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Legislation – Privacy Amendment Act passes

Source: Office of the Privacy Commissioner

The Privacy Commissioner says the Privacy Amendment Act, which has just become law, will increase transparency and help New Zealanders to better exercise their privacy rights.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says that the important change in the Privacy Amendment Act is the addition of new Information Privacy Principle 3A (IPP3A).
Agencies already have to inform people when they collect their personal information from them, under IPP 3. Under new IPP3A, if an agency (business or organisation) collects an individual’s personal information from someone other than the person themselves (i.e. indirectly), then that agency is required to tell the person, unless an exception applies.
If an agency has collected personal information indirectly, IPP3A requires them to take reasonable steps to make sure that the person concerned is told:
– that the information has been collected
– the purpose of the collection
– the intended recipients of the information
– the name and address of the agency that is collecting the information and the agency that holds the information
– whether the collection is authorised or required by law and which particular law
– their right to access and correct their information.
IPP3A will come into force on 1 May 2026, and all organisations will need to have their systems in place to comply with the new requirements by then. There are a range of practical exceptions that will help agencies to apply the new IPP 3A in their context.
Earlier this year OPC consulted on draft guidance for organisations about the requirements of IPP3A. We will be publishing this guidance  later this year.
OPC is also reviewing the Codes of Practice issued under the Privacy Act to determine whether any amendments are required to incorporate IPP3A.
“Telling people when you’re collecting information about them supports open and transparent collection practices and helps people better understand where and how their information is being used,” says Mr Webster.
“The passing of the Privacy Amendment Act helps support that transparency for New Zealanders. This reform helps keep our privacy law in line with other countries like Australia, the UK and Europe. There are other pressing privacy reforms that I will continue to advocate for with the government of the day.”
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Appointments – Reserve Bank NZ Board welcomes new Governor and extension of current Governor’s term

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

24 September 2025 – The RBNZ Board has welcomed the appointment of a new Governor following a robust and extensive recruitment process.

The Minister of Finance announced Dr Anna Breman as Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand for a five-year term from 1 December 2025.

RBNZ Governor Christian Hawkesby will remain in the Governor role until then.

RBNZ Board Deputy Chair Rodger Finlay says Dr Breman's appointment follows a robust recruitment process in which 300 individuals were identified, contacted or interviewed.

“The Board was pleased with the quality candidates who were attracted to the role, indicating the RBNZ's strong reputation domestically and internationally.”

Mr Finlay says the Board was thrilled to have nominated Dr Breman, who possesses leadership skills across the broad spectrum of central bank activities: “Anna's experience spans central banking, academia and financial markets. She has strong technical knowledge within monetary policy, financial stability and payments systems after several years at the Executive Board at the Riksbank and an extensive international experience.”

Christian Hawkesby's term as Governor will be extended until November 30, and he will support a smooth transition to Dr Breman when she takes the role of Governor from December 1. He will then depart from RBNZ.

“The Board is grateful for Christian's ongoing leadership and commitment to RBNZ. We are very fortunate to have had him step into the role of Governor during a transformative time for RBNZ. We respect his decision to resign from RBNZ when the new Governor is in post and thank him for his continued commitment to RBNZ's people and its important work.”

Mr Hawkesby says it is important to provide space for the new Governor to succeed, and his key priority will be a smooth handover to new Governor.

“I am fully committed to supporting Anna and leading the RBNZ through this remaining period – including completing our organisational changes, concluding the Capital Review of the deposit taking sector, chairing the MPC, delivering the Financial Stability Report, leading our remaining parliamentary hearings, and supporting the morale of our staff through a period of significant change.”

Mr Hawkesby thanked the Board for its support over the past six and half years at the RBNZ, first as Assistant Governor, then as Deputy Governor, and most recently as Governor under section 96 of the RBNZ Act.

More information:

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Scam victim numbers down, but losses up, reports Banking Ombudsman

Source: Banking Ombudsman Scheme

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme helped more than 5,800 bank customers and facilitated compensation or refunds totalling more than $2 million according to its latest annual report. The most common complaints were about personal transaction accounts, property lending and credit cards.
Complaints and disputes were up 4 per cent and 7 per cent respectively. Despite this, the scheme exceeded its timeliness targets and maintained high satisfaction among users (more than 80 per cent).
Financial hardship complaints rose 55 per cent, according to the report. Most involved vehicle and home loans and KiwiSaver withdrawals. Service-related complaints rose 11 per cent. Poor communication was a recurring issue in many of these complaints.
Scam-related complaints fell 17 per cent to 694 cases, but the average reported loss increased 10 per cent to $88,000 this year – up from $80,000 in 2023-24.
Banking Ombudsman Nicola Sladden said the drop in scam cases reflected recent initiatives by banks to tackle scams. However, she cautioned against any suggestion that scammers were on the ropes.
“Scams remain a serious concern, especially given their increasing sophistication and impact,” said Ms Sladden. “We are pleased to be part of the new Anti-Scam Alliance, and we continue to push for stronger industry codes and coordinated action to protect consumers.”
The scheme underwent an independent review during the year, which concluded the Banking Ombudsman Scheme is “a modern ombudsman scheme that makes a valued and credible contribution to a fair banking sector”. The reviewer made 11 recommendations, all of which have been implemented.
The annual report also announced the retirement of the chair of the scheme’s board, Miriam Dean, who has held the position for 12 years. She will be replaced in January by Michael Heron, a well-known KC and former Solicitor General with expertise in commercial law, dispute resolution and governance.
Ms Dean said Mr Heron’s skills and experience, particularly in online dispute resolution, made him an ideal candidate to take over the role.
Ms Dean said the scheme would remain a trusted voice in helping customers when things go wrong.
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Advocacy – Israeli minister would embarrass NZ government with an official ‘thank you’ visit – PSNA

Source: Palestinian Solidarity Network Aotearoa (PSNA)

 

PSNA says a proposed ‘thank you visit’ by Israel’s deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel would be embarrassing for the New Zealand government and expose it as a collaborator with Israeli genocide in Gaza.

 

Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa Co chair, John Minto says he expects the New Zealand government will find some excuse to avoid having Haskel in New Zealand. 

 

Haskel, in an interview with genocide denier Sean Plunket on his radio show The Platform last month said she’d like to visit New Zealand in October saying “We want to thank the New Zealand government for its support over the last two years.”

 

Minto says the last thing Winston Peters would want the public of New Zealand to hear, is a high-level representative of the State of Israel coming here to praise him for his support for genocide and ethnic cleansing.

 

“Not because the praise would be false, but because it would be true.”

 

 “For two years now, our government has bucked public opinion, and it’s refused to sanction Israel, or take any measures to hold Israel to account, for its mass bombing and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza.”

 

“Instead, Winston Peters has provided political cover to genocide and ethnic cleansing, by amplifying Israeli propaganda and dismissing the desperate appeals from Palestinians, the United Nations and a whole range of international human rights groups.”

 

 “The damage to this country’s standing in the international community is incalculable.”

 

 “His predecessor National led government, of John Key, rebuked Israel for far less serious infractions of international law in 2010 and 2014.”

 

“Over previous decades, New Zealand would have spoken out strongly and taken a principled position. But now we have become the unprincipled runt among countries we like to compare ourselves with, and tried to make it all go away with the public by saying the issue is too complicated or we need more facts.”

 

“With our reputation goes our potential trading opportunities among the vast majority of countries in the world who recognise Palestine and stand with the Palestinians.”

 

Haskel’s proposed visit would be added to her tour to Fiji and Papua New Guinea both of which voted with a Pasifika bloc last year. to join with Israel and the US at the United Nations, against a ruling by the International Court of Justice.

 

Minto points to the fact that Fiji opened its new embassy in Jerusalem last week. 

 

“This is an extremely partisan and hostile act.  Fiji and PNG have joined only four other countries in the entire world to locate in Jerusalem to try to legitimise the illegal occupation of East Jerusalem.”

 

“It looks like Israel’s minister will still bully her way into Fiji and PNG, but my pick will be that Winston Peters will be too busy when Haskel plans to gatecrash the Beehive.”

 

“It’s a shame.  We’d be delighted to deliver a very strong demonstration to confront the representative of the worst atrocity of the 21st Century.”

 

John Minto

Co-Chair PSNA

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Business Central welcomes Holidays Act reform

Source: Business Central

Business Central welcomes the Government’s decision to replace the Holidays Act with a new Employment Leave Act next year.
Business Central Acting Chief Executive Amanda Wood says it’s a long-awaited move that will bring much-needed clarity and simplicity to leave entitlements, and it is positive that the planned new legislation will contain the policy recommendations of Business Central members.
“The shift to an hours-based approach for calculating leave is particularly welcome, as it addresses one of the most persistent pain points for businesses,” Ms Wood says.
Other changes in the new legislation will include leave entitlements required to be proportionate to hours worked, access to leave entitlements from the first day of employment, increased leave compensation payments for casual employees, more flexibility to cash up annual leave, and requirements for employers to provide explicit pay statements.
“These changes will help create a more predictable and user-friendly system that benefits both employers and employees,” Ms Wood says.
“It’s a positive step toward modernising workplace legislation and supporting business confidence, and we look forward to engaging further on these changes.”
Notes: 
  • Business Central is part of the BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, representing and providing services to thousands of  businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
  • Business Central is the home of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce and represents members in the regions of Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wairarapa, Wider Wellington &  Nelson.
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Advocacy – VUW academics and students successfully passed boycott and divestment in support of Palestinian human rights, 55 votes to 1 abstention

Source: Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke

Tuesday, 23 September 2025 – Victoria University of Wellington (VUW)’s Academic Board has overwhelmingly voted to endorse boycott, divestment and other non-violent means to pressure Israel to comply with international humanitarian law and respect Palestinian human rights.

Hundreds of students and staff poured into the Hunter Council Chambers in solidarity with Palestine.

The motion directs the University to sever ties and not build future ones with institutions complicit in Israel's violations of Palestinian human rights and breaches of international humanitarian law. This includes any research and academic collaborations with institutions known to be involved in military technologies or doctrines.

It also calls on the University to support Palestinian scholars at risk, and protect staff and students’ academic freedom, freedom of expression, and freedom of assembly.

The motion passed with 55 votes in favour and one abstention.

“This is a powerful expression from students and staff in support of Palestinian human rights,” said Aria Gardiner, a Masters student at VUW and a member of Student Justice for Palestine (SJP) Pōneke. “Universities are the critic and conscience of society, and should speak out for justice, especially when our current government has shamefully refused to take action against Israel’s ongoing genocide.”

Professor of Health Annemarie Jutel, who also spoke at the meeting, said, “What’s really important is that students led this motion. One of the important things is that these students brought their critical-thinking skills, to understand what’s happening in the world today. Without that we have a sad future in front of us.”

“We are working on continued collaboration between students and staff, as we continue our BDS work and show solidarity for our Palestinian whānau,” said Carley Dove-McFalls, a member of University Workers for Palestine and teaching assistant at the University.

“This is just the first step – we need to see the University actually implement the motion’s objectives,” said Aria Gardiner. “We also call on other Universities across Aotearoa to follow in our footsteps, and ensure that our institutions sever ties with Israeli institutions and those complicit in the ongoing genocide.”

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Transport – Ō2NL highway construction a boost for freight and growth

Source: Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand

Road freight industry group Transporting New Zealand has welcomed today’s announcement that construction has begun on the Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway (Ō2NL).
The announcement comes just days after confirmation from Transport Minister Chris Bishop that construction on the Melling interchange in Lower Hutt has commenced.
“This is great news for the Lower North Island and for New Zealand as a whole,” says Transporting New Zealand Chief Executive, Dom Kalasih.
“Recently an Infrastructure New Zealand report revealed that other major transport projects in the Wellington region – Transmission Gully and the Kāpiti Expressway – are already saving people time and money while reducing deaths and serious injuries.
“Quality roads unlock economic productivity. Transmission Gully, the Mackays to Peka Peka and Peka Peka to Ōtaki expressways saved society $173 million dollars last year. These benefits are felt by the public, by freight operators and emergency services,” Kalasih said.
According to Minister Bishop’s announcement, the new expressway is expected to be complete by end of 2029 and will save users up to 15 minutes of travel time. Completion of the Ō2NL will mean the entire Wellington to Horowhenua route will have been upgraded to a world-class road standard.
Transporting New Zealand say upgrading this network is crucial given the region is expected to grow by 200,000 more people and 99,000 homes over the next 25 years.
While the industry group are pleased with that Ō2NL is moving forward, Kalasih cautioned that NZTA must ensure value for money as the project’s cost estimate has more than doubled since 2020. 
About Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand
Ia Ara Aotearoa Transporting New Zealand is the peak national membership association representing the road freight transport industry. Our members operate urban, rural and inter- regional commercial freight transport services throughout the country.
Road is the dominant freight mode in New Zealand, transporting 92.8% of the freight task on a tonnage basis, and 75.1% on a tonne-km basis. The road freight transport industry employs over 34,000 people across more than 4700 businesses, with an annual turnover of $6 billion.
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Holidays Act difficulties to be remedied – BusinessNZ

Source: BusinessNZ

BusinessNZ welcomes the final moves towards fixing the Holidays Act, following the Government’s decision to replace it with a new Employment Leave Act next year.
BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich says it’s hard to overstate the difficulties that have been caused by the current Holidays Act, with numerous large businesses and government departments becoming non-compliant with the Act over recent years and required to rectify millions of dollars of underpayment.
“Remedying the Act has been a long time coming, and it is positive that the planned new legislation will contain the policy recommendations of BusinessNZ members,” Mrs Rich said.
BusinessNZ has long advocated for an hours-based approach to calculating leave, as this is simpler to apply to non-standard working hours than the current weeks-based system.
Other changes in the new legislation will include leave entitlements required to be proportionate to hours worked, access to leave entitlements from the first day of employment, increased leave compensation payments for casual employees, more flexibility to cash up annual leave, and requirements for employers to provide explicit pay statements.
“Employers and employees are looking forward to simpler, more predictable leave provision in future,” Mrs Rich said.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Employees are more anxious about their financial wellbeing than their job security

Source: Robert Half

  • 87% of New Zealand workers are concerned about the lagging effects of inflation outpacing salary increases in 2025 
  • Generation X workers (94%) are most worried their salary will not keep up with inflation this year 
  • Other worries Kiwi workers have include wide economic challenges (86%) and job security (72%).

Auckland, 23 September 2025 – Workers are most anxious about their financial wellbeing in 2025, with the lagging effect of inflation and the economy on their jobs weighing heavily on their minds, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.  

New Zealand's GDP is rising1 but research reveals workers are worried about any long-lasting financial effects to their hip pocket. When asked about what concerns they have in 2025, most (87%) employees cited inflation outpacing salary increases, although almost as many (86%) are also concerned about wide economic challenges. Both concerns ranked well ahead of any worries about job security.

Here are the top five concerns for workers in 2025:

  • Inflation outpacing salary increases (87%) 
  • Wide economic challenges (86%) 
  • Job security (72%) 
  • The ability to find work where I want (71%) 
  • The ability to find a new job if needed (56%).

“Kiwi employees are expressing heightened concern about their financial wellbeing this year,” says Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half. “While cash has always been king in the employee experience, workers are laser-focused on how their pay is translating to their current living circumstances.  

“The data also highlights a significant shift in priorities. Work-life balance and flexibility have been top of mind in recent years and remain important, however, financial stability has taken centre stage. In this climate, it's crucial for employers to revisit their compensation packages and prioritise competitive financial remuneration to address employee concerns about financial security.”  

The research reveals one generation is much more likely to be uneasy about the value of their income in the current economic climate. Almost all (94%) of Generation X employees cited they were concerned about inflation outpacing salary increases, a higher proportion than Millennials (86%), Baby Boomers (86%) and Generation Z (82%).

“Salary worries are not confined to younger workers who generally earn less than their older and more senior counterparts,” Singh says.

“While Gen Z may be slightly less anxious about salary compared to other generations, it's still a top concern for them, indicating a growing awareness of financial realities among younger workers. Employers, therefore, will need to consider what they can offer workers at all levels when undertaking salary reviews,” concludes Singh.

1 Gross domestic product: March 2025 quarter, Stats NZ, August 2025

About the research

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in November 2024 by an independent research company among 500 full-time office workers in finance, accounting, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs as well as large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across New Zealand. This survey is part of the international workplace survey, a questionnaire about job trends, talent management, and trends in the workplace.

About Robert Half

Robert Half is the global, specialised talent solutions provider that helps employers find their next great hire and jobseekers uncover their next opportunity. Robert Half offers both contract and permanent placement services, and is the parent company of Protiviti, a global consulting firm.  Robert Half New Zealand has an office in Auckland. More information on roberthalf.com/nz.

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Economy – RBNZ opens final phase of Exchange Settlement Account System applications

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ)
 
23 September 2025 – All interested entities are invited to apply for ESAS access now.

The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua (RBNZ) has opened the second and final phase of the Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS) application process and is accepting applications from all entities that meet the new access criteria.

ESAS is New Zealand's principal high-value payments system owned and operated by the RBNZ and is used by banks and other financial organisations to settle transactions in real time. In March 2025 the RBNZ completed a multi-year review of ESAS access and expanded the access criteria to include more non-bank entities.

The ESAS application process has remained open to registered banks throughout the access review. Licensed non-bank deposit takers (NBDTs) in New Zealand have been able to apply since April 2025. Now, all other interested entities can apply.

Financial Market Infrastructures and Settlements Director Steve Gordon says that in general, applications will be assessed in the order in which they're received.  

“We have resources in place to handle applications efficiently. Where an application is less complex and faster to assess, we will do so alongside progressing more complex applications, which may take more time.”

The RBNZ website has been updated with application information for each applicant category. There is a flowchart to help applicants determine which category applies to them, as well as information on prerequisites and requirements separate from the ESAS application process.

Information on how to apply: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=3957142364&e=f3c68946f8

The first step for all interested entities is to submit a short Expression of Interest form, which is available on the RBNZ website. Submitters will then be invited to an introductory meeting, after which they can decide if they'd like to apply. There is no fee until an application is formally submitted.

The RBNZ will assess applications using a two-step eligibility approach, considering: if an applicant is engaged in business activities that align with the purpose of ESAS; and if the applicant has an acceptable risk profile, which includes anti-money laundering compliance and meeting prudential, governance and operational requirements.

More information

Exchange Settlement Account System: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=e232777ad9&e=f3c68946f8

ESAS access criteria: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=f4e5b66abe&e=f3c68946f8