UPDATE 9.30AM: Closing the Gap's public meeting on labour and wage inequality has been postponed due to health reasons with guest speaker Helen Kelly.

Closing the Gap Income Equality Aotearoa New Zealand Inc national secretary Peter Malcom confirmed to SunLive this morning the meeting, scheduled for July 22, will not go ahead.

New Zealand Council of Trade Unions president Helen Kelly. Photo: Facebook.

Helen earlier this year revealed she has lung cancer, and in the last week her health has deteriorated, says Peter.

It is hoped she will be able to attend the meeting envisaged to be held in October.

Helen has been president since 2007 and is the CTU's chief spokesperson on a wide range of issues including economic development, employment law, climate change, social partnership and ACC.

Peter says with one of the strongest Closing the Gap supporter groups in the country, Tauranga was the perfect spot to sit down and talk business when it comes to labour and wage inequality.

The meeting, when held, will discuss on whether zero-hour contracts, temporary labour contracts, and low minimum wages are damaging to the New Zealand economy and its society.

'There is no doubt that high levels of inequality exist in New Zealand and have done for some 30 years,” says Peter.

'There is also no doubt that high levels of inequality are detrimental to all in New Zealand and low rates of pay contribute to this inequality.”

Peter says Tauranga was the likely host given it has a very strong group, and probably more supporters per head of population than any other centre nationwide.

The national body's aim is to raise public awareness of the benefits of a more equal society to such a level that leaders take notice and act.

He says the recent treasury report on income inequality shows very clearly how essential it is that this issue is addressed, adding income inequality climbed very steeply from late 80s and early 90s and has remained at those levels ever since.

There are two possible scenarios proposed to try and reduce this gap.

'One is to try and cap in some way salaries at the top,” explains Peter.

'When you hear that 17 of the top managers in Fonterra are on over $1m a year you can see the extent of the problem.

'The other is to try and raise the income of people at the bottom end and, of course, temporary labour, zero contract hours and the minimum wage are all part of that issue.”

Previously the Tauranga branch had up to 100 people attending their meetings - a number Peter is hopeful will continue.

Along wiht the guest speaker, there will also be a short film titled 'The Truth About Temporary Labour” and a panel discussion with questions from the floor to union, living wage and local business people.

'We hope this will generate some real debate about these important issues for our country,” says Peter.

For further information, contact Peter on: 07 552 4809 or: 022 308 6982. Alternatively, he can be reached via email at: [email protected]