New Zealand First has introduced a Member’s Bill seeking to define “woman” and “man” in law based on biological sex, saying the move would provide legal clarity and reflect common-sense language.
The proposal follows a recent UK Supreme Court ruling that interpreted “woman” in the Equality Act as referring exclusively to biological females.
The bill, put forward by NZ First MP Jenny Marcroft, defines “woman” as an “adult human biological female” and “man” as an “adult human biological male.” If drawn from the ballot, the bill would apply this definition across all legislation unless otherwise specified.
NZ First leader Winston Peters said the bill is not about exclusion but about ensuring that law reflects biological reality and protects sex-based rights. He cited issues like women’s sports, prisons, and changing rooms as areas where legal clarity is needed.
“This isn’t about being anti-anyone,” Peters said. “But the pendulum is swinging back toward common sense.”
Critics say the timing is political. Labour leader Chris Hipkins and Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick dismissed the bill as a populist distraction from issues like cost of living and healthcare. ACT, however, expressed cautious support, saying biological realities should be recognised in law but balanced with free expression.
The Ministry for Women currently defines women as “people who identify as women,” a stance that includes transgender women.
The bill has yet to be drawn for debate.
Centrist Ltd.