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BusinessNZ – More detail needed on vocational education reforms

Source: BusinessNZ

Government announcements on work-based learning appear to recognise the importance of industry leadership in vocational training, but the timeframe for standing up a new system is very tight and more clarity is needed to ensure a smooth transition, says BusinessNZ Chief Executive Katherine Rich.
“As the system is pivoted back toward having more industry involvement in qualifications and quality assurance, it is important the Government works with industry closely to ensure that both businesses, apprentices, parents and training providers can have confidence in what the future system will look like.
“We need to ensure that in the transition, employers can work with the training provider that delivers best for their company.
“The new system is due to stand up on 1 January 2026, and we need clarity on the number of organisations, functions of the new organisations and funding to support businesses delivering industry training.
“Countries with high productivity have gold standard training and apprenticeship systems. Industry training is the most efficient and effective way to train with high employment rates post-graduation. With the significant outflow of skills over the last year, we need to build the skills pipeline and make it easy for employers to develop a highly skilled workforce to support economic recovery and growth,” Mrs Rich said.
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand.
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Consumer NZ – Despite low confidence in government efforts, people want urgent action to lower grocery bills

Source: Consumer NZ

Consumer NZ calls for stronger regulation of supermarket pricing and promotional practices following its new survey on supermarkets.

Consumer’s NZ Grocery Survey, carried out in mid-April, reveals a strong public appetite for government action to improve access to affordable food. Many respondents called for clear and effective intervention by the government, while also expressing low confidence in its ability to deliver.    

“New Zealanders are struggling to access quality food at affordable prices, and they’re not seeing meaningful change at the checkout,” says Consumer NZ chief executive Jon Duffy.  

“We’re pleased the government has kicked off a request for information process to explore how new entrants could help increase competition and deliver better grocery prices for New Zealanders. But the urgency is real.”  
 
The survey also revealed the growing impact of rising prices on households. Thirty percent of people have needed help over the past year to get food – for example, from foodbanks, friends, family or Work and Income – based on the survey results.

The cost of living remains the highest concern for New Zealanders across all age groups and has for three years according to its Sentiment Tracker.

Low confidence in government action

The nationally representative survey shows most New Zealanders don’t believe the government is doing enough to keep food affordable.  

Two-thirds of people (66%) said they have low confidence in current government policies, while just 9% expressed high confidence in government action.

Distrust in supermarkets also rising

These results provide valuable insights into more recent trends in public trust in supermarkets and the government, as shown in Consumer NZ’s Sentiment Tracker.  

Source: Consumer Sentiment Tracker

Shoppers also report limited or declining trust in supermarkets to price and promote products fairly — an issue that raises additional concerns about consumer protection.

“There’s increasing discomfort with how data is being used in loyalty schemes, and whether the deals offered actually benefit the consumer,” Duffy says.

Strong support for government regulation

When asked in the Grocery Survey what could be done to keep food accessible, hundreds of respondents said food is simply too expensive and urgent action is needed. Many supported stronger regulation and clearer rules to stop misleading promotions, not just more competition in the sector.

“Consumers want the government to take a harder line — not only in promoting competition, but also in actively regulating how prices are set and how promotions are run,” says Duffy.

Shoppers adapt to high costs

Consumers are increasingly turning to cost-saving strategies, such as shopping around and buying in bulk, to deal with rising food prices and growing pressure on household budgets.

More than half of respondents said they compare prices across supermarkets – most commonly through supermarket websites or apps, rather than in-store checks.  This behaviour signals the need for unit pricing and easy price comparison across retailers.

Loyalty programme perceptions are mixed

Perceptions of supermarket loyalty programmes are divided. Nearly two in five consumers feel loyalty schemes offer little or no benefit, while around one in three see them as worthwhile.

“Consumers are rightly questioning the real value of loyalty programmes,” says Duffy.  

“Our research found 84% of New Zealanders use loyalty cards, but the so-called ‘specials’ don’t always reflect the lowest prices available at the checkout.”

While the Commerce Commission has not recommended a full review of loyalty programmes, it has called on supermarkets to ensure transparency in how data is collected and used, and to clearly disclose the terms of these schemes.

Time for action

“We are hearing loud and clear that shoppers feel unsupported and are losing trust – not just in supermarkets, but in the laws and systems that are meant to protect them,” Duffy says.  

“To restore confidence, we need tougher regulation and greater enforcement to tackle pricing practices and market power in New Zealand’s grocery sector.”

Consumer NZ continues to push for measures that ensure fairer pricing, improved transparency, and increased competition in the supermarket industry.

Note

Consumer NZ surveyed 1,005 New Zealanders aged 18 and over online, between 10 and 15 April 2025 for the NZ Grocery Survey. The sample was provided by Dynata and reflects national population profiles based on Stats NZ data.

The Consumer NZ Sentiment Tracker is a quarterly survey that explores the interests and concerns of New Zealanders. The nationally representative survey of 1,000 respondents is conducted every three months.  

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Use of Police dog in arrest of youths in Gisborne justified

Source:

9 December 2021

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police were justified in using a Police dog to arrest two youths in Gisborne on 10 February 2021.

A car was stolen in Gisborne, and officers located it at the end of an isolated, dead-end road. When Police searched the car, they found gang related tagging on the interior.

A dog handler tracked through isolated rural land. The dog led him to a stop-bank, where he heard a gang greeting. He located two persons with his torch whom he did not recognise and issued a warning for them to stop. One individual continued to move away from him. The police dog was released to stop that person. Both offenders were arrested.

Following the arrest, it was found that both offenders were youths. They were taken into custody and processed before being returned to their families. Following their arrest, two officers were required to complete a report to the Commissioner as the offenders were youths. The Authority found that this was not completed in accordance with policy.

A complaint was laid from the mother of one of the youths about both the use of force, inappropriate language from the arresting officer, and the way her complaint was handled by Police. The Authority could not determine whether derogatory language had been used and did not believe Police had deliberately discouraged a complaint from being laid.

The Authority also found that the use of the dog was lawful and reasonable under the circumstances. Authority Chair, Judge Colin Doherty, says, “Although apprehension of the occupants of a stolen car by use of a Police dog will not be warranted on many occasions, we do believe that the officer here was informed in his decision and this apprehension was justified”.

Public Report 

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Use of force on a man in central North Island justified

Source:

7 December 2021 

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that a Police officer was justified in using force to defend himself when he was accosted as he arrested a man in central North Island.

The officer attended a house to arrest the man for breaching his electronic bail monitoring conditions.

When the officer made the arrest, another man present physically intervened. Fearing that he was about to be assaulted, the officer punched the second man and a scuffle broke out between the two. The second man then ran inside the house, locking the door behind him.

The officer aimed pepper spray at the second man through an open window, and then broke a glass panel on the door to gain entry, only to find the man had escaped through a back window.

The Authority is satisfied the officer was justified in using the force he did in self-defence and that the force was reasonable in the circumstances. We also found that the officer’s entry into the house was lawful.

Public Report

Decision to use force on man in central North Island justified (PDF 378 KB)

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Arrest of man in Palmerston North not justified

Source:

30 November 2021

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that the arrest of a man for disorderly behaviour in Palmerston was not justified, and the man should not have been given a formal warning. The Authority also found that the way in which the officers dealt with the incident was unprofessional.

At about 3 am on 26 September 2020, two officers drove past a man and his friend who were crossing a road intersection in Palmerston North. The men did not cross at a pedestrian crossing and were standing in the middle of the road. One of the officers told the men to get off the roadway and the men yelled abuse at the officers as they drove past them.

The officers turned their car around and stopped next to the men, who were now standing on the opposite footpath. Two nearby, independent witnesses saw the officers get out of their car and aggressively confront the men. One of the witnesses complained to the Authority.

The interaction escalated and an officer warned one of the men that he would be arrested for disorderly behaviour if he continued behaving in that way. The man continued the abuse and was arrested for disorderly behaviour. The man was later released on a formal warning for the offence.

The Authority does not think the man’s behaviour amounted to disorderly behaviour as, in the context of the situation, it did not risk upsetting the public order, nor did it risk provoking a violent response from the public.

A parallel Police investigation found that the attitude and manner in which the officers approached the situation was a significant factor in causing it to escalate. The investigation also found that the interaction could have been better managed by the officers.

Subsequent to the Authority’s investigation, Police accepted that the arrest of the man was not justified. Police have apologised to the man and removed the formal warning from their database.

Authority Chair, Judge Colin Doherty said, “On the evidence available to him, we do not think the officer had ‘good cause to suspect’ the man committed the offence of disorderly behaviour (under either section 3 or section 4 of the Summary Offences Act) … We believe the officers should have made relevant inquiries to satisfy themselves that the man’s behaviour upset the public order or was likely to provoke a violent reaction. They did not.”

Public Report (PDF 419 KB)

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Justified search and charging decision in Whanganui

Source:

18 November 2021

The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that Police were justified in searching and charging a woman who had been arrested and taken into custody in Whanganui on 1 September 2020.

During processing, a female officer searched the woman in accordance with policy. Once in a cell, Police asked the woman to remove all her clothing and put on a tear-proof gown. This was reasonable as officers had concerns for the woman’s safety and wellbeing.

The woman placed the gown over her clothing. A male officer used a cutting tool to remove the straps of her undergarments so her clothing could be removed from underneath the gown. The Authority found that the officer did not breach policy when he cut the straps. However, his actions lacked sound judgement and were inappropriate.

The woman was later charged with committing an indecent act with intent to insult due to comments she made to one of the male officers and her alleged actions while in custody. The charge was later withdrawn by Police.

The Authority found the charging officer relied on information provided to him and made an error of judgement by not reviewing all the documentation before it went to Court. However, Authority Chair, Judge Colin Doherty, says, “I believe there was sufficient evidence for the officer to lay the charges based on the woman’s comments to an officer and her actions that were captured on CCTV footage”.

The Authority recommended to Police that the policy governing searching people should be amended to ensure gowning may only be carried out by a person of the same gender identity as the detainee, unless in extreme or urgent situations.

Public Report (PDF 460 KB) 

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10 April 2025 Kura students help bless 10 new Gisborne homes New Gisborne apartments resounded with the sweet voices of students from Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Hawaiki Hou as they assisted Kaikarakia to implant mauri (spiritual energy) into the homes.

Source:

As the sun streamed in the windows, aroha was put into each wall in each of the new homes as the students’ recited chants from local mōteatea and karakia they have learned in the classroom.

Invited by Kaikarakia Morehu Pewhairangi who has blessed many of our new homes in Gisborne, Kura principal Russel Wilson said it’s a great opportunity for our tamariki to take what they are learning in the classroom and use it in the community. “The waiata, karakia, haka and moteatea learnt are all taonga that are passed down from generation to generation. Our students now have a deeper understanding about what they are learning and how it benefits people moving into a new whare. We definitely felt that today.”

The sunny, warm dry apartments are close to the CBD and will provide a home for ten individuals and whānau who are leaving the uncertainty of living in emergency and transitional housing.

The 10 new homes are a combination of two and three-bedrooms and include a three-story walk-up building, only the second one we have built in Gisborne.

Built by Iconiq Group, Kāinga Ora has purchased the light, bright homes now they are completed. The development features universal design standards on the ground floors, insulation, bike racks, car parking, and views from the balconies.

Mayor Rehette Stoltz says it makes a huge difference when we see homes like this built in our region. “We know Tairāwhiti has a massive shortage and builds like this don’t just happen. They are a culmination of us all working together and playing our part.

“Thank you for inviting me to the blessings of your new homes and thank you to kaikarakia Morehu Pewhairangi for guiding us through the appropriate processes. I think the fact that we do it the right way – bless the whenua when the projects start and then put positive energy put into the walls of the homes when they are completed, sets everyone on the right path”.

The new homes are definitely putting local health and disability support worker Ivan Te Momo on the right path. He is legally blind and has been living in emergency housing for the last two years. “The complex I was staying in had lots of corridors to navigate to the communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Because of my disability, I have struggled to keep my room to the expected standards.

“It has been difficult to cook because of my sight and because I could not keep anything in the kitchen. I had to carry everything instead, including my cutlery, down the hallways from my room to the kitchen. That was a struggle.”

In the last year CCS Disability Action has helped me to cook, clean, cut vegetables and take my daily medication.

“I am looking forward to feeling settled, having my own place and the autonomy that brings. Having a home gives you a tūrangawaewae … a place where you can stand.”

For the man who used to be a body combat instructor, even when his eyesight was starting to fail, the first focus is his health. “With my cane, I can walk to work from here. It has been hard to get my health in order staying in a place I don’t control.”

My other focus is finishing my PHD thesis on health services supporting disabled Māori with Te Whare Wānanga Awanuiārangi. There have been challenges, but I am determined to be one of the first blind Māoris to complete their doctorate in NZ. And I want to be able to show other blind people that it can be done!”

Page updated: 10 April 2025

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3 April 2025 Te is a creative force in her community Since moving into Kāinga Ora apartment complex Te Mātāwai, Te has become known for her creativity and leadership skills.

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Naturally artistic, Te can lend her hand to most arts and crafts. She crochets, and her new favourite past times are photography and print making.

These are skills she’s put to great use in the Te Mātāwai community, contributing work to an onsite art exhibition, assisting with photography projects, taking photos at events, selling her arts and crafts offsite and helping to plan activities for the onsite youth group.

“When I moved in 18 months ago, I got involved in art classes which led to exhibiting one of my artworks. Then I helped with costumes and a lot of the paperwork for two photography projects involving tenants with artist and lecturer Dieneke Jansen from Auckland University of Technology.

“I was very excited when Dieneke then invited me to assist on a film and photography project outside Te Mātāwai, it’s a big opportunity for me.”

Dayne, the Community Development Manager at Te Mātāwai, says Te is a gifted creative and her sense of humour shines through in everything that she does.

“Te’s worked with us on several projects and events that have benefitted from her creativity and clever thinking, with heaps of laughs along the way. She’s a doer and a leader, and the skills she’s shared with our community have led to new opportunities for her which is awesome. We’re really grateful for all of Te’s contributions to the Te Mātāwai community.”

Te’s new ventures are part of the upward trajectory her life has taken since moving into Te Mātāwai. The central Auckland complex with 200 apartments for social housing tenants and 24/7 on-site support is a place where lives change.

“I’d been living in backpacker hostels and boarding houses for years because I couldn’t afford anything more, but it wasn’t very healthy for me.”

With long-term health problems, Te often felt trapped in her room as she wasn’t well enough to use communal spaces.

“Now I have my own studio apartment, I can cook and do laundry without having to risk my health. And when I’m well, I can join all the activities going on here.

“There are so many programmes on offer and there are a lot of nice people around. Everything I need is either here or very nearby which makes life easier.”

With a place to call her own, improved health and a supportive community, Te says her next goal is to find part-time work, preferably in a reception or administration role. “I like organising other people,” she laughs, another talent that has come to the fore at Te Mātāwai.

Page updated: 3 April 2025

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3 April 2025 Kāinga Ora proposing workforce changes As part of the reset of Kainga Ora – Homes and Communities to focus on providing and managing state owned social housing more cost effectively, consultation with staff on proposed organisational changes has begun.

Source:

Formal consultation has started today that could see the removal of net 673 roles, predominantly in corporate, back-office and other support functions. Of these 195 are currently vacant.

Frontline tenancy management roles are not directly impacted by the proposed changes.

“When Kāinga Ora was established in 2019, its mandate saw it rapidly expand to deliver thousands of new social houses and urban development projects and other functions,” says Kāinga Ora Chief Executive Matt Crockett.

“That period of growth, however, was not financially sustainable. Kāinga Ora has since announced its reset and now needs to resize its workforce and renew the organisation to align to this new direction.

“Our organisation model and workforce need to reflect our new, narrower focus on managing and providing social housing in a financially sustainable way. We need to align to this tighter focus, and reduced volume of activity, while enabling more cost-effective provision of housing and support services to our tenants. Unfortunately, that means there may be job losses.”

Mr Crockett confirmed that while there is proposed to be some impact in customer facing roles, including housing placement and call centre teams, this would not negatively impact on the support and services provided to tenants.

“We have carefully looked at how many people we have in these roles now, and how many people we’ll need while continuing to maintain our service levels.

“I would like to reiterate the support we provide to the people and whānau in our homes will not be impacted.

“We’ll continue to respond to requests and queries promptly and the proposed changes would not slow down or affect how quickly we match people to a suitable Kāinga Ora home.

“While our people have been aware that workforce changes were coming, it has been a difficult day. Our priority now is ensuring we do everything we can over the coming weeks to support them through this process,” Mr Crockett says.

Kāinga Ora staff have from 3 April to 22 April to give their feedback on the change proposals. Decisions will be made and communicated following consideration of staff feedback, with the aim of having the resizing process completed by 30 June 2025.

The Public Service Association is being consulted. When decisions on the proposals are made, updates will be provided on the Kāinga Ora workforce change pages.

Kāinga Ora headcount numbers as of:

  • 31 December 2023 – 3,514
  • 31 December 2024 – 3,018
  • 31 March 2025 – 2,819

Page updated: 3 April 2025

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Household living-costs price indexes: March 2025 quarter – cancelled

Household living-costs price indexes: March 2025 quarter – cancelled

23 April 2025

The Household living-costs price indexes: March 2025 quarter (HLPI) has been cancelled and will not be released on 1 May 2025.  

This is due to a range of technical data processing challenges in updating and applying the weights for the HLPIs, following the Consumers price index review: 2024.

We are working with our customers to understand the impacts of this and to find a solution, and we will provide a further update.

New weights from the Consumers price index review: 2024 have been successfully implemented in the selected price indexes and the CPI. However, updating and applying these to the HLPI has been much more complicated.

Cancelling the March 2025 edition of Household living-costs price indexes does not affect the quarterly CPI. Our economic data remains reliable, fit-for-purpose, and within international best practice. 

The HLPI is used as an input for one of the measures of child poverty statistics. A key part of our solution will be to ensure we deliver on our obligations to measure child poverty.    

We apologise for any inconvenience this causes.  

Ends

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