The historic pay offer that will lift careworkers from a poverty line wage to a living wage is a win-win for Northland, says the region's E tu union organiser, Annie Tothill.
Ms Tothill is holding meetings around Northland for workers in the aged care, disability and home-support sector to ratify the offer made last month.
If the majority vote for it, the Equal Pay Settlement will be implemented from July 1.
Everyone would vote, not just union members, Ms Tothill said.
Employers will be funded by the Government to allow workers at attend the one-hour meetings, which started yesterday in Kaitaia and will be held throughout Northland until June 20.
The offer - following a 30-year battle to have the female-dominated work recognised by a wage reflecting the job's responsibility and skill - lifts wages from the minimum $15.75 an hour to a starting rate of $19, and a top rate of $23.50.
Rates will continue to increase over the next five years.
"It's been a long battle," Ms Tothill said.
"Caregivers who provide quality care for vulnerable members of our communities deserve this increase which will deliver the largest-ever pay rise for these predominantly female workers.
"But this is not just about a big pay rise. I believe this is a win-win for everyone."
The impact of higher wages in the fast-growing industry would be greater in smaller communities, where locals spent money, than in the larger cities, Ms Tothill said.
"Local care and support providers will also benefit.
"They've struggled in the past to attract and retain skilled, experienced workers because of low pay - a problem which will ease with higher pay rates."
The industry was a major growth sector which was predicted to double inside 10 years, she said.
The settlement would also provide strong incentives for carers to gain new skills and qualifications to lift their pay, meaning people needing care would benefit through consistent, high standards.
"Finally, this is a huge opportunity for our young people, who will be able to forge a viable career in Northland communities where quality care is needed," Ms Tothill said.
E tu was formed through the merger of the Engineering, Printing and Manufacturing Union, and the Service and Food Workers Union.