NZ Engine

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting with manufacturers, including wood processors, bakers, and millers to help businesses focus on managing genuine risks rather than navigating red tape.  

 “We’re simplifying machine guarding rules and reviewing exposure standards to reduce complexity and improve consistency in the manufacturing sector,” says Ms van Velden.  

 The proposed changes aim to ensure standards reflect real-world risks and align with international benchmarks. Manufacturers have said that the current rules are unclear and difficult to apply, leading to unnecessary costs and compliance burden. 

 As an example of the law’s confusion, a business owner told me they got conflicting advice from WorkSafe inspectors on identical machinery guarding in Auckland and Christchurch, deeming the same machine guarding to be compliant in one city but non-compliant in another city.  

 “During my nationwide consultation and roadshow, businesses described the law as full of grey areas, with outdated guidance that creates confusion and unnecessary cost. We’re acting on that feedback, with changes designed to address the specific pain points raised.”  

 One key change is the simplification of machine guarding rules, which support the safe use of machinery, in the Health and Safety in Employment Regulations.  

 As an example of how out of date the machine guarding rules are, there are some in the meat industry who believe that machine guarding rules conflict with food safety cleaning requirements. 

 We will be consulting on replacing the requirements with a more flexible, risk-based approach. WorkSafe guidance will continue to support businesses in applying appropriate controls.  

 Although this will be a great help to the manufacturing sector, it will be beneficial for a range of sectors working with machinery including agriculture, horticulture, construction and food production.  

 “Feedback on machine guarding has highlighted the need for greater consistency when using machinery. These changes will enable businesses to use a wider range of tools while applying updated safety measures to keep their staff safe.” 

Wood processors and manufacturers also gave feedback that they feel constrained by Workplace Exposure Standards that don’t reflect operational realities or international benchmarks.  

 “Many described the current approach as overly rigid and unclear, with one participant saying the standards are ‘an overreaction to risk which will cripple the industry’.” 

 The Workplace Exposure Standards for soft wood dust, hard wood dust, and welding fumes will be reviewed, with an aim to improve clarity and better align with international standards. 

 “Businesses expressed frustration that the wood dust standard is impractical and not based on realistic risk assessments. They want a system that is both protective and practical, and these changes aim to provide that.” 

 WorkSafe will also look at updating the Workplace Exposure Standard for flour dust, which is designed to minimise the risk of respiratory problems.  

“This is an example of the Red Tape Tipline making a difference, addressing regulations that increase the price of food,” says Mr Seymour. 

 “Concerned bakers made a submission to the Ministry for Regulation, raising concerns that the permitted concentration of flour dust was so stringent it would ruin their business.

 “One commercial stakeholder said they had invested millions in retrofitted air conditioning units, purchasing new industrial vacuum cleaners, and additional controls in bakeries including deep cleaning, but it was still almost impossible 

to comply with the regulation.

 “These costs eventually flow down to prices at the checkout. It’s another example of how permissive regulations, no matter how small they might seem on paper, make a difference to the cost of everything in New Zealand.

 “The review will consider international benchmarks and feasibility considerations, such as measurability. This will provide bakers and millers with more confidence that they have met safety standards, reducing the cost and stress of overcompliance and price of food,” says Mr Seymour. 

 This review will be undertaken in consultation with those in the manufacturing sector over the coming months to ensure they are practical and effective. 

 “Simplifying machine guarding rules and reviewing the Workplace Exposure Standards will make it easier for people to do the right thing, without compromising safety,” says Ms van Velden.

“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut-red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.”

Source: Tertiary Education Commission

Last updated 8 July 2025
Last updated 8 July 2025

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Here’s what you need to know to submit your August 2025 Single Data Return (SDR).
Here’s what you need to know to submit your August 2025 Single Data Return (SDR).

The round begins on Friday 8 August 2025 and finishes at 5.00pm on Thursday 21 August 2025.
Please submit your return any time on or between these dates.

7 August 2025
Extract date

8 August 2025
SDR round opens

21 August 2025
SDR round closes

Resources for your SDR submission 
The Data Specification for the SDR is available from Single Data Return.
Note that validation rules for all new fields are applied for the August 2025 SDR. Mandatory fields for final-year Fees Free apply for learners who enrol from 1 January 2025.
August SDR 
The following resources are from the Webinar – Preparation for August SDR – 2 July 2025

New or changed data requirements are described below:
Final-year Fees Free

Field name
Description
File
Mandatory?

IRD number
IRD number of the learner. The IRD number enables data matching to support the learner in claiming their Fees Free entitlement.
Learner/ Qualification Completion
No

Secondary school programme indicator
Indicates whether a course has been undertaken as part of the student’s or trainee’s school learning programme or secondary-tertiary programme.
Course Enrolment
Yes

Actual course fee amount
Captures the course tuition and the compulsory course costs charged to the learner.
Course Enrolment
Yes

Qualification completion date
The date the requirements have been met by the learner to be awarded the qualification.
Qualification Completion
Yes

Linked Qualification for Fees Free
Used for exit qualifications or expired qualifications when the learner’s course enrolments have been reported under a different qualification code than the one completed.
Qualification Completion
No

Other new data fields

Field name
Description
File
Mandatory?

Learning Hours
The learning hours involved in the course. This will improve efficiency of course setup for some TEOs.
Course Register
No

Volume Research Factor
The Volume of Research Factor (VRF) is associated with the PBRF eligibility and is a multiplier that measures the research content of a course. This will improve efficiency of course setup for some TEOs.
Course Register
No

Apprenticeship
Identifies if a learner is enrolled as an Apprenticeship.Allows some TEOs to continue to report Managed Apprenticeships under SDR.
Course Enrolment
No

To monitor your enrolments against some of the funding conditions for Youth Guarantee and Delivery at Levels 1 and 2 on the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (DQ1-2), check out the Funding Conditions app at DXP Ngā Kete.
Need help?

For step-by-step instructions on how to submit your SDR see the DXP Ngā Kete user guides.  
For general help, guidance with validations errors, and help with course, qualification and delivery site approvals, contact 0800 601 301 or email customerservice@tec.govt.nz with subject: [Edumis #] – August SDR.
For help with your Education Sector Login (ESL), contact the Education Service Desk on 0800 422 599 or email service.desk@education.govt.nz.

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government’s move to reduce the excise on Heated Tobacco Products (HTPs) is about getting more people to quit smoking, Associate Health Minister Casey Costello said today.

“The Labour Party and some people in RNZ are fixated on tobacco companies,” Ms Costello says. “What Ayesha Verrall has said about the cost and benefit of this policy is completely untrue. 

“We want people to stop smoking, and the contingent liability forecast by Treasury will only happen if a lot of people quit smoking and the Government’s revenue from tobacco excise reduces significantly because of this. 

“Obviously if that happens it’s a good thing for smoking rates and peoples’ health. 

Last year, a change was made to halve the excise duty on heated tobacco products (HTPs) to see if that might encourage cigarette smokers to switch to a less harmful product. There was to be an evaluation of the change after a year, but because of vaping regulation changes, HTP devices were withdrawn from the market for some of the year. HTPs are now back on the market and the review has been extended to July 2027 as there will be more data available. 

Last year’s cabinet paper included preliminary modelling from the Ministry of Health showing 7,200 people quitting smoking in the first two years from the excise change.

It also included estimates of the potential costs from reduced revenue from tobacco excise from people no longer smoking, and from the excise reduction on HTPs. These were included in the Budget documents as contingent liabilities to recognise the potential impact on the Government’s accounts.

“What Labour and RNZ are saying is incredibly misleading,” Ms Costello says. “To be absolutely clear, this is no ‘tax break’ for the industry.

“I said at the time and continue to say that our drive is to stop smoking. We are trying to see if HTPs can play a similar role to vaping and provide an alternative product and way to quit for smokers.

“We’ve made great progress in reducing smoking rates and with particular groups like young people and most smokers are now long-term and older and we need to try different ways to help them.

“While a full evaluation of this policy is two years away, I have asked the Ministry of Health to ensure that the excise reduction in HTPs continues to be passed on to consumers.”

The Ministry of Health has also established an expert advisory group to look at improving the regulatory regime around all nicotine and tobacco products. The group includes representatives from Health Coalition Aotearoa, ASH, Vape Free Kids, Cancer Society, Heart Foundation, Hāpai te Hauora, the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation, Auckland and Otago Universities and other experts and is due to report to the Minister before the end of the year.

Source: New Zealand Government

Fewer people in the Midland region are waiting for orthopaedic surgery, with the total waitlist down 15 per cent since November 2023, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.

“Orthopaedic conditions like hip and knee issues can severely impact a person’s quality of life. It’s great to see more patients getting the care they need, faster,” Mr Brown says.

Between November 2023 and March 2025, the number of people waiting fell from 3,125 to 2,668. The number waiting longer than four months dropped by 11 per cent, from 1,666 to 1,480.

“Across the region, faster treatment is helping people regain their independence and enjoy life again. That means grandparents staying active, tradies getting back to work, and young people returning to sport.”

This progress comes after the waitlist ballooned by 123 per cent between 2020 and 2023. Since November 2023, waitlists have decreased in:
 

• Waikato – down 25%
• Taranaki – down 7%
• Gisborne – down 32%
• Lakes – down 6%
• Bay of Plenty – down 9%

“We’re investing in the workforce, expanding surgical capacity by making better use of both public and private facilities, and supporting hospitals to deliver faster, more effective care.

“Reducing wait times for elective procedures is a top priority for this Government. Our health target is clear: by 2030, 95 per cent of patients will receive treatment within four months.

“Patients are still waiting too long, and there is still more work to do – but this latest data shows we’re making real progress for orthopaedic patients in Midland,” Mr Brown says.

Source: New Zealand Government

With adverse weather forecast for the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is urging farmers, foresters, and growers to prepare for potential challenges.

Two orange rain warnings have been issued for these regions, signalling the possibility of surface flooding and slips, particularly with upwards of 100mm of rain expected in the Bay of Plenty and the third rainfall event in the Top of the South in just six weeks.

“The compounding effect of these weather events on rural communities is significant, and we are committed to providing the necessary support.

“MPI staff are ready and available to assist, with additional staff deployed in the Top of the South and regional staff closely monitoring the Bay of Plenty. We have 15 MPI staff on the ground in the Nelson/Tasman area and people available across the Bay,” Mr McClay says.

Farmers are advised to move stock to higher ground ahead of the storm.

“We understand the pressure and uncertainty rural communities are facing right now, and we remain focused on ensuring they have the resources to manage this event and any challenges ahead.”

For more updates, farmers, foresters, and growers are encouraged to continue monitoring weather warnings.

Source: New Zealand Government

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has announced targeted consultation with farmers and the wider agriculture sector to ensure health and safety regulations reflect the realities of farm life. 

“I’m consulting with rural Kiwis in the agriculture sector on changes that will ensure health and safety requirements are workable and practical,” says Ms van Velden.

“Farmers know their farms and the risks that come with farming life better than anyone. They’ve told me the law needs to recognise that the farm is often both their workplace and their home. That includes making space for children to safely learn and contribute to farm life in ways that are safe and age-appropriate.”

One proposed change is to amend the General Risk Regulations to make it clear that young people can safely take part in light chores on family farms. 

We’ll be consulting with farmers and the agriculture sector on the thresholds for light chores children can do on farms, like collecting eggs, feeding small animals and watering plants, while ensuring safety is not compromised. I expect higher-risk activities such as being near heavy machinery like a hay baler will remain off-limits. As children grow older, they’ll be able to undertake more complex tasks with supervision and training, such as driving a tractor. 

These changes will give confidence to farming families that their children can continue to be involved with the family business. 

“I have also heard that farmers and forestry operators want industry-led codes of practice that reflect real-world conditions. I have asked WorkSafe to develop two Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) in consultation with the agriculture sector.

While compliance with ACOPs is currently voluntary, as part of my health and safety reform, I am making a change to the ACOP model to reassure people that if they comply with an ACOP, they have done enough to meet their health and safety duties. 

WorkSafe will be developing an ACOP on roles and responsibilities in agriculture to help farmers navigate work activities. In particular, it will provide clearer guidance on overlapping duties and PCBU responsibilities in agriculture. 

“Farmers and other businesses coming on to the farm need to know what health and safety duties they are each responsible for and how they can best work together to manage the risks. For example, if a fencing contractor is working on a farm, both the contractor and the farmer will need to manage risks relating to their work, like moving vehicles or the use of agricultural sprays.

Another ACOP that will be developed will focus on the safe use of farm vehicles and machinery, ensuring guidance reflects how modern farms operate. It will cover the safe use of quad bikes, tractors, light utility vehicles such as side-by-sides, and two-wheel motorbikes, as well as farm machinery.

“Too many people are killed or seriously injured in quad-bike related incidents. However, I understand there are varying practices and views on what protections will best enhance safety and reduce harm. 

“It is important that the ACOP provides practical, workable advice on the safe use of quad bikes and light tractors in a variety of circumstances to help address the high rates of harm. 

“I expect WorkSafe to work closely with the agriculture sector when developing these ACOPs to ensure that any rules are sensible and workable. It is important that farmers who know their work best are able to help shape the rules that will help keep them safe,” says Ms van Velden 

“These changes will save time and costs for businesses and workers as we cut red-tape to make it easier to do business. When our Kiwi businesses thrive, there are more jobs and lower prices for all New Zealanders.” 

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is focused on growing the economy to create jobs, lift incomes and help Kiwis with the cost-of-living, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister of Finance Nicola Willis say.

“We know things are still tough for a lot of families and that’s why we are focused on growing the economy to help Kiwis get ahead,” Mr Luxon says.

“The economy is expected to grow on average 2.7 per cent per year creating 240,000 jobs over the next four years, but in the short term we are pulling every lever we can to help Kiwi families with the cost of living.

“Today we have announced that we are scrapping surcharges at the till. New Zealanders are paying up to $150 million in surcharges every year. That’s money that could be saved or spent elsewhere,” Mr Luxon says. 

“This week marks one year of tax relief meaning the average household is $1,560 better off,” Nicola Willis says.

“We have also introduced FamilyBoost, which with the latest expansion gives families up to 40 per cent off their childcare costs. We have removed the Auckland fuel tax, introduced 12-month prescriptions, increased the rates rebate for 66,000 seniors and increased Working for Families payments.

“Most importantly we have stopped wasteful government spending and got inflation under control. Inflation has dropped from a peak of 7.3 per cent under the previous government to 2.7 per cent under ours.

“This has meant lower interest rates, so a family re-fixing a $500,000 mortgage today will save around $320 per fortnight compared to September 2023. We have also driven rent inflation down.

“Long term, we know the most important thing we can do is to increase wages, and the way to do that is by growing the economy.

“That is why this Government is focusing on five key areas: developing talent, ensuring business settings are competitive, promoting global trade and investment, supporting innovation, technology and science; and providing a pipeline of infrastructure for growth.

“Ultimately, the way to grow people’s incomes is to grow the economy. That is why this Government is working so hard to do just that,” Nicola Willis says. 

Source: New Zealand Government

Solomon Islands Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele will visit New Zealand this week, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced.

“Solomon Islands is an important partner for New Zealand, with which we share a historic connection,” Mr Luxon says. 

“I am looking forward to furthering our bilateral relationship when I meet Prime Minister Manele. It will also be good to hear about Solomon Islands’ plans for hosting the Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting in September.”

More than 1,000 Solomon Islanders make New Zealand home, with 1,100 participating in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme in the last year. 

New Zealand has a long-standing development cooperation partnership with Solomon Islands, which includes support for education, economic development, climate resilience, and peacebuilding.

While in New Zealand, Prime Minister Manele will attend various business and community events. He will also meet Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. Prime Minister Manele last visited New Zealand in his former capacity as Solomon Islands Foreign Minister in 2022.

Source: New Zealand Government

Members of a Judicial Conduct Panel have been appointed to inquire into and report on the alleged conduct of acting District Court Judge Ema Aitken, Acting Attorney-General Paul Goldsmith says.

“The Judicial Conduct Commissioner recommended a Panel be set up to inquire into Judge Aitken’s alleged conduct at the Northern Club on 22 November 2024. I accepted that recommendation.

“Following consultation with the Chief Justice, I have now appointed Panel members: the Honourable Brendan Brown KC, the Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon and the Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, KStJ.

“I have also appointed Tim Stephens KC as special counsel in the Panel’s inquiry.

“Following its inquiry, the Panel will provide me with a report, including its opinion as to whether consideration of Judge Aitken’s removal is justified.

“I won’t be making any further comment until then.”

Notes to editors

The Honourable Brendan Brown KC is a retired Judge of the Court of Appeal (2016–24) and High Court (2013–24). Earlier this year, he was appointed a Commissioner of Intelligence Warrants. Prior to judicial appointment, he was counsel assisting the Royal Commission on Genetic Modification, and appeared for the Crown in the Wai 262 claims regarding indigenous flora and fauna.
The Honourable Justice Jillian Mallon is a sitting Judge of the Court of Appeal (since 2023) and High Court (since 2006). She was Wellington High Court List Judge (2017–23), a member of that Court’s commercial panel, and managed that Court’s work under the Marine and Coastal Area (Takutai Moana) Act 2011.
The Right Honourable Sir Jerry Mateparae, GNZM, QSO, KStJ is a former Governor-General (2011–16), High Commissioner to the United Kingdom (2017–20) and Chief of Defence Force (2006–11). He recently completed a United Nations appointment as the Bougainville External Moderator (2024–25) and chaired the Government Inquiry into the Response to the North Island Severe Weather Events (2023–24). He is currently a member of the Council of Massey University.
Tim Stephens KC is a barrister at Stout Street Chambers, Wellington. He has 30 years’ experience in commercial, regulatory, public law and Treaty of Waitangi matters. He is a former convenor of the New Zealand Law Society’s Law Reform Committee and current member of its Public Law Committee.

Source: BNZ Statements

The government’s announcement today that it will ban payment surcharges could save New Zealand consumers up to $150 million annually – and BNZ’s Payap app, launching to consumers next month, offers businesses a way to thrive under the changes by cutting their payment acceptance costs.

The ban, expected to be in place by May next year, will prohibit businesses from adding surcharges to instore card payments. This improves pricing transparency for consumers, but it means businesses will need to absorb payment processing costs that currently average 1% of transaction values, according to the Commerce Commission.

Payap provides a lower-cost alternative with transaction fees of just 0.39% or 0.59% and no monthly fixed fees. It is compatible with all major New Zealand banks and uses open banking technology to provide secure, direct account-to-account transfers.

“The surcharge ban gives New Zealanders transparent pricing for card payments, and Payap takes that further by offering them a free, convenient way to pay without needing to carry cards at all,” says BNZ Executive Customer Products and Services Karna Luke.

“But we’re going further – we’re helping businesses reduce their payment acceptance costs. When surcharges disappear, businesses using Payap will have a cost advantage.”

Payap works through QR codes dynamically generated on EFTPOS terminals, with customers scanning the codes through the app to make payments directly from their bank accounts. The technology works with leading terminal providers across New Zealand, requiring no new hardware for most merchants while offering bank-grade security.

“Smart businesses are already preparing for a surcharge-free future,” says Luke.

“Payap gives them a competitive advantage through lower costs and better customer experience.”

The consumer app launch follows a soft launch period focused on business onboarding, with thousands of businesses set to accept Payap payments when consumers gain access next month. Additional features including gift card support, loyalty programmes, and peer-to-peer payments will be rolled out progressively throughout 2026.

For more information, visit payap.com.

 

Notes

Payap has an in-store payment processing fee of 0.39% when a merchant processes less than $300,000 per annum in net sales through Payap or settles to a BNZ bank account. If a merchant processes $300,000 or more per annum in net sales through Payap and settles to a non-BNZ bank account, an in-store payment processing fee of 0.59% of the value of net sales will apply. Fees are subject to change.

To use Payap, merchants need to have a compatible terminal model and agree to Centrapay’s terms and conditions. 

Payap requires a New Zealand bank account that can be linked with Payap through open banking or through a Visa or Mastercard debit card. Mastercard is a trademark of Mastercard International Incorporated. Visa is a trademark owned by Visa International Service Association and used under license. 

The post Payap offers businesses a way forward as government moves to ban payment surcharges appeared first on BNZ Debrief.