Are any of the listed companies staffed entirely by women?

Many of our companies, though owned by women and gender diverse people, will have both men and women working for them. If you do have a preference for women/gender diverse people to be hands-on on your project, please ask the companies you are considering if this is a service they can provide.

What’s a trade job?

A trade job generally refers to any work that requires advanced training and skills gained through means other than a bachelor’s degree. For example, many jobs in the construction industry, such as plumber or electrician, require you to have significant experience and training before you can work. Experience and training can be gained through on-the-job experience or formal education in the form of an apprenticeship or completing a vocational school training program. Although many skilled labour jobs require manual work, not all trade jobs require significant physical labour.

What’s diverse gender identity?

Diverse gender identity and/or expression means there isn’t one definition to fit all people. However, generally, people who are non-binary or gender non-conforming do not fit neatly into cisgendered roles such as boy or man, or girl or woman.

Am I safe here?

We encourage you to read our community values and ensure this is a respectful, harassment-free space for everyone. Anyone using this directory who feels unsafe, harassed or witnesses inappropriate behavior should email us. We will do our best to support you and we will be as confidential and sensitive as possible. We are unable to become involved as an arbitrator of any disputes arising between businesses and their customers, however we will support you accessing the help you need.

Is this directory even legal?

The Human Rights Act in Aotearoa New Zealand sets out that one cannot discriminate based on one of the prohibited grounds, including gender. However, section 73 recognises that overcoming discrimination may require ‘positive action’ to overcome systemic inequality — such as the very low percentage of women currently working in the trades industries.

Is Tradespeople anti-men?

Not at all! We know that women and gender diverse people are underrepresented in trades industries. Diversity and balance is the key to any successful organisation and we embrace positive, collaborative conversations to challenge stereotypes and the status quo. Our aim is to support economic growth by building a movement of support for businesses owned by women and people with diverse gender identities, which in turn helps the trades industry as a whole.

What do we consider harassment?

Harassment includes:

  • Offensive or unwanted comments.
  • Threats or incitement of violence.
  • Intimidation, stalking, trolling or violence of any kind.
  • Unwelcome sexual attention or inappropriate/non-consensual physical or social contact or communication.
  • Deliberate “outing” of any aspect of a person’s identity without their consent, or challenging of their stated self-identity or chosen labels, even if they conflict with your own views.
  • Any behaviour after someone has asked you to stop.