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New report: Uber shifted millions offshore, avoiding $56m in NZ tax – Workers First Union

Source: Workers First Union

A new report from the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR), commissioned by Workers First Union, argues that multinational rideshare and delivery giant Uber appears to be shifting hundreds of millions in misclassified profits out of New Zealand, costing the country millions in tax revenue.
The report examines Uber’s local and global business practices and approach to revenue and taxation, concluding that Uber’s practice of misclassification ext

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Economy – Appointments to Board of Reserve Bank of New Zealand

Source: Reserve Bank of New Zealand

1 July 2025 – The Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua welcomes the appointment of Grant Spencer and the reappointment of Byron Pepper to its governing Board.

Mr Spencer will serve for a five-year term, from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030. Mr Pepper will serve for a five-year term from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2030.

Mr Spencer and Mr Pepper were appointed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the Minister of Finance following their participation in a public appointment process run by Te Tai Ōhanga – The Treasury.

Grant Spencer brings extensive expertise in central banking, financial stability, and monetary policy. He held several senior roles at the Reserve Bank of New Zealand, including Deputy Governor, Head of Financial Stability (2007–2017), and Acting Governor (2017–2018). His international experience includes active participation in OECD and EMEAP forums, as well as contributions to the development of New Zealand's capital markets.

In addition to his professional experience, Mr Spencer is an Adjunct Professor at Victoria University of Wellington, with academic interests in financial regulation and macroeconomics. He holds advanced qualifications in economics and econometrics.

“Mr Spencer's appointment will enhance the Board's expertise in prudential regulation, macro-prudential policy, and financial market operations, offering complementary strengths to existing board members, particularly in the context of New Zealand's central banking landscape,” RBNZ Board Chair Professor Neil Quigley says.

Byron Pepper continues to bring strong governance and financial expertise to the Board. An independent investment banking advisor and director, Mr Pepper has more than 25 years' experience advising corporate and government clients, particularly in the financial services sector across New Zealand, Australia, and internationally.

He is the former director of Ando Insurance Group Limited and currently serves as a director or trustee of several New Zealand-based entities. Mr Pepper is also the founder of Vorigo Advisory, following a 22-year career at Goldman Sachs in its global investment banking business.

“We're pleased to reappoint Mr Pepper to the Board,” says Professor Quigley. “His financial and governance experience continues to add valuable insight to the RBNZ's decision-making.”

The Reserve Bank welcomes the contributions of both Mr Spencer and Mr Pepper to its governing Board and looks forward to their support in delivering on Te Pūtea Matua's strategic objectives.

More information

Our Board members – Reserve Bank of New Zealand – Te Pūtea Matua: https://govt.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bd316aa7ee4f5679c56377819&id=886fb7c291&e=f3c68946f8

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Environment – Wildly inaccurate figures used to justify ‘Shane’s $200 million fossil fuel slush fund’ – Greenpeace

Source: Greenpeace

It has come to light that a Cabinet paper justifying the Government’s $200 million subsidy for new gas fields used wildly inflated and inaccurate gas price figures. Some were more than seven times higher than the true value.
Greenpeace has called it a “complete debacle” and is calling for the Government to scrap what it calls “Shane’s $200m fossil fuel slush fund’’ immediately.
“Minister Jones’ office has given Cabinet hugely incorrect figures on the gas industry, which were used to decide on the next steps for his $200 million fossil fuel slush fund,” says Greenpeace spokesperson Gen Toop.
“The Government should pull that $200 million fossil fuel subsidy immediately and use the money to fund solar and other clean energy generation instead.”
The paper, prepared by Minister Shane Jones’ office, claimed 2024 commercial gas prices rose by 58%, when the correct figure was just 8%. Residential gas was claimed to have increased by 17%, but the actual rise was only 3%. Industrial and wholesale prices were also around double the true values.
A red comment made in the margins of the now-released paper reads: ‘There was an error in calculations… that was not identified before the material went to Cabinet.’
“These figures aren't just slightly out, they are wildly inaccurate. Either Minister Jones doesn’t understand the energy system, or he’s showing flagrant disregard for the facts,” says Toop. 
“Either way, funnelling public money to fossil fuel corporations during the climate crisis is indefensible.”
“Fossil fuels are polluting, finite and expensive. The Government should be backing affordable clean renewables like wind and solar that can actually secure our energy future.”
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Dairy Sector – Guy Roper to Chair NZ Dairy Companies Association (DCANZ)

Source: Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ)

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) has appointed Guy Roper as its Independent Chairman.
Mr Roper takes up the position from Matt Bolger, who stepped down at the end of last year following his appointment to Fonterra’s senior management team.
Mr Roper is an experienced director, with a strong background in the dairy industry.
As Chief Executive of Port Taranaki for six years up until 2021, he played an important role in the supply chain that enables New Zealand’s dairy exports. Before this, he held a variety of roles in the dairy sector, including at Fonterra as Global Account Director for Nestlé and as Commercial Director of Global Trade and Ingredients, as well as a farmer-elected director of the former Kiwi Co-operative Dairies, one of the two co-operatives that merged to form Fonterra. He currently holds directorships of Fisher Funds Management and Port Nelson.
As Independent Chair of DCANZ, Mr Roper will chair a governance group comprising CEO’s and executive leaders of 11 dairy companies that together account for more than 98% of the milk processed in New Zealand. These companies come together at DCANZ to work in the best interests of the dairy industry.
“DCANZ is pleased to welcome Guy to this role,” says Brendhan Greaney, CEO of Tatua, speaking on behalf of the DCANZ Executive Committee.
“His governance capabilities, combined with a wealth of relevant knowledge and experience from previous executive roles, and his general passion for improving New Zealand’s prosperity through trade, will be important assets for DCANZ.”
Mr Roper says: “I am excited to have this opportunity to contribute to a sector that I believe in and identify with.
“The dairy industry plays an important role in New Zealand, and the leadership of dairy companies matters, especially in challenging times”.
DCANZ is focused on growing dairy trade opportunities. Not only does this mean bringing down trade barriers, it also includes ensuring dairy exports, which currently deliver 35% of New Zealand’s total goods trade earnings, continue to be supplied within efficient and globally respected food regulatory and biosecurity frameworks. DCANZ also works to maintain New Zealand’s reputation as a reliable supplier of top-quality, safe and sustainably produced dairy products.
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Health Sector – General practice amazed at Government’s cash splurge on telehealth – Genaro

Source: General Practice Owners Association (GenPro)

The General Practice Owners Association is calling foul at the huge difference between government funding for screen-based telehealth compared to face-to-face visits to community doctors.

“General practice is amazed at the extravagant payments to a few telehealth providers during these cash-strapped times. And we’re stunned that the government won’t fund anywhere near these amounts to support general practices to see the same patients,” says Dr Angus Chambers, Chair of GenPro.

“The scale of per-patient funding indicates clear favouritism for telehealth providers. Questions must be asked about whether telehealth is good use of public money when general practices are funded at lower rates for a superior standard of patient service.

“We’re asking health officials for the reasoning behind the funding difference in favour of screen-based appointments, which tend to be easier and quicker consultations, over a family doctor who examines patients more thoroughly.”

Ironically a telehealth consultation often results in a recommendation to visit a general practitioner for a more thorough examination, Dr Chambers says.

“We’re stunned that telehealth providers will receive:

$65 for seeing after hours a 14-year-old whose caregiver has a community services card, while general practice receives $20.45.
$65 for seeing after hours an adult with a community service card, while general practice will receive $15.33.
$95 for seeing a 13-year-old whose caregiver has a community services card, while general practice receives $20.45.

“While GenPro welcomed the recent increased funding for general practice, it’s important to emphasise that this boost was only for enrolled patients. This new telehealth service is for non-enrolled patients or those seeking care when their regular doctor cannot see them – which is a service many GPs also provide.

“This is an important distinction as the huge advantage for telehealth will significantly undermine the sustainability of general practice.

“Telehealth may be the only choice for remote rural areas where it is extremely hard to access a GP, or for those that are not enrolled in a practice, but it is risky to make it the first option for all.

This Government’s $165 million investment in large corporations and primary health organisations, instead of front-line GP services, comes despite international evidence that telehealth is ineffective at solving  problems in the health system.

“Evidence from the UK showed that telehealth did nothing to reduce emergency department attendance rates, time to cancer diagnosis, or to see a specialist. Telehealth might be convenient, but is it best for patients?

“It seems that Health New Zealand believes that it is, as shown by this disproportionate funding,” Dr Chambers says.

GenPro members are owners and providers of general practices and urgent care centres throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. For more information visit  www.genpro.org.nz
 
 

Comparison of government funding of patients seeing screen-based telehealth providers versus face-to-face appointment at general practices
Below is a comparison of the subsidies for either discipline to see a casual patient (not enrolled with the service provider). Noting that the Telehealth fees are capped.
 

Age of patient                                     GP subsidy                                                T/health subsidy Difference 
U6 BH CSC $35.78 U6 BH CSC $75.00 110%
U6 AH CSC $35.78* U6 AH CSC $95.00 166%
U6 BH No CSC $35.78 U6 BH No CSC $55.00 54%
U6 AH No CSC $35.78* U6 AH No CSC $65.00 82%
6-13 BH CSC $20.45 6-13 BH CSC $75.00 267%
6-13 AH CSC $20.45* 6-13 AH CSC $95.00 365%
6-13 BH No CSC $15.33 6-13 BH No CSC $55.00 259%
6-13 AH No CSC $15.33* 6-13 AH No CSC $65.00 324%
14-17 BH CSC $20.45 14-17 BH CSC $55.00 169%
14-17 AH CSC $20.45 14-17 AH CSC $65.00 219%
14-17 BH No CSC $15.33 14-17 BH No CSC $25.00 63%
14-17 AH No CSC $15.33 14-17 AH No CSC $35.00 128%
18+ BH CSC $15.33 18+ BH CSC $55.00 259%
18+ AH CSC $15.33 18+ AH CSC $65.00 324%
18+ BH No CSC $0.00 18+ BH No CSC $2.00 Infinity
18+ AH No CSC $0.00 18+ AH No CSC $12.00 Infinity

All amounts include GST
BH = Business hours 0800-2200
AH After hours 2200-0800
CSC Community Services card
* Additional after-hours subsidies available with regional variation
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Energy Sector – Unison brings kids’ electrical safety education online: Free for families everywhere

Source: Unison Networks

Local lines company, Unison Networks (Unison) is raising the bar for electrical safety education by launching its Digital Safe Sparks Programme to families across Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Rotorua, making it easier than ever for children to learn how to stay safe around electricity.

For over 20 years, Unison’s Safe Sparks Programme has been delivered in schools through a two-part, indoor and outdoor session. While these visits will continue across Unison’s electricity network regions, the company recognises it can only reach a limited number of classrooms each year. The new online version removes that barrier, offering any child, anywhere, anytime the chance to take part.

The programme covers topics such as identifying electricity in the home, understanding how it is made, and developing practical safety skills. It also includes important information on Unison’s electrical equipment in the community, such as power poles, lines and boxes.

Unison Group General Manager People, Safety and Culture, Rachel Masters highlighted the importance of extending the programme’s reach.

“Keeping our communities and tamariki safe around electricity is at the heart of everything we do.

“By taking Safe Sparks digital, we’re giving every whānau the opportunity to learn together, whether at home, at after school care, or during the school holidays. It’s about building a safer future, one child at a time,” Mrs Masters said.

Designed for children aged 5 to 11, the interactive online experience features short, animated videos, real-life safety tips, and activities that help children understand how electricity works and how to stay safe, especially near Unison’s equipment like power poles, lines and boxes.

Unison has delivered its In-person Safe Sparks Programme to thousands of students across its electricity network regions since 2003. The digital version, launched to schools in 2024, has now been extended to include families, after school care providers and holiday programmes.

To celebrate the community rollout, Unison is offering spot prizes for those who complete the programme and submit the short form at the end. Three lucky participants will win $100 Prezzy Cards, with entries closing on 31 October 2025.

“It’s a great school holiday activity, or something to do on a rainy weekend. The whole programme takes just 15 to 20 minutes, but the learning lasts a lifetime.

“There’s no login required, it’s completely free, and families can download a personalised certificate at the end. It’s a fun and meaningful activity to do together,” Mrs Masters said.

Unison encourages parents, caregivers, schools, holiday programmes and after school care providers to explore the resource and share it widely.

 

Start the challenge today at: www.unison.co.nz/safe-sparks-digital.

Notes:


Unison Networks is New Zealand’s fifth largest electricity network, supplying over 119,000 customers across Hawke’s Bay, Taupō and Rotorua.

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Household Labour Force Survey population rebase from 2023 estimated resident population – Stats NZ report

Household Labour Force Survey population rebase from 2023 estimated resident population – report

2 July 2025

This report outlines the effect of estimated resident population (ERP) revisions on the Household Labour Force Survey (HLFS) for the September 2018–March 2025 quarters.

Key points
We have revised the historical HLFS data from the September 2018 quarter to the March 2025 quarter and investigated the effects of revised national population estimates (NPE), Māori population estimates (MPE), and subnational population estimates, on our series.

While there were substantive changes to high-level estimates, the effects on key rates were negligible at the national level.

The main effects of the revision between the September 2018 and March 2025 quarters are set out below:

  • overall decrease in the working-age population, from 4,335,000 to 4,297,000 in the March 2025 quarter, with both male and female working-age populations decreasing by a similar amount
  • overall increase in the Māori working-age population, from 649,700 to 658,300 in the March 2025 quarter, with the wāhine Māori working-age population increasing more than the tāne Māori working-age population
  • the number of employed people decreased slightly faster than the number of people in the working-age population, leading to a downward revision in the seasonally adjusted employment rate in the March 2025 quarter, from 67.2 percent to 67.1 percent
  • the working-age population was revised downward for men and women in most age groups in the March 2025 quarter, with the only upward revisions for teenagers (aged 15–19 years, men and women) and women aged 20–24 years
  • all regional working-age population estimates were revised down. The largest percentage decreases were in Otago (down 2.3 percent, 5,100 people) and Southland (down 2.1 percent, 1,800 people) in the March 2025 quarter.

Visit our website to read this report and to download CSV files:

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Business Confidence Remains Stationary Despite Early Optimism

Source: Business Canterbury

Canterbury businesses confidence is levelling off, according to Business Canterbury’s latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey. Despite reaching a high point in December last year, business confidence has not continued its upward trajectory in 2025 as many had hoped.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “Business confidence has rebounded significantly since this time last year, but the early optimism late last year hasn't continued its upward trajectory into 2025, with consumer confidence and demand being slower to rebound than anticipated and continued geopolitical instability taking its toll.”
“However, while our businesses aren’t getting more confident each quarter, it’s still generally positive out there.
“When we look at the key indicators, 59% of businesses are expecting to hire staff within the next 12 months and similarly, those expecting to invest in property, plant and equipment sits at 60%, compared to 57% last quarter.
“So, while the current environment could be described as stationary, it is by no means gloomy.
“We are seeing different levels of market recovery across different sectors, with businesses falling into three distinct categories: those making significant headway in growth, those in recovery mode but not yet ready to expand, and a sizeable group still struggling with challenging decisions about their future.
“The big challenges haven't shifted much, we're still hearing concerns around consumer confidence and demand, productivity and growth, inflation and interest rates, cashflow, and compliance costs.
“These remain front of mind for many of our members and the wider business community, and despite drops in the OCR, we are yet to see the full impact of these with many still on fixed rates locked in over the last two years, which is also impacting sticky consumer confidence and demand.
“Canterbury is positioned well to grow quickly when the market turns. Canterbury is the place to be, and people want to be part of our growth story. Since 2018, over 40,000 people have moved to Canterbury from other parts of New Zealand.”
“Our regional economy is also highly diversified, 5 th compared to Auckland at 11 th and Wellington at 14 th – contributing to business resilience here, with 82% reporting confidence in their ability to manage disruption.
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the largest business support agency in the South Island and advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.
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Retail – Woolworths New Zealand recalls 18% Fat Beef Mince 1kg and 500g sold in the North Island

Source: Woolworths NZ

Woolworths New Zealand is recalling Woolworths branded 18% Fat Beef Mince 500g and 1kg sold at Woolworths and Countdown stores in the North Island with the Best Before date of 05/07/2025.

This recall is due to the potential presence of plastic.

Any customer who has bought these products should not eat them, and is asked to return the product to their nearest store for a full refund.

There have been no reports of illness or injury, however anyone who has consumed any of these products and has any concerns about their health, should seek medical advice.

Woolworths New Zealand takes food safety very seriously and we apologise to customers for the inconvenience caused by this recall. 

No other beef products are impacted by this recall. 

Customers can call Woolworths’ Customer Care team for more information on 0800 40 40 40.

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Tower joins Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards to celebrate Aotearoa

Source: New Zealander of the Year Awards Office

New Zealand’s Local Heroes

The New Zealander of the Year Awards Office is proud to welcome Tower as the new naming rights sponsor of the New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award Te Pou Toko o te Tau within Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa.

Tower’s sponsorship signals a powerful alignment of values. With a 155-year legacy of serving Aotearoa, Tower is deeply embedded in communities across the motu. Its long-standing commitment to care, connection, and backing everyday New Zealanders makes it a natural fit for an Award that honours those who quietly uplift the places and people around them.

“Tower has been supporting New Zealanders for 155 years. As a proud Kiwi business, we are thrilled to take over the stewardship of the New Zealand Local Hero Award,” said Tower CEO Paul Johnston.

“In line with our purpose to inspire, shape and protect the future for the good of our customers and communities, we are excited to join the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards in honouring local heroes across Aotearoa. Our people can’t wait to connect with our communities on this important work. To all past and future local hero nominees and finalists, thank you for your contributions to Aotearoa.”

Miriama Kamo, Te Koruru Patron of the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa, said the partnership marks a meaningful step forward for one of the programme’s beloved Awards. “The Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Award celebrates the quiet champions who uplift our people and places every day. It’s a treasured category in the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards and we’re so pleased to welcome Tower as the new kaitiaki of this Award – helping us continue to honour the everyday heroes shaping their corner of Aotearoa for the better.”

Nominations for the Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards Ngā Tohu Pou Kōhure o Aotearoa open on 24 July 2025 and can be made in one or more of the seven Awards by any member of the public over 15 years of age until Sunday 24 August 2025 at nzawards.org.nz.

For individuals:

• Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Te Pou Whakarae o Aotearoa

• Young New Zealander of the Year Te Mātātahi o te Tau

• Ryman Healthcare Senior New Zealander of the Year Te Mātapuputu o te Tau

• Tower New Zealand Local Hero of the Year Te Pou Toko o te Tau

• New Zealand Innovator of the Year Te Pou Whakairo o te Tau

• New Zealand Sustainability Leader of the Year Te Toa Taiao o te Tau

For duos or groups:

• Mitre 10 New Zealand Community of the Year Ngā Pou Whirinaki o te Tau

nzawards.org.nz

@nzeroftheyear