Category: MIL-OSI

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Discharge of Digital Services Tax Bill

Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

The Government has decided to discharge the Digital Services Tax Bill from the legislative programme, Revenue Minister Simon Watts announced today.

The Digital Services Tax Bill was introduced in 2023 by the previous Government. It was a response to a perceived lack of progress towards developing an agreement with other countries to address the taxation challenges posed by digitalisation.

“We have been monitoring international developments and have decided not to progress the Digital Services Tax Bill at this time. A global solution has always been our preferred option, and we have been encouraged by the recent commitment of countries to the OECD work in this area,” Mr Watts says.

“New Zealand has long supported, and benefited from, collective action and the global rules-based system. By focusing on a global solution, it will enable an agreed, consistent outcome across participating countries.”

As a result of taking this action, the forecast revenues from the introduction of a Digital Services Tax no longer meet the criteria for inclusion in the Crown accounts.

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Check it before you chuck it – privacy and health rubbish

Source:

Reviewed and updated May 2025

A member of the public contacted us because they’d noticed some rubbish strewn along a street. It included prescription labels with a person’s name and address. The nature of the prescription clearly indicated the condition of the patient who was being treated with the medication.

The person who discovered the prescription labels informed our Office and we contacted the agency most likely responsible and discussed the situation with them.
The health agency’s rubbish was supposed to have been double-bagged, which would usually prevent spillages. However, the agency also had access to a secure shredding service and is now looking at using that service to dispose of prescription labels on cardboard packaging. 

Each agency is responsible for working out a practical solution that works for their circumstances.
 
An individual agency needs to work out for themselves how it’s best to dispose of this kind of waste. A useful check is to ask what steps you would expect to be taken if the personal information belonged to you.

At home, you might want to rip labels off cardboard packaging and recycle the cardboard while disposing of the prescription label in some other way.

More information on handling health information:

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Surveys – Show me the money: half of all workers cannot resist the lure of a higher salary

Source: Robert Half

  • 61% of New Zealand workers would be compelled to change jobs for a higher salary 
  • 20% is the most common pay rise that would compel workers to leave  
  • Only 40% of workers say their current salary is an accurate reflection of their expertise, experience and/or level of responsibility 
  • Only 16% of workers believe pay is more important than job security in the current labour market.
Auckland, 21 May 2025 – Money talks for the majority of Kiwi employees with 61% of workers who say they would feel compelled to change jobs if they came across another position with a higher salary, new independent research by specialised recruiter Robert Half finds.

Meanwhile, 39% of workers say they would not be lured away from their current position by another job with a higher salary: About a quarter (24%) of workers admit they would change jobs without an increase in salary if it was the right opportunity, and 15% are content in their current role and would not move regardless of the salary offered.

How much more money do office workers want?

When asked what percentage salary increase would compel them to change jobs right now, 20% was the most common pay rise cited by workers.

 

The % increase that would compel workers to change jobs 

% of workers who would be compelled at this increase 

5% 

2% 

10% 

9% 

15% 

9% 

20% 

13% 

25% 

9% 

30% 

8% 

35% 

5% 

40% or above 

7% 

Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand.

“Money continues to be a powerful influence,” says Ronil Singh, Director at Robert Half. “But even when pay is a primary concern, many employees are weighing financial desires against the need for job security, especially as organisations focus on efficiency and streamlining operations. The balancing act between meeting immediate financial needs and building a sustainable career can be challenging in an uncertain job market.”

Workers don’t feel they are paid what they are worth

When workers were asked if they felt their current salary reflected their expertise, experience and level of responsibility, less than half (40%) agreed that they were paid appropriately.

The remaining 60% of workers state an increased salary would better reflect what they bring to their role and the work required of them. Most workers (30%) believe their salary needs to increase by 10%-20% to be an accurate reflection of their expertise, experience and/or level of responsibility.

 

The % salary increase required to accurately reflect the worker’s ability and position 

% of workers 

5% 

2% 

10% 

10% 

15% 

9% 

20% 

11% 

25% 

9% 

30% or above 

19% 
Independent survey commissioned by Robert Half among 500 full-time office workers in New Zealand.

“The research shows that many workers feel their pay doesn’t reflect their worth, revealing a disconnect between what employees expect and what they currently earn,” Singh says. “This sentiment can be due to stagnant wages despite increased responsibilities or a perception, whether accurate or not, that their compensation lags behind industry standards for similar roles.”

“To counter these sentiments, employers must offer competitive salaries that reflect the value employees bring and transparently communicate the specifics of their compensation packages to each individual. Leveraging tools such as the Robert Half’s 2025 Salary Guide will ensure employees are paid at the prevailing market rate for their roles, which can mitigate dissatisfaction and resignations.”

Job security is still important for workers

When asked whether job security is more important than salary, less than one in five (16%) workers are prepared to prioritise money ahead of having a secure job. Most workers (47%) state that both are equally important, while a similar proportion (37%) prioritise job security over their salary.

“While salary remains a key consideration, job security is also a number one priority for many workers, especially in the current economic climate. Companies that can offer both competitive compensation and a stable work environment will be best positioned to secure and retain their workforce,” concludes Singh.

Notes

About the research

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

About Robert Half

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

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Budget 2025 – Businesses Watching Closely as Budget 2025 Nears

Source: Business Canterbury

With Budget 2025 being released tomorrow, businesses across Canterbury will be watching closely to see what’s on the table. With clear signals from the Government that this year’s budget has been signalled as a tight one, the focus for business will be on how the initiatives, continued or added, can support economic growth and create the right conditions for them to invest and grow.
Business Canterbury will be releasing a response to Budget 2025 by 3:00pm tomorrow, and Leeann Watson will be available for comment following.
On pre-Budget expectations, Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says, “The key area businesses will be looking at is continued investment in infrastructure, careful spending to continue the downward trend in inflation and interest rates, and initiatives that enable and help boost investment in R&D and growth.
“Two key areas are top of mind for our business community, and this starts with the Government having a long-term plan that focuses on infrastructure investment. New Zealand’s infrastructure deficit continues to grow, and here in the South Island, strong connections to ports, airports, and across the supply chain are essential for the connectivity of our exports, imports and people.
“Investment in critical transport links, including the Interislander replacements and roading projects, needs to remain a priority, even in a fiscally constrained environment. When the economy turns a corner, we need the infrastructure in place to support it.
“Our latest Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey results showed increasing confidence, but this optimism hasn’t yet translated into investment. The right policy settings could shift that.
“Targeted business support that enables innovation and investment, especially among SMEs, will be hugely important as we look ahead at a better economy, but with intentions around investment and creating jobs remaining subdued. Practical and efficient support for research and development, such as accelerated depreciation for R&D activities, for example, would give businesses the confidence to invest now in future growth.
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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Serious crash, State Highway 1, Timaru

Source: New Zealand Police

Emergency services are at the scene of a serious crash that has blocked Evans Street, State Highway 1, in Timaru this morning.

Police were notified of the single-vehicle crash, between Pringle and Belfield streets, about 9.50am.

The Serious Crash Unit is attending, and the road is expected to be closed for several hours while a scene examination is carried out.

Diversions are in place and motorists should expect delays.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

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Nature’s getting a helping hand in Howick — and it’s starting to show

Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

Howick’s green spaces are growing stronger thanks to ecological efforts funded by the Howick Local Board — and the community is part of the story.

Across parks and reserves, an ecological restoration programme is quietly transforming the landscape in Howick.

Weeds are being removed, native plants are going in, and habitats are coming back to life. It’s all part of a wider effort happening right now to restore local nature, support wildlife, and protect our environment.

This work shows a real commitment to helping Howick’s green spaces thrive—not just now, but for the long run.

Board chair Damian Light says, “Our environment / Tō Tātou Taiao, is a key part of our local board plan. We are committed to protecting and nurturing our natural surroundings, ensuring that we leave a healthy, well-cared-for world for future generations. We can’t do this alone and we’re committed to empowering the community to take environmental action with practical support.”

Chisbury Terrace, Shelley Park.

The restoration programme spans 28 local sites, covering a total of 133 hectares. This includes well-loved places like Macleans Park, Point View Reserve, Whitford Road Esplanade, Te Naupata / Musick Point Park, and Mangemangeroa Reserve—just to name a few.

Whether it’s getting involved in planting days, joining a weeding bee, learning about native species, or simply enjoying the spaces and treating them with care, small actions add up.

Senior Ecological Specialist Jillana Robertson adds, “We’re in a constant battle against invasive species. Without pest control contracts, our parks would be overrun by weeds like moth plant and climbing asparagus, while rats and possums would devastate native wildlife. These green spaces play a vital role in erosion control, stormwater filtering, and carbon storage—but Council’s budget can’t cover it all year round. Volunteers are essential and work alongside contractors to protect these ecosystems.”

Murphy’s Bush Reserve.

As progress continues, the changes—and the benefits—will become easier to see. The goal is cleaner waterways, healthier ecosystems, and greener spaces for everyone to enjoy.

King Fern or Para at Pt View Reserve (at risk species).

Light shares, “Howick is a busy, growing part of Auckland — full of homes, shops, roads, and people. But with all that growth, we’ve lost a lot of our natural spaces. Only a small amount of native bush remains, mostly in places like Point View Reserve, Murphy’s Bush, and Mangemangeroa Reserve. These special spots are now more important than ever.”

Support is going into restoring nature across the area – through planting, pest control, and stream clean-ups – to protect wildlife, care for the land, and create clean, green spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Stay connected

Sign up to receive our Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.

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Budget 2025 – Balancing the books should be at Budget’s core – Federated Farmers

Source: Federated Farmers

Federated Farmers is urging the Government to focus its Budget announcements on how it can cut waste and balance the books.
“The budget will once again need to be more about reducing spending than announcing spending, and farmers will welcome that,” Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford says.
“Farmers work hard to balance their books on farm, and we expect to see the Government doing the same.
“Farming businesses are beginning to experience the benefits of lower inflation and interest rates this year. A balanced budget will mean this stability is more likely to continue.”
Langford says while big spending isn’t on the cards, one area where there’s a need for a targeted increase in investment is pest management.
“Ballooning numbers of feral deer, pigs and goats – not to mention the spread of wilding pines – continues to have a big economic cost.”
Langford says the Department of Conservation spends only about $13 million a year controlling deer, pigs and goats on the public conservation estate, but these pests are costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars in lost food production, export losses and damage on farms.
“Doubling the pest control spend will have a small overall impact on Crown expense but will see exports increase as farmers lose less pasture to pests.
“In the context of total Crown expenditure of $180 billion, a decent boost to pest control budgets wouldn’t be significant but would help short-circuit a compounding problem.”
Langford says it would be great to see work on rural mental health also get over the line and receive extra funding.
“Again, this would be a small expenditure increase in the grand scheme of things but with significant positive benefits.” 
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PSA supports Waitangi tribunal’s call to halt Regulatory Standards Bill

Source: PSA

The PSA supports the Waitangi Tribunal’s call to stop progressing the Regulatory Standards Bill until there has been meaningful engagement with Māori.
The Public Service Association (PSA) Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is deeply opposed to the Bill which is being fast-tracked by the Government despite overwhelming Māori and Tangata Te Tiriti opposition, and serious constitutional concerns.
Driven by Minister for Regulation David Seymour, the Bill prioritises personal liberty and property rights while posing a direct threat to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the rights of Māori, PSA Te Kaihautū Māori Janice Panoho says.
In an Interim report the Tribunal found that the Bill would be of constitutional significance and relevance to Māori but that Māori were not consulted. The Tribunal therefore called for a halt to the Bill until there had been meaningful engagement with Māori.
On Monday (May 19) Cabinet approved sending the Bill for debate in Parliament, bypassing meaningful consultation and undermining the jurisdiction of the Waitangi Tribunal, which convened an urgent hearing last week in response to the bill, Panoho says.
More than 18,000 individuals supported a collective Waitangi Tribunal claim (Wai 3470) led by Toitū te Tiriti and other Māori groups, reflecting the widespread concern that the Bill is not only anti-Treaty but actively hostile to all New Zealanders.
“This legislation represents a serious constitutional overreach and an attack on the foundational principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” Panoho says.
“It entrenches economic ideology at the expense of Māori rights and tino rangatiratanga. Rushing it through Cabinet without proper consultation dishonours Te Tiriti and shows a complete lack of good faith by the Crown. Māori must not be an afterthought in legislative processes that could redefine our rights in law,” Panoho says.
“This is not neutral policy, it is a calculated shift toward deregulation and privatisation, one that threatens public accountability and undermines the government’s ability to protect collective wellbeing.
“By prioritising property rights over social justice, environmental sustainability, and Treaty obligations, the Bill fundamentally alters the role of government in a way that is unbalanced and deeply concerning.
“The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi urges all political parties and communities to reject the Bill. We must not allow our democratic processes to be hijacked by ideology that seeks to silence Te Tiriti, disempower communities, and privilege profit over people and planet,” Panoho says.
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Budget 2025 – Budget must deliver for burnt-out St John workforce

Source: Workers First Union

Ambulance officers who work for Hato Hone St John say this week’s Budget must include real funding to improve pay and conditions or the Government risks driving more experienced paramedics offshore or back into industrial action.
Last week, ambulance delegates from across Aotearoa gathered in Auckland for a Workers First conference (photo attached) as the group prepares to enter bargaining again with the partially charity-funded ambulance provider. They also discussed their growing concerns about a workforce crisis that is being made worse by insufficient public health funding.
Faye McCann, Workers First National Ambulance Coordinator, said that this year’s Budget marks the final year of a four-year ambulance funding agreement, and last year’s negotiations had failed to substantially lift wages, address penal rates that are significantly lower than comparable health professions, or deliver the infrastructure needed to keep the service functioning successfully while meeting growing patient demand.
“We can’t keep plugging holes with goodwill and expecting ambulance officers to carry the cost of a broken system,” said Ms McCann.
“Ambulance staff are already burnt out, understaffed, and responding to more mental health and high-risk incidents than ever before. It’s getting worse, especially in Auckland, where short staffing is at crisis levels even as the population grows and demand rises.”
“Officers are leaving for Australia because the pay is better, the infrastructure is better, and the workload is safer. We’re losing people we can’t afford to lose.”
“When it comes to the Treaty Principles Bill or other dodgy political priorities, the coalition agreement framework between parties is treated like it’s enshrined in law – but when it comes to funding emergency services, that promise is suddenly a ‘nice-to-have’,” said Ms McCann.
She warned that unless this Budget delivers real improvements, ambulance officers could be forced back into the same impossible bargaining position as last year, when St John repeated that they couldn’t improve wages and conditions without additional Government funding.
“Some funding eventually came, but only after a national strike and a drawn-out, behind-closed-doors process that no one wants to repeat,” said Ms McCann.
“We’re calling on the Government to fund ambulance services properly so that St John can offer decent wages, fair conditions, and a service that New Zealanders can actually rely on.”
“Cuts to the broader health budget, or a failure to meet growing cost pressures and rising demand, will mean ambulance officers are the ones bearing the brunt of underfunding, and patients will be worse off for it.”
“Ambulance services cannot be the casualty of another austerity Budget from this Government.”
Ms McCann said that Workers First ambulance officers’ ultimate goal remained the full operational funding of emergency health services, and she believed that services like St John and Wellington Free fully supported that aim.
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Budget 2025 must prioritise support for small businesses – Buy NZ Made

Source: Buy NZ Made

Buy NZ Made is calling on the Government to deliver meaningful support for New Zealand’s small businesses, the backbone of the economy and the heart of our local communities.
With small businesses making up over 97% of all enterprises in New Zealand and employing more than 600,000 Kiwis, Buy NZ Made Executive Director Dane Ambler says it is essential that the 2025 Budget includes targeted initiatives to ease cost pressures, encourage innovation, and drive local consumer confidence.
“Small businesses are facing a tough economic climate – rising costs, uncertain demand, and global competition. What they need now is a Government that steps up with strategic, long-term investment in local enterprise.
“Ideally, we would like to see increased access to low-interest loans, grants, and tax relief for small businesses, especially those recovering from the impacts of inflation and global supply chain disruptions.”
Ambler says the government’s recent move to a “local-first” approach in procurement to ensure New Zealand-made products and services are given fair consideration in public spending decisions was a good start.
“Backing small businesses is not just good economics – it’s good nation-building.
“When the Government supports local, it sends a powerful message to every New Zealander that choosing Kiwi-made products and services creates jobs, strengthens communities, and keeps money circulating within our own economy.”
Buy NZ Made is encouraging the public and policymakers alike to think local, buy local, and back the businesses that make New Zealand unique.