Of course there's a difference between men and women working in governance positions. It's around behaviour and thinking.
Those responsible for making board appointments should widen their definition of "right people" to focus more on the character attributes of the person.
Have you seen the "ideal requirements" for board member positions? They're all the same.
Usually specific industry or sector knowledge is desirable but all other experience required is identical. One set to fit them all.
A male board with matching skills is not diversity. The thinking remains largely the same. Why not place less weight on specialist skills and knowledge and focus on the special character traits that many women would bring to the table. And passion sits high up the list. A word you will rarely hear escaping coming from the lips of male board members. No passion on this board thank you.
You can't manufacture passion or "motivate" people to feel passionate. Women have no problem identifying what ignites their passion. And they have a latent skill at creating a performance culture and looking for innovation. They are the ones who are not satisfied at being good at what they do. They will focus on what they can potentially do better.
You only have to look at Iceland, for example, to see what happens when a government commits to gender equality.
This was at the heart of what the minister was trying to stress about diversity. In Iceland it happened as a result of the global financial crisis.
In 2008 when Iceland's financial system collapsed the conservative government resigned.
There were protests in the streets about the abysmal handling of the economy that caused Iceland to suffer crippling debt.
An economy steered for years by male dominated boards. You have to admit there's something about Nordic women.
They came to the radical conclusion that its male dominated economy, banking system and business culture were responsible for the mess. They weren't about to let one bunch of inept males be replaced with a fresh set. Women stepped up fearlessly to clean up the aftermath.
They moved into the positions vacated by the men. Many of whom were prosecuted, including the prime minister. They brought "female values into the mainly male spheres of private equity, wealth management and corporate advice". They have taken Iceland to new economic heights by closing the gender gap.
The minister wasn't suggesting all males get the boot from the boardroom. She was pointing out the true economic value to New Zealand of having diversity at the table. There can be no argument when you look at Iceland's dramatic comeback.
Merepeka Raukawa-Tait is a Rotorua district councillor, Lakes District Health Board member and chairs the North Island Whanau Ora Commissioning Agency. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart political correctness.
