The National Council for Woman says gender equality will make a huge difference in both Tasmania and in New Zealand.

The Australian state's Minister for Women Jacquie Petrusma has launched a new bid for gender equality across government boards and committees.

She's announced they'll be 50% women by 2020.

National Council for Women president Rae Duff said the council will soon be looking at whether they push for a similar quota here, or will launch a campaign.

She compared New Zealand unfavourably to other OECD countries, as "we've slipped down to 17th, whereas in 2003 we were 4th in the world."

But Minister for Women Louise Upston said here, we're in a far better position - with 41% of women already in leading roles, versus their 34%.

She thinks it's important to "think about why we have women at the board table - it's not about numbers, it's about making better decisions."

Ms Upston is "definitely opposed to quotas here in New Zealand."

"One of the dangers is it can actually lead to perceptions of tokenism by fellow board directors."

Rae Duff said the council is currently assessing "whether we'll try and push for specific targets or quotas, rather than just mounting a campaign."