Author: MIL-OSI Publisher

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Love Their Game® – Momentum builds for Auckland-wide sideline behaviour initiative

Source: Aktive

Just over a year after eight Auckland Regional Sport Organisations partnered with Aktive to launch a collective push for positive sideline behaviour, the movement has surged to 18 Regional Sport Organisations, reaching more than 220,000 participants.
Love Their Game emphasises the importance of positive sideline support and its role in creating quality sport experiences and environments for all involved, particularly young people. Over the past 12 months, the initiative has grown significantly to include organisations from across the region.
Participating organisations are North Harbour Rugby Union, Counties Manukau Rugby Union, Auckland Rugby Union, Netball Northern Zone, Northern Region Football, Tennis Northern, Auckland Basketball Services, Auckland Water Polo, Counties Manukau Rugby League, Harbour Badminton, Harbour Hockey, Auckland Rugby League, Counties Manukau Badminton, Auckland Hockey, Counties Manukau Touch, Athletics Auckland, Surf Life Saving Northern Region and Auckland Golf.
Aktive Chief Executive Jennah Wootten explains why the initiative is going from strength to strength: “We know that poor sideline behaviour affects far more than just one or two sports. Love Their Game is a reminder to everyone, regardless of the code, to respect that the game belongs to those playing, refereeing, coaching and managing, and not those on the sideline.
“With more Regional Sport Organisations getting involved, the strength of consistent messages across codes and across Auckland is significant. It helps amplify the impact of our collective efforts, no matter which sport you support, what colour uniform you wear or which sideline you stand on.”
Mel Bennett, Community Manager, Auckland Basketball Services speaks to their experience:
“Through our alignment with Aktive and Love Their Game, Auckland Basketball Services has played an active role in bringing this kaupapa to life – supporting clubs and schools to create positive environments, building coach and volunteer capability, and prioritising wellbeing so tamariki and rangatahi can stay connected to the game for life.
“Our mahi has been intentional to safeguard the wellbeing of our participants – ensuring that environments are not only development-focused, but safe, inclusive, and grounded in positive experiences for all. We are proud to stand alongside other regional sporting organisations in this initiative, collectively strengthening the systems and support around our young people. From strengthening on-court delivery to shaping supportive spaces off the court, this work ensures that every young person not only participates but genuinely loves their game.”
Ms Bennett adds: “We look forward to continuing to grow our relationship and deepening our alignment, working together to create lasting impact across our communities.”
Auckland Golf is the most recent Auckland Regional Sport Organisation to come on board. Chief Executive Jacob Cameron says: “At Auckland Golf, we’ve always backed positive sideline behaviour, because the experience our young people have today shapes their love for sport tomorrow. The key is to create an environment that’s fun, welcoming, and supports parents to be aware of the impact they can have. That’s why we’re proud to join Love Their Game – it reinforces the values we already stand for and helps ensure every young golfer gets the chance to enjoy the game and stay in it for the long term.”
Love Their Game strengthens positive sideline behaviour messages that participating sports organisations can customise for their own codes and activate across their competitions and tournaments. The initiative is further supported through social media content, workforce development opportunities, and resources on CoachMate – the Kiwi coaching app designed to empower and educate the grassroots sporting community with worldclass coaching content, modern microlearning tools, and practical team management features.
Kicking off in late March, the latest Love Their Game social media content features Love Their Game Ambassador and international rugby referee Ben O’Keeffe; Broadcaster and Social Media Comedy Creator Ben Boyce; and five-sport international athlete and Olympian Tyla King.
Ms Wootten says: “Regional Sport Organisations and sports clubs, along with their many dedicated volunteers, work incredibly hard to deliver high quality sporting experiences for their communities. By working together, we can strengthen understanding of how adults can help create a positive, supportive environment that makes sport more enjoyable for everyone. Ultimately, we all want to support and protect our volunteers while ensuring young people have fun, feel encouraged, and develop a lifelong love of sport and activity.”
For more information visit www.lovetheirgame.org.nz
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Health Politics and Tech – Threats won’t fix Health NZ’s AI problem Investment will

Source: PSA

Health NZ is threatening health workers with disciplinary action for using AI tools like ChatGPT to write notes. But the PSA says the real question is why staff are turning to free tools in the first place.
A Health NZ senior manager has sent a memo to all Mental Health and Addiction Services staff in the Rotorua Lakes district, telling them they will face disciplinary action if they use free tools like ChatGPT, Claude or Gemini to write clinical notes on patients.
“Health workers are turning to AI tools because they are under enormous pressure and looking for ways to manage their workloads,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“A memo that opens by threatening formal disciplinary action is not a training programme. It’s a warning shot that will make staff afraid to ask questions or seek help.”
The PSA does not dispute that the use of AI in health settings must be carefully regulated. Patient privacy and data security are serious obligations. But proper regulation requires training, approved tools, and a culture where concerns can be raised without livelihoods being threatened.
“Health NZ needs to invest in proper training and approved tools, not threaten workers with Code of Conduct breaches,” said Fitzsimons.
“Let’s not forget that the Government has forced Health NZ to cut the very teams responsible for digital systems and IT support, cuts that have impacted every hospital in New Zealand. If staff are improvising with free tools, Health NZ needs to examine why that is the case.”
Threatening disciplinary action will not lead to honest conversations about AI use. It will simply drive the practice underground.
“The stakes are high for patients, for staff, and for the health system. The answer is clear guidance, proper resourcing, and supported professional development. Not threats.”
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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Workers First calls on finance sector to act on fuel crisis and support workers

Source: Workers First Union

Workers First – the union for finance workers – has written to financial institutions across Aotearoa, calling on them to support their staff amid rising petrol costs and warning that workers are spending an increasing proportion of their wages simply travelling to and from work.
Callum Francis, Workers First National Organiser for Finance, is asking institutions to suspend any attendance requirements, to offer improved working-from-home arrangements where possible, and to subsidise transport costs for staff required to be onsite.
Petrol prices in Auckland surged as much as 24 cents in a single weekend recently, with 91-grade fuel hitting a near four-year high. Industry forecasts suggest prices could reach $4 per litre, representing a near 50% increase in fuel costs for many workers.
“Finance workers offer care and consideration to customers every single day,” said Mr Francis.
“We're asking their employers to offer them the same. This is no longer a nice-to-have – it is becoming a necessity.”
Nick(*), a union member who works at a major financial institution, said that support from employers to work from home would be practical during an unprecedented economic crisis.
“We already do over half of our work from home anyway, and it would show good faith and care for us during a tough time for everyone,” he said.
“Colleagues sometimes have no option but to drive an hour or more into work but aren’t eligible for the Government support, and this would offer a sense of relief to our families.”
“This is a national emergency and we’re all supposed to help out – so why should workers be the ones taking the hit? Employers should do this for our country as well as their staff.”
Mr Francis drew a parallel with the Covid-19 pandemic, during which many financial institutions rapidly adapted their operations to support staff working from home, or if absolutely necessary, attending workplaces.
“Businesses showed during Covid that they could act quickly and pragmatically when workers needed them to. We're asking for that same approach now,” said Mr Francis.
“Billion-dollar institutions like banks and insurance providers can and should provide relief and convenience to their workers whenever it’s possible – especially during a crisis.”
Workers First Union is seeking meetings with financial institutions and expects responses in the coming weeks.
(*)Name changed due to employer restrictions on public speech.
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Universities – As AI races ahead, can the law keep up? UoA

Source: University of Auckland – UoA

How can existing and emerging legal frameworks govern artificial intelligence without stifling innovation?

This question will be top of mind at a conference on AI regulation, governance, and public procurement at the University of Auckland this April.

The inaugural Law, Technology and Government Conference will see international legal scholars, judges, and practitioners descend on the Business School to dissect where we’re at when it comes to the governance and regulation of artificial intelligence. (ref. https://www.alter.auckland.ac.nz/inaugural-conference-2026/#1 )

Hosted by the Centre for Advancing Law and Technology Responsibly (ALTeR), the event comes at a time when governments around the world are moving quickly to adopt AI, while the legal and governance frameworks needed to guide its use lag.

Conference organisers Professor Alexandra Andhov and Associate Professor Marta Andhov, directors of ALTeR, say the legal profession can’t afford to treat AI governance as someone else’s problem.

“The frameworks we build, or fail to build, in the next few years will determine whether AI becomes a tool for justice or a gap in it,” says Alexandra Andhov.

As part of the conference, she will give her inaugural lecture, examining the growing power of major technology companies and the challenges they pose for regulators.

“I’m interested in what happens when ‘too big to fail’ meets ‘too powerful to regulate’?” she says.
The conference is hosting legal tech providers who will demonstrate their latest AI-enhanced tools and take part in a discussion about issues they rarely touch on, including security vulnerabilities, reliability concerns, and privacy implications.

Scholars from across the Asia-Pacific region will examine whether established legal principles, from equity and tort to internet law, can effectively govern emerging technologies, or whether new regulatory approaches are needed.

Ken Singer, director of the UC Berkeley Centre for Entrepreneurship, will share insights from Silicon Valley before joining Aotearoa’s innovation and legal leaders in a session on how the law can support innovation.

Alongside local entrepreneurs and investors, Singer will also examine how legal infrastructure can be a competitive advantage rather than a barrier, and how New Zealand can create frameworks that enable rather than hinder technological advancement.

There will be a keynote on law, technology and government by Professor Chris Marsden (Monash), who has been supporting drafting regulations and policies in the UK, EU and Australia.

A fireside conversation between Chief Human Rights Commissioner, Dr Stephen Rainbow and entrepreneur Bowen Pan, who led the team that built Facebook Marketplace, will examine the tension between government caution and the pace of technological change.

Meanwhile, a panel co-organised with Netsafe will explore Aotearoa’s recent developments in online safety policy and practice, with a particular focus on protecting everyone, especially the most vulnerable, in an AI-amplified digital environment.

Another panel discussion will showcase AI-enhanced art while confronting its impact on artists, artistic expression, and the question of how we preserve humanity in increasingly AI-driven creative futures.

“Governments are racing to purchase AI systems, often without the frameworks to buy them responsibly or properly regulate them,” says Marta Andhov.

“This conference is designed to generate ideas that support smart innovation, procurement and regulation.”

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Storm News – Northland weather update 01 0830hrs 26 March

Source: Northland Regional Council

Advisory issued on behalf of Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management Group
UPDATE 01; MARCH WEATHER EVENT
Hi all,
Just a quick update you on the weather situation as of 0830hrs today (Thursday 26 March).
We’ve seen consistent rain overnight, including some heavy falls across much of the region.
The heaviest rainfall so far has been along the East Coast around Kaeo and the Bay of Islands, and there is more to come today.
The Red and Orange Heavy Rain Warnings, as well as the Strong Wind Warning issued by MetService New Zealand, remain in place until the early hours of tomorrow morning.
These warnings will be reviewed later this morning, but the key period of concern is still today through to Friday morning.
The rainfall forecast is still likely to bring: dangerous river conditions, flooding, slips and landslides, Hazardous driving conditions, and road closures in some areas
This remains an evolving situation, so please continue to keep up to date with the latest information from MetService and your local and regional councils.
Overnight rainfall stats (4:00pm 25 March – 6:30am 26 March)
The highest rainfall totals have been recorded on the East Coast:
– Touwai at Weta: 152 mm
– Kerikeri at BOI Golf Club: 121 mm
– Waitangi at Wairoa Road: 100 mm
Many rivers in the Far North are running at high levels, with some still rising. (High tide on the east coast is early this afternoon.)
If you’re travelling through Kaeo or Waimate North this morning, please take extra care. The Kaeo River has reached a level where flooding on SH10 is possible.
NZTA’s page for the official status before heading out: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway…/northland or follow NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi – Northland
There are already a number of State Highway closures and there are likely to be more, as well as local road closures. Crews will work to clear these as quickly as possible, but please allow for delays.
If you come across any local roading issues or storm related damage on public property, please report it through to your local council:
There are a number of isolated power outages around the region. Northpowerand Top Energy NZ crews will be out today working to resolve these issues as soon as they can, but this may take some time.
Check the latest outages here:
Northland Civil Defence works across the councils to provide local welfare support. If centres or marae are open to provide support, they will be published on the district council websites.
If you need welfare support, please ring your local district council.
Whangarei District Council | Phone: 0800 932 463 | Website: www.wdc.govt.nz
Far North District Council | Phone: 0800 920 029 | Website: www.fndc.govt.nz
Kaipara District Council | Phone: 0800 727 059 | Website: www.kaipara.govt.nz
Finally, some key reminders for today:
  • Do not enter floodwaters: it only takes a small amount of moving water to knock you off your feet or sweep a vehicle away.
  • Avoid unnecessary travel over this period. Conditions may deteriorate quickly, and roads may close with little warning.
  • Be prepared to self evacuate if you see rising water, feel unsafe, or notice conditions worsening.
  • Be aware of landslide risks, and keep well away from areas that have recently been affected by slips or landslides. If you notice cracks in the ground, tilting trees or power poles, unusual noises, or rapid changes in stream levels, leave immediately.
  • If at any time you feel you, your whānau, or your property are at immediate risk, please call emergency services on 111
Civil Defence will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates here as more information becomes available.
If you can, stay home today, and if you are travelling, please drive to the conditions.
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Awards – Entries now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

Source: EMA

Entries are now open for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2026, encouraging local exporters to showcase their achievements on the world stage and be recognised among the region’s best.
The prestigious awards gala will be held on 7 August at Mercury Baypark in Mount Maunganui, celebrating the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses exporting goods and services to global markets.
The event, organised by the EMA and ExportNZ, in partnership with NZTE, is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Air NZ Cargo, Port of Tauranga, Zespri, Page Macrae and Sharp Tudhope.
Warwick Downing, Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee, says the event is a platform to recognise outstanding businesses, and a prime opportunity for networking and knowledge-sharing.
“These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world,” says Downing.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
Greg Jarvis, Founder/Director of Bluelab and an awards judge, says the awards underscore the importance of recognising success in the region.
“The Bay of Plenty has a rich history of innovative and forward-thinking exporters who have built a reputation for excellence on the global stage,” says Jarvis.
“These awards are a chance to celebrate that success while also fostering a culture of learning, community and connection across the BOP export sector.”
Mike Atkins, Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank, says “We are delighted to once again partner with the ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards in 2026, building on the strong success of last year’s event. ASB is proud to support and celebrate the exporters who are driving growth, innovation, and international success for the region.
“At ASB we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital and debt capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, food and fibre.”
From its world-renowned kiwifruit and avocados to high-quality timber and dairy products, the Bay of Plenty showcases a diverse range of goods that reach international markets.
The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. According to EMA Head of Membership & Export Simon Devoy, the awards highlight the dedication and skill of the people who drive this success.
“ExportNZ is proud to recognise the Bay of Plenty’s role in bolstering New Zealand’s export sector,” he says.
“The theme of the awards gala on 7 August at Mercury Baypark Stadium Lounge is ‘On the World Stage’. It promises to be a night of celebration and fun.”
The awards feature five categories, including the coveted Exporter of the Year, and are judged by a panel of experienced export specialists from ExportNZ, NZTE and ASB.
The award categories are:
  • Air NZ Cargo Best Emerging Business: Celebrating early-stage export success.
  • Port of Tauranga Excellence in  Innovation: Acknowledging businesses that have successfully commercialised innovation internationally.
  • Zespri Unsung Export Hero – Outstanding  Individual Contribution: Honouring an individual who has made a significant material contribution to export growth, often behind the scenes.
  • Page Macrae Services to Export: Recognising the significant and sustained contribution of an individual or organisation to exporting success.
  • Sharp Tudhope Exporter of the Year: Recognising established businesses with a strong track record in export markets.
Key dates for the 2026 awards:
  • March 26 – Launch & entries open; tickets go on sale
  • June 8 – Entries close
  • July 10 – Finalists announced
  • August 7 – Awards gala
Businesses looking to enter the awards or purchase tickets can visit www.bopexportawards.co.nz
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Environment – EPA approves new herbicide to control weeds in fodder beet

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved Trifix Herbicide to control broadleaved weeds in beet crops used for livestock feed.
FMC New Zealand Limited applied to import or manufacture Trifix Herbicide, a water dispersible granule containing the active ingredient triflusulfuron methyl at 500 g/kg, a chemical new to Aotearoa New Zealand.
FMC New Zealand Limited said Trifix Herbicide will provide better weed control of velvetleaf, resulting in increased animal feed per hectare and improved quality. Trifix will produce economic and operational benefits for New Zealand’s primary sector.
Hazardous Substances Applications Manager Dr Lauren Fleury says this decision gives farmers another tool to control broadleaved weeds.
“It was made following a thorough assessment and consultation process so people could have their say and provide information for the EPA to consider.
“For chemicals that have never been used in New Zealand, we undertake a rigorous assessment. This includes analysis of risks and benefits, including a substance’s specific effects on human health and the New Zealand environment. This ensures we continue to protect New Zealanders and our unique environment.” 
Risks to human health and the environment can be managed with the controls the EPA has put in place.
Trifix Herbicide can only be used by professionals in commercial settings, using ground-based application methods, and users need to comply with specific controls.
Triflusulfuron methyl is approved for use in Canada and the United States.
As an agricultural compound, Trifix Herbicide must also receive approval from the Ministry for Primary Industries before it can be used in New Zealand.
Dr Fleury says, “The EPA is committed to increasing the number of new and novel hazardous substances available, particularly for agriculture and horticulture.
“We understand the importance of these types of new substances and that their availability is highly desirable. We continue to work hard to provide timely access to new products.”
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Economy – 1970s-style stagflation could hit global economy: deVere CEO

Source: deVere Group

March 25 2026 – Households, businesses and investors should prepare for 1970's-style global stagflation, warns the CEO of one of the world's largest independent financial advisory organisations.

Nigel Green of deVere Group is speaking out after private sector output in the euro zone sank to a 10-month low in March, amid mounting evidence of the impact the Iran conflict is having on the global economy.

He says: “The figures show the severe impact the Iran war is already having on the euro zone economy.

“But, like in the 1970s, stagflation could become a widespread global phenomenon characterised by high inflation, low growth, and high unemployment, heavily driven by oil price shocks.

“Back then it hit most developed economies, including the US, Canada, Western Europe, and Japan, largely ending the post-war economic expansion, and it looks like a spectre that may be looming once again.”

Recent flash PMI data underscores the shift. Euro zone business activity has slowed sharply, with the headline index hovering just above the contraction threshold at 50.5, down from 51.9 the previous month.

Cost pressures are accelerating at the fastest pace in more than three years as energy prices surge and supply chains tighten.

“Oil and gas prices are feeding directly into production costs, transport, and ultimately consumer prices. At the same time, demand is weakening.

“This combination is toxic. Growth is fading just as inflation is being reignited. Central banks have very limited room to respond effectively,” explains the deVere CEO.

Energy markets have tightened rapidly since the escalation of tensions involving Iran, with crude prices pushing higher and shipping disruptions adding further strain.

“Europe and Asia remain particularly exposed due to its reliance on imported energy, leaving businesses vulnerable to sustained price volatility.”

He continues: “Investors need to recognise that traditional assumptions are breaking down. Bonds may not offer the same protection if inflation remains elevated. Equities face margin pressure as input costs rise and consumers pull back.

“Cash loses value in real terms in an inflationary environment. Standing still is not a strategy.”

The European Central Bank has already signalled weaker growth expectations for 2026, projecting sub-1% expansion, while inflation forecasts risk drifting higher if energy prices remain elevated.

Surveys indicate declining business confidence and softer hiring intentions, reinforcing concerns that the slowdown is gaining traction.

“Preparation is essential. Portfolios must be structured for resilience, not optimism. Investors should be increasing exposure to assets that historically perform in inflationary periods, including commodities, energy producers, and selective real assets.

“In terms of equities, the focus must shift to sectors with pricing power and strong balance sheets. Companies able to pass on higher costs without destroying demand will outperform.”

Currency markets are also likely to reflect the divergence in economic performance and policy responses.

Risk-sensitive currencies could come under pressure, while volatility across foreign exchange markets is expected to increase.

Nigel Green comments: “Diversification across currencies, geographies, asset classes and sectors becomes more important in this environment. Overconcentration in any single one increases vulnerability.”

Geopolitical risk now sits at the centre of the economic outlook. Prolonged conflict in the Middle East would sustain pressure on energy markets, while any escalation could trigger further supply disruptions.

Duration matters. A short-lived shock is manageable. A prolonged period of elevated energy prices changes the entire economic trajectory.

Policy makers are already facing difficult trade-offs. Raising rates to control inflation risks deepening the slowdown. Cutting rates to support growth risks fuelling further inflation. “Clearly, neither path is straightforward,” notes the CEO.

Nigel Green concludes: “Complacency is the biggest risk. Stagflation is not a theoretical scenario; the early signals are already visible in the data.

“Investors who act decisively, diversify intelligently, and prioritise real returns over nominal gains will be best positioned to protect and grow wealth in the period ahead.”

deVere Group is one of the world's largest independent advisors of specialist global financial solutions to international, local mass affluent, and high-net-worth clients.  It has a network of offices around the world, more than 80,000 clients, and $14bn under advisement.

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Rotten to the core – ‘ocean exploitation bill’ must be rejected, says Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

Greenpeace says the coalition government’s removal of one item in NZ First’s ‘ocean exploitation bill’ is not enough to satisfy public outcry, with the organisation calling for the bill to be rejected in its entirety.
On Wednesday PM Christopher Luxon announced that after listening to concerns about the Fisheries Amendment Bill, sections that scrapped minimum fish size requirements for commercial operators will be removed. Greenpeace says no one is fooled by this small concession.
Oceans lead Ellie Hooper says: “All the Prime Minister and coalition partners have done is remove one aspect of this bonfire of a bill. But the scales have fallen from everyone’s eyes on this.
“The bill, even with the size requirements removed, remains a hand out to the commercial fishing industry, who Jones advocates for. It incentivises the worst types of fishing – unselective bottom trawling – the impacts of which are being felt increasingly by all. “It’s clear the ocean is depleted and it’s harder to go out and catch a fish. We’ve got crashed populations, and ocean habitats are struggling. Incentivising trawling, which destroys the ocean and takes too many fish out of the sea, is not going to fly with the New Zealand public.”The bill contains proposals to limit public consultation on fisheries decisions and blocks public access to the footage from cameras on boats. Anyone who shares or publishes this footage could face a fine of up to $50,000.Hooper points out that without public access to cameras on boats footage, mistrust in the commercial fishing industry will only continue to grow. “New Zealanders have a right to know how the fishing industry is impacting ocean health. What should be abundantly clear to the Prime Minister and all the politicians in an election year is that the public cares deeply about what happens out at sea. And there are more of them in the voting population than commercial fishing bosses.
“A transparent industry that boasts their world-leading fisheries management, wouldn’t need these cover ups,” says Hooper. “It just looks like they’re trying to hide the plain facts of their activities, from hauling up coral to killing fur seals and dolphins as bycatch.”
In a statement on social media today, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon wrote he wanted to ensure “our kids and grandkids have abundant fisheries for the decades to come”.
“If the Prime Minister stands by this statement, then the amendment bill has got to go.” says Hooper. “Not to select committee, not for tiny tweaks – but be voted down by politicians with a backbone who want to actually represent the vast numbers of New Zealanders opposing it.
“The coalition government may have collective amnesia on this bill but the ocean community doesn’t. The amendments have been, and continue to be rejected – that includes proposals to lock up cameras on boats, incentivise trawling, and erode the public’s right to have a say. The fish bone they’ve thrown us is nowhere near enough.”
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Investments – Upcoming Minimum Wage and KiwiSaver Changes – Effective 1 April 2026

Source: Peninsula New Zealand

Auckland, 25 March 2026: New minimum wage rates and KiwiSaver contribution changes will take effect across New Zealand from 1 April 2026, impacting employers, employees, and payroll processes nationwide.

Minimum Wage Increases

From 1 April, the Government has confirmed the following rates:

Adult Minimum Wage: $23.95 per hour
Starting‑Out Wage: $19.16 per hour
Training Wage: $19.16 per hour

These apply to all employees aged 16+, including part‑time, casual, fixed‑term, and remote workers. Minimum wage rules also extend to workers' earning commissions or piece rates.

Training wage eligibility: Employees aged 20+ completing 60 credits annually toward an approved industry qualification.
Starting‑out eligibility: Workers aged 16 – 19 who meet criteria such as being new to employment or undertaking relevant training.

KiwiSaver Changes

Also from 1 April:

Default contribution rate increases from 3% to 3.5% (first stage of a phased rise to 4% in 2028).
Employees may opt down to 3%, but contributions reset to the default after 12 months.
16‑ and 17‑year‑olds who opt for KiwiSaver will now receive compulsory employer contributions.

Ashlea Maley, Associate Director – Operations, Peninsula New Zealand, said: “The current economic climate is placing significant pressure on small businesses, with many facing rising payroll obligations at a time when operating conditions are already tough. We’re seeing a noticeable increase in employers seeking guidance, as the cost of getting things wrong – particularly around unfair dismissal and wage compliance – continues to rise.

“As wage theft has become a criminal offence, unintentional underpayments have much more dire consequences for small businesses now. We urge business owners to take this opportunity and review their internal systems and processes. With new regulations coming into effect, employers need to act cautiously, stay informed, and make sure every part of their operation is compliant.”

What Employers Need to Do

Employers are encouraged to:

  • Update payroll systems for new wage and KiwiSaver settings
  • Review employment agreements
  • Communicate changes to staff, particularly young workers and trainees
  • Ensure minimum wage increases are applied from the first full pay period after 1 April.

Non‑compliance may lead to arrears, penalties, or disputes.

Ashlea added that the pressure is intensifying as the end of the financial year approaches: “This EOFY period is proving to be one of the toughest we’ve seen in recent years. Businesses are making hard calls – letting staff go, restructuring, or in some cases closing their doors altogether. We’re supporting a growing number of employers navigating redundancies brought on by uncertainty and escalating costs.

“The message to business owners is clear: in this climate, compliance isn’t optional. It’s essential to protect your people, your operations, and the long‑term viability of your business.”

About Peninsula Australia
Peninsula is New Zealand and Australia’s leading workplace advisory firm for SMEs, advising more than 30,500 clients in New Zealand and Australia on workplace relations and workplace health & safety issues. Its advice line allows businesses to speak with its team of workplace relations specialists, and through onsite visits to their business.