Eight Councils Provide Female-Only Facilities, New National Data Reveals