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Employment Issues – Volunteer Firefighters One Step Closer to Fair ACC Cover

Source: United Fire Brigades' Association

The United Fire Brigades' Association (UFBA) has welcomed Labour MP Kieran McAnulty's Accident Compensation (Extended Cover for Fire and Emergency New Zealand Personnel) Amendment Bill drawn from the biscuit tin today, describing it as a significant step towards ensuring New Zealand's volunteer firefighters receive the same ACC protection as their paid colleagues.
The Bill would extend ACC cover for work-related illness and injury to volunteer firefighters, recognising that they face the same operational hazards and long-term health risks as career firefighters.
UFBA Chief Executive Bill Butzbach said the Bill addresses a longstanding inequity.
“This is about fairness. Volunteer firefighters respond to the same emergencies, face the same dangers and are exposed to the same traumatic events and toxic and hazardous substances as paid firefighters. Yet when it comes to ACC coverage for work-related illness and injury, they are not treated equally.”
The UFBA has worked closely with Mr McAnulty during the development of the bill and welcomes the opportunity for Parliament to consider this important change.
Volunteer firefighters make up 86 percent of Fire and Emergency New Zealand's frontline workforce and respond to thousands of incidents every year, including structure fires, vegetation fires, motor vehicle crashes, hazardous substance incidents, medical emergencies, search and rescue operations, severe weather events and natural disasters.
“To the communities they serve, there is no distinction between a volunteer firefighter and a paid firefighter,” said Mr Butzbach.
“When someone calls 111, they don't ask whether the firefighters arriving are volunteers or career staff. They expect a professional emergency response, and that's exactly what they receive.”
Despite undertaking the same core training and carrying out the same operational duties as their paid counterparts, volunteer firefighters are currently excluded from ACC cover for a range of gradual process work-related conditions. These include mental injury arising from traumatic events and cumulative occupational illnesses linked to repeated exposure to hazardous and toxic substances.
Mr Butzbach said the legislation also reflects the changing nature of emergency response in New Zealand.
“As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of natural disasters and major weather events, volunteers continue to shoulder the majority of New Zealand's emergency response capability. Their contribution has never been more important.”
The UFBA is encouraging Members of Parliament from across the House to support the Bill.
“This is not a political issue; it's a matter of equity, recognition and doing what is right for the thousands of New Zealanders who volunteer to protect their communities every day.
“We congratulate Kieran McAnulty on bringing this issue before Parliament and look forward to working with all parties to see this important legislation progress.”
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ONE YEAR ON: Call for child-focused climate action after landmark ICJ ruling

Source: Save the Children

One year after the landmark International Court of Justice ruling on states’ climate change responsibilities, Save the Children is calling for more child-focused climate adaptation financing, as children and young people bear the brunt of the ongoing climate emergency.
The Advisory Opinion, delivered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 23 July 2025, found that states’ legal obligations to address climate change extends beyond existing climate agreements. The ICJ said that a state’s failure to take appropriate action to protect the climate system from greenhouse gas emissions “may constitute an international wrongful act which is attributable to that state”.
The United Nations General Assembly in New York adopted a landmark resolution in May that endorsed the ICJ’s historic advisory opinion on state climate obligations. The resolution, drawn up by Vanuatu, clarifies that nations have a binding legal duty to protect the climate system under international law. 
Save the Children NextGen Youth Ambassador, 17-year-old Vepaiamele, travelled to The Hague with the Government of Vanuatu’s delegation to represent the voices of children and young people in the Pacific back in 2024. “What the court confirmed was that protecting the climate system isn't optional. It's an obligation under international law and must be consistent with what was agreed to under the Paris Agreement,” she said.
“We welcome the international community’s focus on the Pacific’s ‘vulnerability’ in a changing climate. But on behalf of Pacific youth, we are here to say, work for and with us to give us the agency, the platform to address the issues that affect us in our own unique way.” 
According to a 2023 report published by Children’s Environmental Rights Initiative, only 2.4% of climate finance from key multilateral climate funds was found to support projects incorporating child-responsive activities. However, since then some funders have recently acknowledged this gap, and are actively working with partners to bridge child-focused climate finance.
Save the Children New Zealand Heather Campbell said 2026 is a pivotal moment for New Zealand to commit to investing in child-focused adaptation that acknowledges that children are on the frontlines of the climate crisis. 
“Children across the Pacific, and the world, have been telling us for years that the climate emergency has reached into every aspect of their lives, making it harder to live, learn and thrive. The time is long overdue for global leaders, including leaders in Aotearoa New Zealand, to act on these calls and meaningfully invest in protecting their futures.
“Child-centred climate adaptation financing that takes into account the views of children and young people matters now more than ever, as children face compounding threats to their wellbeing, education and livelihoods due to the climate crisis.”
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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Rural News – June marks Gumboot Friday’s highest month of 2026, with 2,322 rangatahi accessing free counselling

Source: Gumboot Friday

In June 2026, 2,322 young people aged 5–25 accessed free counselling through Gumboot Friday, with 3,776 sessions delivered nationwide.

Sessions are free, no referral is required, and young people choose who they want to talk to from Gumboot Friday’s network of registered counsellors.

Breakdown by age group:

  • • 656 young people aged 5–11 (28%)
  • • 716 young people aged 12–17 (31%)
  • • 950 young people aged 18–25 (41%)

June’s figures mark the busiest month of 2026 so far for Gumboot Friday. They show young people are continuing to reach out in high numbers, and that fast, simple access to counselling remains critical.

Since 2019, Gumboot Friday has funded 164,835 free counselling sessions for young New Zealanders as at 20 July 2026, with more than 927 registered practitioners across the country helping make that possible.

Every month, thousands more sessions are delivered to young people aged 5 to 25, often at a time when they simply can’t afford to wait or pay for support.

“June tells the story pretty clearly. More young people are reaching out, and we have to be ready when they do. These kids don’t have time to sit on a waitlist, jump through hoops, or prove they’re struggling enough. They need someone safe to talk to, and they need it when they ask for it,” says I Am Hope founder Mike King.

“Since 1 July last year, 12,242 rangatahi have accessed Gumboot Friday and 37,630 counselling sessions have been delivered. That is 37,630 times a young person has sat down with someone safe and been able to say what’s really going on and we couldn’t do it without the support of New Zealanders,” King says.

Government support helps pay for counselling sessions, but running Gumboot Friday takes more than session funding alone. Donations help support the platform young people use to book counsellors, the team who keeps it running, counsellor support, compliance, awareness, school programmes, community outreach, and the prevention work that helps young people know support is there before things reach crisis point.

With demand now at its highest point this year, community backing remains essential. Every donation, fundraiser, shared post and gumboot sold helps keep Gumboot Friday moving and helps young people connect with free counselling when they need it.

If you or someone you know is 25 or under and needs someone to talk to, visit www.gumbootfriday.org.nz to book a free counsellor today — no referral needed.

To donate, fundraise, or get involved with I Am Hope, head to www.iamhope.org.nz or text HOPE to 469 for a $3 donation.

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Universities – Department of Cancer Sciences to strengthen cancer research and care – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

The University of Auckland has established a new Department of Cancer Sciences, bringing together leading researchers, clinicians and educators from across disciplines to create one of New Zealand's most comprehensive cancer-focused academic communities.

The new department represents a major step towards the University's long-term vision of a comprehensive cancer centre for Aotearoa New Zealand, connecting expertise across the full cancer pathway, from prevention and laboratory discovery through to clinical treatment, living with cancer, and evidence-informed health policy.
Cancer is the leading cause of death in New Zealand. The Cancer Control Agency projects the present around 30,000 cases a year to rise to more than 45,000 by 2044 due to population growth and ageing. 

The department brings together the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre (ACSRC), the Department of Oncology, and Cancer Trials New Zealand, with more cancer researchers to join from across the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, the Faculty of Science and from throughout the University, creating opportunities for collaboration across Te Whatu Ora, Health New Zealand, community and through international research partnerships. 

Dean of the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Professor Warwick Bagg, said the new department creates the critical mass required to accelerate progress against one of New Zealand's biggest health challenges. 

“The benefits from cancer research and care will progress more rapidly when researchers, clinicians, educators and policy experts work more closely together. This is more than a new department in the faculty. We’re supersizing cancer research and care at the University. The new Department better reflects the patient’s journey, from the community and bedside to research laboratory, public health and through to advice to inform policy. The goal is to deliver better outcomes for New Zealanders with cancer.” 

The founding Head of the Department of Cancer Sciences, Associate Professor Ben Lawrence, a practising oncologist, said the new department dramatically expands the scope of cancer research and teaching. 

“The Department spans the complete continuum of cancer sciences, from prevention to fundamental discovery, translating research for real world prevention, care and treatment.”   

The Department of Cancer Sciences builds on a distinguished legacy of cancer research at the University, particularly through the Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre. Established in 1956 through a community-funded partnership between the University of Auckland and Cancer Society Auckland Northland, the centre became internationally recognised for its contributions to cancer discovery and drug development. 

Bagg acknowledged the longstanding contribution of the Cancer Society Auckland Northland and the many donors whose support has helped build cancer research capability at the University. 

“The achievements of cancer research at the University of Auckland have been made possible through decades of partnership and philanthropy. We are deeply grateful to Cancer Society Auckland Northland and the many supporters and donors who have invested in better outcomes for people with cancer. Their contribution has helped create the platform for this exciting new chapter in cancer sciences.” 

Lawrence said, “The Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre has played a vital role in advancing cancer science in New Zealand for decades. We are proud to build on that foundation.” 

Julian Grennell, the chair of Cancer Society NZ and the Cancer Society Auckland Northland said: “I am honoured to support the launch of the University of Auckland's Department for Cancer Sciences. It's the beginning of an ambitious journey  – one I hope leads, in time, to a comprehensive cancer centre for New Zealand. Cancer touches nearly every family, and this is a vital step toward better research and better outcomes for New Zealanders.” 

Andrew Young, chief executive of Cancer Society Auckland Northland division, said the 70-year partnership between the society and the University demonstrated the power of philanthropy. “I am excited about a new Department for Cancer Sciences playing a key role in our vision towards a future free from cancer.” 

Bagg also acknowledged Te Aka Mātauranga Matepukupuku, the Centre for Cancer Research, a University Research Centre hosted at the faculty, in particular for its work strengthening Māori  community networks. 

The Department for Cancer Sciences will teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes and support the development of future researchers, clinicians, policymakers, advocates and innovators working in cancer care and research.  

The formal launch event is at the Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences on 23 July. 
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EMA and Adeption launch new leadership programme to help leaders thrive in an era of constant change

Source: EMA
The EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) has launched a new Adaptive Leader Programme in partnership with New Zealand-founded leadership development company Adeption, as part of its broader Workforce 2030 initiative.
The new and flexible programme is designed to equip leaders with the skills, tools and mindsets needed to navigate growing complexity, lead through uncertainty, and help their organisations adapt in an increasingly AI-enabled world.
Unlike traditional leadership programmes that can take leaders away from their day-to-day responsibilities for extended periods, the Adaptive Leader Programme combines focused workshops with digital learning, peer collaboration, and practical workplace application.
Adeption’s approach is built around helping leaders deal with “adaptive challenges” – complex issues where there is no simple or pre-existing solution. These challenges require learning, growth, and experimentation because the path ahead is often unclear.
Nick Sheppard, the EMA’s Head of Professional Services, says: “Leaders need to be able to guide their teams through uncertainty, make sense of rapid change, and create environments where people can adapt and thrive. This programme helps build the leadership capability organisations will need to grow, adapt, and succeed.”
Carl Sanders-Edwards, Founder and CEO of Adeption, says: “Our goal is to equip leaders across all sectors to thrive in the future of work. The Adaptive Leader Programme will help leaders be more comfortable with complexity, see challenges as growth opportunities, and build the mindsets and practical skills to respond effectively. We’re thrilled to partner with EMA to make a real difference for New Zealand businesses.”
The Adaptive Leader Programme supports self-leadership while also helping leaders progress team and organisational goals. Designed to be highly practical and embedded in the leader’s day-to-day work, participants are asked to identify real challenges they are facing, experiment with new approaches, reflect on what is working, and continue applying their learning in the flow of work. This is a breakaway from the traditional, content-led approach to leadership development.
Key features include Adeption’s Leadership Mindset Indicator and Bright Teams’ Bright Core Drivers. These tools help leaders better understand the mindsets they tend to use and how they can broaden their range to better respond to different situations.
The programme also uses Adeption’s AI capability in a deliberate, human-centred way – not to replace human interaction, but to support leadership development by recommending relevant tools and peer insights based on the real challenges leaders are facing.
More information on the Adaptive Leader Programme can be found here: The Adaptive Leader Programme – EMA – Employers and Manufacturers Association
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New Zealand lending firefighting expertise to American wildfire response

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Five experienced incident management specialists leave for the United States of America tomorrow (Friday) as part of a joint Australasian contingent supporting America’s response to an intense wildfire season.
Fire and Emergency New Zealand is deploying the team to Idaho under longstanding agreements with the USA, Canada and Australia to provide mutual assistance with wildfire suppression.
Four members are Fire and Emergency personnel and the fifth is from the forestry industry. They will be embedded in local incident management teams to perform senior roles: two will be managing helicopter operations bases, one will be a heavy equipment boss and one an operations branch director. The fifth will be in a liaison role representing New Zealand.
Fire and Emergency Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler says New Zealand’s own fire management capability is enhanced by international deployments. They provided an opportunity to gain experience in complex, large-scale, long duration vegetation fires of the kind not seen in New Zealand.
“The team will bring back what they learn and share their knowledge with colleagues here, and our own response capability will benefit from it,” Megan Stiffler says.
“And in return, our team will be sharing their own extensive skills and experience – that cross-pollination of knowledge is priceless.”
New Zealand regularly deploys firefighters and incident management team members to Australia and North America, drawing on personnel from Fire and Emergency and partner agencies including the forestry industry, Department of Conservation and New Zealand Defence Force. This deployment will be the 71st supported by Fire and Emergency and its predecessor organisations. The first deployment to the USA was in 2000 under the auspices of the National Rural Fire Authority.
The five team members heading to Idaho come from Southland, Otago, Auckland and Northland. They will be in the USA for five weeks.
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Tech and Security – Why a Heartbreaking Post in Your Feed Deserves a Second Look Before You Share

Source: Botica Butler Raudon Partners

 

Every so often, a piece of sad or shocking news appears in your feed. A well-known figure, a politician, a local leader, a sport player, even a family member is said to have fallen seriously ill or died. When shock or grief takes hold, we share, follow, and click before we verify. Scammers have learned to make use of that reflex for financial gain, and it is exactly what they are counting on.

 

Mark Gorrie from Gen and its family of consumer brands including Norton shares his advice on how to recognise these tactics and what to do when one reaches your feed.

 

 

High profile names are the oblivious targets, and New Zealand has produced a recent example. A famous head coach learned that fake Facebook posts were claiming his wife had died when a reporter raised it with him in front of the cameras. His wife remained alive and well, but the posts had already spread widely before anyone close to him could set the record straight.

 

Over the past few months, a number of pages have appeared publishing the fake deaths of known personalities, and many quietly gained thousands of followers.

 

Why fake obituaries get made in the first place

Fake obituaries exist to build an audience quickly. Scammers reach for famous names because recognition travels fast, and a shocking claim about someone we follow spreads before anyone thinks to check it.  A scammer posts a death notice for a recognisable name who is very much alive, then collects the clicks, shares, and engagement that follow. The link leads to a page made to look like genuine reporting, through its real purpose is to collect personal data, deliver malware, or grow a following that can later be sold, monetised, or used for the next scam. 

 

When the news concerns someone we admire and follow, we tend to react before we reason, and that moment of feeling is enough to skip the habit of checking. By the time the post is exposed as false, the scammer already has what they came for.

 

Signs of a fake obituary

Most fake obituaries reveal themselves in the same few ways, and knowing the signs makes them much easier to catch:

  • The post comes from an unfamiliar page or account with little or no posting history.
  • It is designed to prompt an instant share through urgency, shock, or outrage.
  • The link asks you to log in, confirm your identity, or complete a survey.
  • The story appears nowhere among established, reputable outlets.
  • There is a clickable link that takes you to a new, and usually malicious, site

 

Any one of these is reason enough to slow down. Genuine news of this kind would be carried by several trustworthy outlets at once, not by a single page you have never heard of.

 

What actually protects you

Once you have spotted those signs, handling one of these posts well comes down to a few straightforward habits:

  • Don't share it.
  • Don't click any links in the post.
  • Verify the news by going directly to a source you already trust.
  • Report the post to the platform.
  • Run a scan on your device if you have already clicked through.

 

If you use a security product such as Norton 360 day to day, it can flag a dodgy website as suspicious even when your emotions have already led you there.

 

Fake obituaries work because they draw on a genuine human impulse, the wish to share sad news and mark a passing with respect, and scammers rely on us acting on it before we examine it. The more strongly a piece of news pulls at your emotions, the more it is worth a second look. Ten good seconds spent checking is usually all it takes to avoid passing the lie along. When something moves you, that is the moment to stop.

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Universities – Cancer leader’s vision to transform care in New Zealand – UoA

Source: University of Auckland (UoA)

New Zealand has worse cancer survival rates than Australia – and Associate Professor Ben Lawrence wants to turn that around.

The first Head of the University of Auckland’s new Department of Cancer Sciences, Lawrence has a strong sense of what New Zealand needs to do to up its cancer treatment game.

He stepped down as clinical lead of oncology at Auckland Hospital to take up his new leadership role at the University and will continue working two days a week at the hospital.

Lawrence’s vision is for the new department to launch the country’s first comprehensive cancer centre within the next decade.

“The quality of cancer researchers and clinicians in New Zealand is extraordinary, but we don't offer an environment that brings out the best in them.

“We want to remove the barriers and provide a space where their abilities can shine,” he says.

Lawrence aims to collaborate with cancer experts within the new department and across New Zealand to plan a new cancer care centre that brings together leading healthcare professionals, researchers and the community.

The aim is to offer the best care to patients with all types of cancer – and that starts with research to develop better care strategies, he says.

The new centre will include everything from research about prevention and screening, to developing new drugs in the lab and offering clinical trials for promising new treatments, he says.

“Research shows cancer care is better in places that do cutting-edge research, and research is better in places that do clinical care, because researchers can understand the problems and ask the right research questions.”

Lawrence says New Zealand spends less on cancer research and medicines than similar OECD countries. He expects significant philanthropic funding will be needed to turn the dream of a new cancer centre into a reality.

He has already made a big difference to the lives of many New Zealanders with cancer – and may be familiar through his role in the documentary, Live and Let Dai, with comedian Dai Henwood, who has stage-four bowel cancer.

With University of Auckland Professor Cris Print, Lawrence founded NETwork! in 2013, bringing together more than 100 cancer clinicians from around New Zealand.  About 20 specialists from the group attend weekly meetings to discuss the best care for patients with neuroendocrine cancers.

In 2021, NETwork! brought a new treatment for neuroendocrine cancer patients to Aotearoa, in collaboration with patient advocacy group Neuroendocrine Cancer New Zealand. Peptide Receptor Radionuclide Therapy (PRRT) is now making a “massive difference” to these patients, controlling their cancer without the toxic side effects caused by older treatments, he says.

More recently, Lawrence founded the Molecular Tumour Board, which brings scientists and clinicians together to provide top-notch care for patients with all types of cancer in New Zealand.

Over the years, he has won numerous awards and has offered expertise on cancer to the Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand.

He has been president of the New Zealand Society for Oncology, served on the boards of Cancer Society Auckland Northland and the Gut Cancer Foundation, and been medical adviser for Neuroendocrine Cancer New Zealand.

He’s not the only leader in the family – his sister, Anna Lawrence, was captain of the New Zealand hockey team from 1995 to 2000.

Growing up in Christchurch and Auckland with a father who was a wool-buyer and a mother who worked as a laboratory technologist before she had children, medicine wasn’t an obvious career choice for Lawrence.

But from the aged of 14, he began to discover the rewards of care work. During his high school years, he worked on Sunday nights in an aged care home, feeding those who couldn’t eat without help.

Initially drawn to study psychology, he gained a Master of Science at Otago University, supporting himself through his studies with a part-time job caring for children with disabilities.

One of Lawrence’s earliest memories is of visiting his grandfather shortly before his death from lung cancer, then his grandmother died of bowel cancer and his aunt died of breast cancer a few years later.

During his training at medical school at the University of Auckland in 2004, Lawrence’s father died of brain cancer. All these losses influenced his decision to specialise in oncology.

After winning a fellowship to Yale University in the United States in 2009, he launched his career specialising in gastrointestinal and neuroendocrine cancers.

Research to try to improve cancer treatment has always been a vital part of Lawrence’s work.

Much of his research has focused on identifying the genetic mutations driving neuroendocrine cancers, finding ways to target their weak spots, and offering the best treatments for individual patients.

He is concerned that Māori have higher cancer rates and worse outcomes than other New Zealanders.

“That’s a health system problem but it’s also a knowledge problem – so it’s a University of Auckland problem to solve.”

Lawrence relishes the challenge of helping people with particularly complex health problems.

“My job sounds tough – half my patients will die of cancer – but in terrible situations, people often discover resilience they didn’t know they had.

“I get to see the best of human nature – and it’s amazing,” he says.
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NZ housing market remains subdued as sales decline and buyers retain pricing power

Source: Cotality

New Zealand’s housing market remains firmly in buyers’ favour, with sales activity continuing to weaken and property values showing little sign of a broad-based recovery. Investor sentiment has also weakened, with purchasing by mortgaged multiple-property owners declining for a second consecutive quarter.
 
Cotality’s NZ Monthly Housing Chart Pack shows there were 6,829 residential property sales across New Zealand in June, down 4.0% compared to the same month last year, marking the sixth consecutive monthly decline in transaction volumes. Over the first six months of 2026, sales activity was 4.2% lower than the corresponding period in 2025.
 
Cotality NZ Chief Property Economist Kelvin Davidson said softer sales volumes are helping to keep listing stock elevated by historical standards, providing buyers with greater choice and strengthening their negotiating position.  
 
“The balance of power has shifted. Buyers have options, time on their side, and in many cases the ability to negotiate harder than we've seen for several years.”
 
“There's no obvious catalyst for a sharp turnaround at present. With listings still elevated and economic uncertainty lingering, we expect market conditions to remain relatively subdued through the second half of the year.”
  
First home buyers remain dominant
  
First home buyers remain one of the most active buyer groups in the market, continuing a trend that has been evident for some time.
 
In contrast, purchasing activity from mortgaged multiple property owners, including many smaller-scale or 'mum and dad' investors, has eased in recent months.
 
Investors continue to face several challenges, including subdued rental growth and higher ownership costs. Uncertainty surrounding the upcoming election is also influencing decision-making, with some investors concerned about the potential for changes to property tax settings under a future government.
 
“Investor sentiment has become more cautious,” said Mr Davidson.
 
“While housing remains an attractive long-term asset for many New Zealanders, some investors are closely monitoring the policy environment and considering how potential regulatory, or tax changes could affect returns and cash flow.”
 
“A potential capital gains tax is a concern for investors. But many are perhaps even more worried about the risk of interest deductibility being phased out again.”
 
Market outlook
 
Looking ahead, the outlook for the second half of 2026 remains relatively subdued.
 
While slightly stronger population growth on the back of net migration, broadly stable employment and lower mortgage rates than those seen at the peak of the recent cycle continue to provide support for housing demand, elevated listings and cautious buyer behaviour are expected to keep conditions balanced.
 
“The housing market is currently lacking a strong catalyst for a sustained upswing,” Mr Davidson concluded.
 
“As a result, the second half of 2026 is likely to look similar to the first, with modest sales activity and generally flat property values across much of the country.”
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Government Cuts – More than 200,000 people face a pay cut under the Government’s new leave law, bill to become defining election issue – PSA

Source: PSA

Progressing employment law will cut the annual pay of more than 200,000 people during a cost-of-living crisis, according to fresh analysis by the PSA.
The Employment Leave Bill, which passed its second reading in Parliament on Tuesday, will strip overtime pay and other allowances from payments to workers while they’re on leave. This adds up to hundreds of dollars a year for people who rely on these extra payments to survive. Based on figures from Stats NZ, the PSA estimates this will leave over 200,000 workers out of pocket, including people working in health, public services, retail, manufacturing and more.
“Supporting this law in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis is irresponsible,” said Fleur Fitzsimons, National Secretary for the Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi. “ACT, National, and NZ First are taking money away from hundreds of thousands of people who are already doing it tough.”
“The Government cannot claim to be ignorant of the harm it’s causing. We presented clear evidence to the select committeeshowing the effects of this bill. Affected workers have met National MPs directly to present their case. And we gave all MPs the opportunity to pledge to oppose any changes that will leave workers worse off – only Labour, Green, and Te Pāti Māori MPs signed.”
“It is particularly galling to see Winston Peters and New Zealand First support this attack on working people at the same time as claiming to be the Party of workers – this couldn’t be further from the truth.”
The PSA will continue to campaign against the bill every day between now and the election, and will inform the public of the scale and severity of its effects.
“Brooke Van Velden claims only ‘edge cases’ will be left worse off by her bill – two hundred thousand people are not edge cases,” said Fitzsimons. “If this doesn’t cut your pay, it will cut the pay of someone you love, or someone in your community who works tirelessly to keep New Zealand going.
“The best time to stop this bill is right now. But if the Government continues to ignore the evidence and passes the bill, we will make sure the devastating effects of this law are on every voter’s mind come November.”
Example of how the Employment Leave Bill will cut workers’ pay
An airport firefighter works 50 hours a week, including 10 hours a week of overtime, which is paid time and a half. Under the current law, their pay while on leave reflects how much they’re paid while working, including their overtime pay. So, if they go on leave for a week, they’d get their usual pay of $2,145, including $585 in overtime pay.
Under the Employment Leave Bill, they will be paid a 12.5% loading for their overtime hours, but those overtime hours no longer count towards their pay while on leave. So, their weekly pay will be $2,193.75, including $633.75 overtime pay, but their pay while on leave goes down to $1560. This adds up to them losing $1,267.50 a year.
Breakdown of workers who will have their pay cut by the Employment Leave Bill
Affected workers include anyone who receives: commissions, higher rates for overtime, variable allowances or shift rates. Figures are drawn from Stats NZ, rounded to the nearest 500.
  • Manufacturing: meat, seafood, dairy, fruit and vegetables, wood, chemicals and metals – estimated 24,000 affected workers
  • Electricity supply – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Heavy and Civil Engineering and road construction – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Retail: supermarkets, motor vehicles, electronic goods, and furniture – estimated 11,000 affected workers
  • Road, bus, rail, water, and air transport – estimated 13,500 affected workers
  • Newspaper publishing, broadcasting and telecommunication services – estimated 1,500 affected workers
  • Financial and insurance services – estimated 6,500 affected workers
  • Police, Corrections, Inland Revenue, Department of Internal Affairs, Department of Conservations, and local government – estimated 35,500 affected workers
  • Health: allied health, health administration, doctors, nurses, midwives, orderlies, care and support workers, ambulance officers, social workers – estimated 106,500 affected workers
  • Total – estimated 201,500 affected 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.