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SUDAN: Children killed on first day of Ramadan must spur urgent action to protect every child – Save the Children

Source: Save the Children

As families across Sudan marked the first day of Ramadan, children were reportedly among those killed in renewed violence, underscoring the urgent need for international action to protect children after nearly three years of war, Save the Children said.
At least 18 people, including children, were killed on Wednesday when a drone strike hit a water collection point in Umm Rusum village, located in Al-Sunut locality of West Kordofan State, according to local media .The latest deaths came as a United Nations fact-finding mission said that atrocities committed in El-Fasher in Darfur bore the hallmarks of genocide, with the report documenting widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, including women and children.
Save the Children said urgent action is needed to protect civilians especially children, with Sudan’s children remain trapped in a relentless war that has shattered communities, caused the world's largest displacement crisis impacting 15 million people, and pushed families to the brink of famine.
Francesco Lanino, Deputy Country Director of Programmes and Operations for Save the Children in Sudan, said: “Ramadan should be a time of peace, reflection and family. Instead, children in Sudan are being killed in their homes and in places where they should be safe. No child should ever pay the price for a conflict they did not create.
“Reports from the UN about the scale of atrocities in El Fasher should shock the conscience of the world. Children are not only caught in the crossfire but in many cases, they are directly targeted or suffer the long-term consequences of displacement, hunger and trauma. At the very least parties to the conflict must commit to an immediate ceasefire during the holy month of Ramdan, allowing families to observe this sacred period in safety and dignity. This should serve as first step toward a sustained and meaningful cessation of hostilities.
“Sudan’s children cannot wait. The international community must move beyond statements of concern and take concrete action to protect children’s lives, uphold international law and ensure those responsible for atrocities are held to account.”
Save the Children has worked in Sudan since 1983 and is currently supporting children and their families across Sudan providing health, nutrition, education, child protection and food security and livelihoods support. 
About Save the Children NZ:
Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.
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Employment Trends – Employers anticipate salary growth with renewed economic confidence – Robert Half

Source: Robert Half
 

  • 84% of Kiwi employers say the economic outlook in New Zealand will positively impact their approach to setting salaries for staff in the next 12 months. 
  • The top 3 factors that affect a company's willingness to increase a salary offer during candidate negotiations: people management responsibilities (38%), the candidate possesses highly specialised skills (37%), and filling an urgent hiring need (36%). 
  • If they are unable to offer a candidate a salary within their expected range, the perks and benefits they do not currently offer but would be willing to offer to secure the candidate are (higher) performance bonus (53%), (more) professional development opportunities (50%), and (more) flexible work arrangements (48%). 

 

Auckland, 23 February 2026 – Optimism in New Zealand's economic outlook is translating into intentions for salary growth among employers in 2026, the newly released 2026 Robert Half Salary Guide reveals. 

New independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half also reveals that all surveyed businesses (100%) are open to engage in salary negotiations this year and willing to offer alternative perks and benefits if salary expectations cannot be met.  

Potential pay rises loom 

Renewed economic confidence is driving pay optimism among Kiwi businesses as 84% say the economic outlook in New Zealand will positively impact their approach to setting salaries for staff in the next 12 months, likely leading to salary increases. Only 12% say the economic outlook will have a negative impact on salaries for staff, while 3% say there will be no impact and 1% are unsure.  

“After several years in which salary conversations were deprioritised, pay rises and offering higher starting salaries are firmly back on the agenda for many organisations. Businesses recognise that remaining competitive for top talent requires intentional investment in their workforce,” says Megan Alexander, Managing Director at Robert Half. 

The traits that tip the scales in salary talks 

With competition for skilled professionals intensifying, employers are becoming more strategic about which candidate qualities justify premium pay. When asked about the top factors that affect their willingness to increase a salary offer during candidate negotiations, employers cited several key areas: 

 

Factor 

% of employers 

People management responsibilities 

38% 

The candidate possesses highly specialised skills 

37% 

Fill an urgent hiring need 

36% 

Years' experience 

33% 

Scarcity of qualified talent in the market 

33% 

The seniority of the role 

32% 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 250 employers in New Zealand. 

The priorities for Australian employers, besides the need for specialised skills, are slightly different from Kiwi employers. The top three factors that affect employers' willingness to increase a salary offer during negotiations in Australia were the candidate possessing highly specialised skills (52%), years of experience (44%), and available budget (40%). 

“We're seeing a consistent trend in how employers assess value during salary negotiations. Companies consider a range of factors, with technical expertise, specialised skills, and strong soft skills often carrying the most weight. 

“While many employers were cautious about stretching offers last year, the combination of a tightening skills market and a shifting economy is creating a more optimistic outlook for 2026. Even with organisations continuing to remain mindful of budget constraints, we are seeing greater flexibility and a growing willingness to offer more for the right talent,” says Alexander. 

Plan B when salaries fall short 

If a candidate's salary expectations cannot be met, all (100%) surveyed employers indicate they would offer alternative benefits to secure the hire, including: 

 

  • (Higher) performance bonus (53%) 
  • (More) professional development opportunities (50%) 
  • (More) flexible work arrangements (48%) 
  • (More) stock options (40%) 
  • Insurance program (36%) 
  • More paid time off (34%) 
  • A one-time signing bonus (25%) 

 

“While competitive pay remains a cornerstone of talent attraction, non‑financial incentives can be equally influential in negotiations. Employers are embracing more creative and flexible options to meet candidate expectations, particularly when hiring pressures are high and salary budgets are tight,” concludes Alexander. 

In-demand roles for 2026 

Robert Half's 2026 Salary Guide reveals the permanent roles that are in highest demand in finance and accounting, and IT and technology this year, along with their starting salaries. 

 

Finance and accounting 

Role 

25th percentile 

50th percentile 

75th percentile 

Head of Finance 

$200,000 

$235,000 

$270,000 

Financial Controller 

$180,000 

$215,000 

$250,000 

Management Accountant 

$120,000 

$140,000 

$160,000 

Finance Business Partner 

$120,000 

$130,000 

$150,000 

Financial Accountant 

$105,000 

$115,000 

$130,000 

Accounts Assistant 

$75,000 

$80,000 

$85,000 

Accounts Payable Officer 

$65,000 

$75,000 

$85,000 

 

IT and technology 

Role 

25th percentile 

50th percentile 

75th percentile 

AI Tech Lead 

$180,000 

$200,000 

$220,000 

Senior Software Developer 

$125,000 

$140,000 

$150,000 

Data Engineer 

$125,000 

$135,000 

$150,000 

Security Engineer 

$120,000 

$135,000 

$150,000 

Systems Engineer 

$110,000 

$120,000 

$130,000 

IT Support 

$72,000 

$75,000 

$80,000 

 

Notes

About the Robert Half Salary Guide 

The Robert Half Salary Guide is the most comprehensive and authoritative resource on starting salaries and recruitment trends in finance and accounting and IT and technology. The results and insights of the Robert Half Salary Guide are based on comprehensive analyses, local job placements, local expertise and independent research of industry executives. 

 

Starting salaries are not a one-size-fits-all, which is why they are separated into three percentiles. The percentiles account for differences in experience, skills, professional certifications, demand for the role and the size/complexity of the company that's hiring.  

 

25th percentile 

The candidate is new to the role or has limited experience and is building necessary skills. 

 

50th percentile 

The candidate has moderate experience in the role, meets most requirements or has equivalent transferable skills, and may also have relevant certifications. 

 

75th percentile 

The candidate has extensive experience and advanced skills for the role, and may also have specialised certifications. 

 

Note: The 25th percentile is not the lowest end of the salary range, and the 75th percentile is not the highest or a cap. Robert Half provides these percentiles because they are the ones most commonly used. Salaries outside of this range occur far less frequently and, as a result, are not included in the Robert Half Salary Guide.  

 

About the research 

The study is developed by Robert Half and was conducted online in October 2025 by an independent research company of 250 finance, accounting, and IT and technology hiring managers. 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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Northland Regional Council media briefs 23/02/26

Source: Northland Regional Council

POPLAR AND WILLOW ORDERING AND FIELD DAYS
Northland Regional Council’s (NRC’s) poplar and willow ordering season is now open. A contestable fund is available to subsidise the planting of poplars and willows for erosion control on highly erodible grazed land.
Poplars and willows provide an effective solution to erosion. They are rapid growers and their root systems stabilise slopes, protecting vulnerable hill country. They also provide on-farm benefits, offering shade and fodder for stock during dry periods and can be planted as poles directly into pasture without losing productive paddock.
The best time of year to plant poplar and willow poles is during the winter months of June, July, and early August, but time is needed in advance for ordering, delivery and creating a site plan. Poles can be ordered through NRC from now until the end of May.
NRC’s Land Management team will be at Northland Field Days in Dargaville from 26-28 February. Meet the team on the NRC stand to find out more or contact them on 0800 002 002 or landadmin@nrc.govt.nz.
HIKURANGI LINK AND SUPERGOLD CARD
Hikurangi and Whangārei residents are reminded that the Hikurangi Link public bus service now accepts SuperGold cards.
The Hikurangi Link, one of Northland Regional Council’s regional BusLink services, runs from Whangārei to Hikurangi, via Te Kamo, and back every Tuesday and Thursday.
The morning service departs Whangārei Rose Street bus hub at 9.15am, calling at Te Kamo and Hikurangi before returning to Rose Street at 10.25am. The afternoon service departs Rose Street at 1.30pm.
SuperGold card and Community Service card concessions are available on this service. SuperGold card holders travel for free during off-peak hours 9am-3pm on weekdays. Community Service card holders get a 50% discount off the adult fare, at all times.
This is a cash only service, a single fare is $3.50. Please try to have correct change for the driver
Timetables and route information are at buslink.co.nz 
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NZ-funded chatbot to support Ukrainian children’s mental health after four years of war – World Vision

Source: World Vision

This week as Ukraine marks the grim anniversary of four years of war and a growing mental health crisis, World Vision New Zealand is funding a digital chatbot to help caregivers support children living through conflict.

Four years of armed combat, bombings, and death have scarred children and nearly 85% of households report psychosocial distress among children, with nearly one-third of under-fives showing visible signs of anxiety and trauma [i]

World Vision New Zealand Acting Head of Fragile and Developing Contexts, Andy Robinson, says the impact of the war on children will last generations.

“Children in Ukraine are growing up feeling unsafe and scared.  Many have been separated from their fathers, and many will have witnessed death and violence at close quarters.

“We’re seeing high levels of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.  Professional mental health services are limited and families are overwhelmed.   World Vision hopes that this digital chatbot will give parents practical ways to support their children’s mental health and wellbeing right now,” he says.

The Parenting in Crisis Chatbot, locally named Batkivska Opora, is a digital tool that provides Ukrainian caregivers with evidence-based guidance on child protection, psychosocial support, and positive parenting amid the ongoing war.

In partnership with Parenting for Lifelong Health, it delivers practical, culturally-adapted guidance via messaging platforms using text, audio, illustrations, and short videos, and provides strategies for stress management, positive parenting, and child protection.

Its flexible, low-bandwidth format ensures access, even in remote or low-connectivity areas.

“This is not a replacement for professional care, but it will help parents who are already struggling with displacement, lost jobs, reduced income, and ongoing security concerns who tell us that they don’t have the resources to support their children effectively,” Robinson says.

A recent World Vision report found that access to protection and mental health services was extremely limited in Ukraine with only 28% of households reporting that they are able to access services from NGOs or UN agencies, leaving 72% without child protection or mental health support at a time of heightened vulnerability.[ii]

The chatbot will initially be trialled with around 500 parents before being scaled-up to reach thousands and complements World Vision’s other work to support children and families in Ukraine. 

World Vision’s Ukraine Response Director, Arman Grigoryan, says children and families are currently suffering not only the perils of war, but of an extremely cold winter.

“Winter intensified the risk facing children.  It compounds learning loss, emotional distress, and protection concerns all at once.  When power cuts disrupt schooling and displacement interrupts in-person education, children suffer and lose stability.  Children and families in Ukraine need extra support in winter – it is a life-saving intervention,” he says.

More than half of families report disruption to their children’s education. A quarter of children are unable to attend school due to unsafe conditions, and a third cannot access online learning because of power outages.[iii]

As Ukraine enters another winter at war, World Vision New Zealand is calling on New Zealanders to help expand support for children and families facing prolonged trauma.

To help support Ukrainian children, visit www.wvnz.org.nz/CHR

Notes:  

World Vision New Zealand is a children’s charity working to overcome poverty and injustice so that children can build a brighter future.  World Vision works to support the most vulnerable children in more than 100 countries around the world.

World Vision has been working in Ukraine since the war began in 2022 and in that time has supported more than 2.3 million people, including more than one million children.  World Vision has provided food, non-food items, cash assistance, protection, education, livelihoods, and mental health support.  We operate in 22 of Ukraine’s 24 regions and continue to deliver both immediate relief and long-term recovery programmes.

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PSA Statement – Unions say Winston Peters has breached Cabinet rules in attacking them over his failure to block Fire at Will / Uber Bill

Source: PSA

PSA and Workers First Union write to PM urging him to investigate Winston Peters over false claims about unions
The PSA and Workers First Union have today written to Prime Minister Christopher Luxon alleging that New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters has made false claims in breach of the Cabinet Office Manual that the unions failed to consult with his party earlier enough in their efforts to get his party to vote against the Fire at Will / Uber Bill.
The unions have released their letter to the Prime Minister (attached) which sets out the facts of the lengthy attempts they made from 2024 to just days before the Bill was passed last week to persuade NZ First to vote against the most anti-worker Bill in decades.
Last week Winston Peters told RNZ NZ First could have stopped the Fire at Will / Uber Bill if unions had approached him earlier. The party failed to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill or put forward any amendments to the Bill, which passed its Third Reading on Tuesday despite his party indicating ‘tweaks’ were coming during the Second Reading debate.
“Winston Peters and New Zealand First betrayed workers by voting for the most anti worker legislation in over 50 years and he had the gall to falsely blame unions for not engaging with him earlier. The facts are clear, as laid out in our letter to the Prime Minister – we had several constructive engagements with NZ First,” said PSA National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons.
“We remain adamant that the facts were laid out to the party clearly, and early, but NZ First chose to side with ACT and National despite its claims to be a party that cares about workers,” said Fitzsimons.
“Uber drivers and our union had many constructive meetings with New Zealand First over the last 18 months, and we warned them repeatedly of the damage that Brooke van Velden’s law change would wreak on New Zealand. Winston Peters' false claims to the contrary show that he is full of hot air and should apologise for his untrue statements or front up to Uber drivers and explain himself,” said Dennis Maga, General Secretary Workers First Union.
The unions say Mr Peters has clearly breached the Conduct of Ministers provisions in the Cabinet Manual, as set out in paragraph 2.56, which states that Ministers, at all times, including in their political capacity must uphold the ‘highest ethical and behavioural standards’.
“As we say in the letter to the Prime Minister, 'we cannot accept that any reasonable interpretation of paragraph 2.56 would find that it is acceptable conduct for a Minister to wilfully misrepresent the facts in order to show others in an unfavourable light’. When Hon Judith Collins made inaccurate comments about teacher salaries, she appropriately corrected herself and apologised which is needed here too,” said Fitzsimons.
“Unions need to have constructive relationships with all parties, no matter their colours, and at times we will disagree as we do over the Employment Relations Amendment Bill. But we can’t abide a party leader, a senior Minister, and one as experienced as Mr Peters, deliberately misrepresenting the facts,” said Dennis Maga.
“NZ First put the business interests of their coalition partners over the interests of workers in voting for this draconian Bill, despite our best efforts over many months to persuade NZ First to back workers, not the ACT Party.
“NZ First were more than capable of drafting their own amendments to the Bill since its introduction, and they have a taxpayer-funded Parliamentary office and policy unt and under their coalition agreements they could have and should have simply voted this exploitative law down,” said Maga.
“We urge Christopher Luxon to take this matter seriously, meet with us and investigate Mr Peters over this clear breach of Cabinet rules. Truth must be the gold standard in modern politics,” said Fleur Fitzsimons.
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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Government Cuts – Govt wastes $58m forcing out 2,800 health workers during funding crisis – PSA

Source: PSA

Taxpayers have shelled out $58 million in redundancy payments to let go 2,800 health workers after the Government forced Te Whatu Ora Health NZ to slash its workforce to save money.
In data just released to the PSA under the Official Information Act Health NZ has confirmed it paid out $57.91 million to cover voluntary redundancies and early exits for non-clinical staff between 1 November 2023 and 31 December 2025. This did not include payments made in January of this year (see attached response).
During that period the PSA estimates Health NZ let go nearly 2,800 workers through cuts and voluntary redundancies ( see detail in 5 January statement).
“This is a shameful indictment of the Government’s reckless approach to cost cutting coming at a time of a health funding crisis – all this has done is deepen the crisis,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“The jobs axed were not just numbers, they included experienced administrators who kept hospitals running, public health analysts preparing us for the next pandemic and IT experts who kept vital clinical systems running 24/7. They all had more to give our public health system.”
The PSA represents some 17,000 health workers including clerical and administration staff and IT experts.
“At a time of rising health needs, the Government just turned a blind eye. It claims it’s pushing resources into hospitals – Kiwis don’t see that evidence, but they do see long wait times at EDs and see clinicians forced to use paper and whiteboards when ageing IT systems break down.
“There is a high price to pay for losing these public health workers and it will include more IT failures, longer wait times and clinicians doing more administrative tasks.
“Bottom line, the Government forced Health NZ to spend money it didn’t have to axe workers it needed to keep the system functioning well for all New Zealanders.”
The $58 million health bill comes on top of the $10.2 million Callaghan Innovation paid out in axing 189 workers over a similar period including 85 scientists and researchers.
“The pattern is clear across government; spending millions to lose the expertise we desperately need.
“The downsizing of the public sector has left the Government less capable of providing the services critical to the health and well-being of New Zealanders and less able to do the work on the challenges we face from adapting to climate change, an ageing population and a dangerous infrastructure deficit.
“Come the election in November the PSA will be urging voters to choose a government that supports a public service that makes safeguarding our future a priority.”
Previous statements
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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Advocacy News – Death of Palestine solidarity stalwart Roger Fowler

Source: Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa

22 February 2026 – PSNA is deeply saddened by the death of Palestine stalwart Roger Fowler last night.

Roger has been a legend of the solidarity movement for many decades as the founder and co-ordinator of Kia Ora Gaza which delivered humanitarian aid to the besieged Gaza strip by land and by sea.

In particular Roger co-ordinated New Zealand participation in many of the “flotillas to Gaza” which aimed to break Israel’s illegal siege. He was a leader of the overland convoy in 2012 which brought 14 ambulances into Gaza, three of which were paid for and stocked by donations from New Zealanders, to the service of the people of Gaza.

Most recently Roger was heavily involved in co-ordinating New Zealand support for the Global March to Gaza and the Sumud Flotilla to Gaza.

Roger was a man of great integrity and character with a passion for justice. He will remain a guiding light for the solidarity movement here.

Roger wrote the song “We are all Palestinians” which is performed by Unity Pacific at this link and is an anthem for the solidarity movement here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsBIU55_oPk

John Minto
Co-Chair PSNA.

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Arts – 2026 NZSA Kupu Kaitiaki & Kaituhi Mentor Programmes for Kaituhi Māori

Source: NZSA

Open For Applications February 20th – April 10th

He karanga tēnei ki ngā kaituhi Māori, he pōwhiri hoki kia kawea ō pūkenga tuhituhi ki tētahi taumata kounga hou. Whakaae ki tā mātou wero ki te tuhi i a koe anō ki tētahi wāhi e tū ai koe i waenga i ō hoa aropā, i ō hoa kaituhi hoki e titiro ai ki anamata. Nau mai, piki mai, kake mai!

Whāia te iti kahurangi, ki te tuohu koe, me he maunga teitei

Ko tā ngā hōtaka o te NZSA e kīia nei ko ngā hōtaka Kaituhi, Kupu Kaitiaki hoki, he tautoko i te whakarahi i ngā reo Māori, i ngā kōrero Māori kia kitea ai, hei te mutunga iho, kia nui ake te tā me te whakaatu i aua mahi. Kua whakatauiratia aua hōtaka ki ngā hōtaka kaiakopono me te aromatawai kua 30 tau e haere ana, he mea whai pānga, angitu hoki hei tautoko i ngā kaituhi. Whakarato ngātahi ai te NZSA me Ngā Kaituhi Māori i aua hōtaka motuhake mā ngā kaituhi Māori.

These two programmes aim to support the amplification of Māori voices, Māori stories, and ultimately see greater publication and performance of these works.  They are modelled on NZSA's 30-year successful and impactful mentorship and assessment support programmes for writers. NZSA offers two dedicated programmes for Māori writers through Ngā Kaituhi Māori.

Kaituhi Māori Mentor Programme:

Designed for emerging writers who whakapapa Māori to have the opportunity to work closely with an acclaimed writer as their mentor to hone their tuhituhi ability and, in the process, evolve and refine a work toward a publishable state. We welcome applications from kaituhi who write in te reo Māori and/or te reo Pākehā, in the genres of fiction including short fiction, on any topic(s). We welcome kaituhi of all ages – from rangatahi to kaumātua.
 
Over a period of up to six months, this mentorship provides opportunities to discuss ideas and issues – practical and editorial – and benefit from the experience, mōhio and mana of experienced kaituhi Māori to help aspiring kaituhi Māori develop further skills to sustain and strengthen their future career. Modelled on a tuakana-teina relationship, this kaupapa aims to offer a safe and supportive space for emerging kaituhi to develop their craft; gain encouragement and accountability, along with substantive feedback. As well as mentorship, part of this programme is to provide constructive suggestions for the refinement of a work in progress.  
 
There are four (4) mentorships for kaituhi Māori available in 2026.

Kupu Kaitiaki:

This kaupapa is an assessment programme and aims to provide new and emerging kaituhi with valuable feedback from a skilled Kupu Kaitiaki, for the refinement of a part of a manuscript written in te reo Māori or in English. The proposed work can be in the genres of poetry, fiction (excluding plays), short fiction or non-fiction (excluding screenplays and picture books), on any topic(s), of up to 30,000 words. The two selected successful manuscripts will be read by an experienced te reo Māori pūkenga and literary advisor – a Kupu Kaitiaki – who will compile feedback in a brief report. It offers kaituhi an opportunity to further develop style and direction, and receive support for a project in the early stages of development.

The desired outcome is to champion Māori writers and Māori writing and in particular, works by kaituhi Māori in te reo Māori. To apply, kaituhi can send in a piece a 1-2 page synopsis along with a sample (max 5,000 words) of the manuscript they are seeking feedback on. There are two opportunities available in 2026. Assessments of the recipients’ works will begin shortly after selection, and will be completed on/by 30 June 2026.

Applications for these programmes are open from 20 February – 10 April 2026. Applicants will be notified within 4-6 weeks of the result.

How to Apply

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Consumer NZ – Support for surcharge ban getting stronger

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ urges the government to push ahead with a surcharge ban, with research finding almost three in five New Zealanders support a ban on card payment surcharges, and only 15% oppose the proposal.

It’s estimated that excessive card payment surcharges cost New Zealand shoppers approximately $65 million a year. Yet since December 2025, businesses’ costs associated with accepting card payments have reduced, saving businesses an estimated $90 million a year.

“Two-thirds of New Zealanders think that businesses should cover the cost of card payments themselves,” says Jessica Walker, Consumer NZ campaign manager.

Since 2023, Consumer has received over 300 complaints about excessive surcharges. The highest reported surcharge was 25%.

Walker says New Zealanders are frequently being stung by excessive, hidden and unavoidable surcharges.

“Too many businesses are flouting the guidelines which say surcharges should be transparent, avoidable and not excessive.    

“Over a quarter of New Zealanders told us they think they are rarely or never informed of surcharges ahead of payment, and more than four in ten said they've paid a surcharge because they couldn’t use a no-fee option.”

According to Consumer, the best way to fix the surcharge mess is an all-out ban.

“A ban would be simple for businesses and would stop consumers from being hit with hidden or excessive surcharges. If a business chooses to pass on additional costs due to the ban, we expect those costs to be minimal.

“Internationally we are seeing a more progressive stance when it comes to surcharging, with Australian regulators signalling they will ban surcharges on debit and credit card payments from mid-2026. In the UK and EU, surcharging is already largely banned. We don't think it's fair New Zealand consumers are expected to continue shouldering these costs.”

Consumer says there’s widespread surcharge frustration amongst shoppers and it's time for the government to fix the surcharge mess.  

Notes

Survey data is from the Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker; a nationally representative survey of 1,000 New Zealanders aged 18+ conducted 21-29 January 2026 (margin of error ± 3.1% at the 95% confidence level). Respondents were excluded if they had completed the Sentiment Tracker at any point in the previous 12 months.

About Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

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PSA Responds – How dare you blame unions Mr Peters. You blew chance to block anti-worker law

Source: PSA

PSA calls on NZ First to put workers first, not big business
Winston Peters is simply wrong to blame unions for being too slow to convince New Zealand First to block the Fire at Will Bill when his party knew about unions’ concerns in August last year.
Winston Peters told RNZ NZ First could have stopped the Fire at Will / Uber Bill but unions came to the party too late. The party failed to vote against the Employment Relations Amendment Bill which passed its Third Reading on Tuesday.
“How dare Winston Peters claim unions were too slow when they contacted his party last year when there was plenty of time for him to make a difference,” said Fleur Fitzsimson, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
“He had all the time in world in fact – 196 days in fact between the PSA’s first meeting with NZ First last year and the passing of the Bill this Tuesday.
“It’s as simple as this – the party lacked the guts to stand up to the ACT party despite expressing concerns in speeches about the Bill.
“They committed in the Second Reading to make changes to the personal grievance provisions. We held out hope, but nothing happened. Why?
“So, ACT got to write a bill that rips up personal grievance provisions and allows Uber to exploit workers on contracts.
“Here are the facts:
“I got in touch with New Zealand First in August last year and met with their staff in Mr Peters’ office on 5 August. It was a useful meeting, and they put me in touch with their Employment Relations spokesperson, Mark Patterson .
“There were two further constructive meetings with Mark Patterson before the Second Reading of the Bill. He really seemed to give us a fair hearing and asked for possible amendments to take the harsh edges off the proposed legislation.
“And we made a last minute, constructive plea to the party last week delivering a handwritten card to Mr Peters.
“This is the man who claims his party is all about ‘the responsible face of capitalism’. Responsible capitalism means basic protections for workers from unfair treatment which is what personal grievance remedies are all about.
“Mr Peters had every chance to walk the talk but turned a blind eye.
“Once again, Winston Peters and NZ First, have ignored workers, and voted for the most anti-worker legislation in three decades, adding to his party voting with National and ACT to scrap Fair Pay Agreements and pay equity for 150,000 women, supporting 90-day trials and suppressing low minimum wage increases.
“The facts speak for themselves. NZ First, like National, is simply the lap dog of the anti-worker ACT party. You must wonder what price has Mr Peters extracted for his party to back the Bill.
“Workers will never forget this latest betrayal – the PSA will be reminding voters come the election what NZ First really stands for – putting the Coalition Government’s business mates first, not New Zealand workers.”
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.