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A guide for health professionals disclosing information to Police

Source:

Reviewed May 2025 (previously titled ‘Can I tell the cops? A guide for health professionals.’

Health professionals have the significant responsibility of knowing and caring for some of the most intimate details of their patients’ lives. Patients trust and expect doctors, nurses, and others to not tell just anyone. This obligation is recognised in the Health Information Privacy Code.

Rule 11 of the Code says health professionals cannot disclose health information they hold about an individual, unless there is a valid reason to do so.

What is a valid reason for releasing information? 

Section 22C of the Health Act 1956 allows, but doesn’t require, health professionals to disclose information to a police officer (and some other officials), if they need the information to do their job. Where the treatment relates specifically to drug dependency, then the information is privileged against disclosure in criminal court proceedings under section 59 of the Evidence Act 2006.

If you believe that any child or young person has been or is likely to be harmed, whether physically, emotionally, or sexually, you can report the matter to a social worker or Police. This is vital, as there is little that is more serious than the need to protect a child.

Search warrants and production orders

If Police have a search warrant or a production order for information about a patient, then health professionals must hand it over to them under the Search and Surveillance Act. A search warrant or production order is approved and issued by the Court if Police have met the grounds required under the Act. If Police have a search warrant, they can search a health provider’s premises. If they have a production order, health professionals must release the information requested. It is an offence to refuse.

Sometimes Police do not have enough information to obtain a compulsory order. The Privacy Act is flexible enough to allow health professionals to disclose information under an exception to rule 11, when necessary, “to avoid prejudice to the maintenance of the law by any public sector agency, including the prevention, detection, investigation, prosecution and punishment of offences”.

You may have information that could help Police in their investigations. There will be no breach of rule 11 of the Code if you can demonstrate you have considered this exception, and that you acted in good faith.

Things to consider

To be clear, this is your discretion. Consider these things before exercising it: 

  • Unless Police have a search warrant or production order then health professionals don’t have to give them anything.
  • You need to turn your mind to whether this disclosure is reasonably necessary in these circumstances. It’s Police’s job to convince you. If you are convinced, then you can release the information.
  • If Police’s request is vague or informal, or you question why they really need all that information, then follow up. They should provide you with a form or an explanation of why the information is needed. If you’re unsure whether to disclose information, you may wish to seek legal advice or contact the Medical Protection Society https://www.medicalprotection.org/newzealand for further guidance. If you’re still in doubt, you don’t have to tell them, and you can ask them to go back and get a production order.
  • If you decide to disclose to a police officer, it’s up to you to ensure the information you do disclose is proportionate and necessary in the circumstances.
  • Police don’t have to request information from you for this exception to apply. If you are concerned about a potential crime, or the health and wellbeing of someone, then you can disclose information to the appropriate authorities.
  • But again, before you do so, consider what information needs to be disclosed, why this information should be disclosed, and why it is necessary for the purpose you are disclosing it. Also, consider who you are disclosing to. Make sure you send it to the people who can do something about it. 

Questions?

If you have any concerns or questions, please use AskUs, which has more than 600 privacy questions and answers, or call our enquiries line on 0800 803 909.

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Primary sector growth feeds trade surplus – Stats NZ media and information release: Overseas merchandise trade: April 2025

Source: Statistics New Zealand

Primary sector growth feeds trade surplus – 21 May 2025 – New Zealand’s merchandise trade surplus in April 2025 was $1.4 billion, compared with a deficit of $12 million in April 2024, according to figures released by Stats NZ today.

“New Zealand has had only four monthly surpluses over $1 billion. The last two were in 2020 and two out of the four were also in April months,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said.

“The overlap of the dairy and fruit industry seasons contributed to this high.”

The goods surplus is calculated by subtracting the value of goods imports from the value of goods exports. New Zealand imported $6.4 billion and exported $7.8 billion of goods in April 2025.

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Awards – Outstanding exporters to be recognised at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards

Source: EMA

Judges for the ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards have announced the finalists who will be honoured at the awards gala on Friday 18 July at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui. The awards, organised by the EMA, celebrate the exceptional achievements of Bay of Plenty businesses who are exporting goods and services to markets around the world.
The event is proudly supported by principal sponsor ASB, as well as Sharp Tudhope, Air NZ Cargo, Page Macrae, Zespri, and Orbit Travel, and supporting partners NZTE, Comvita and Port of Tauranga.
Winners announced at Awards Gala on 18  July, at Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
The success of each finalist will be celebrated at the 1920s-themed awards gala on 18 July, which promises to be a night of elegance, glamour and celebration, honouring the innovation and resilience of the region’s exporters. Gala tickets are available at ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards 2025 .
List of finalists – ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards
Finalists in the 2025 awards encompass a broad range of innovative businesses, showcasing the breadth and depth of exporting excellence in the Bay of Plenty region. These include heavy engineering and precision machine manufacturers, technology and software solution providers for the agricultural, health and legal sectors, as well as a manufacturer of kids’ cycling accessories. The finalists for the 2025 ExportNZ ASB Bay of Plenty Export Awards are:
  • Bluelab – a manufacturer of precision instruments for measuring pH, electrical conductivity and temperature in controlled agricultural environments.
  • Carepatron – a provider of a secure, cloud-based healthcare solution for practitioners to manage clients, appointments, payments, and records.
  • Kids Ride Shotgun – a designer and manufacturer of mountain bike seats and accessories for young children to enjoy biking with their families.
  • LawVu – a provider of a unified, cloud-based legal workspace, designed for in-house legal teams to efficiently manage matters, contracts, spend, documents, and reporting within a single, secure platform.
  • Medella Health – a developer of innovative wellness devices, including the Flowpresso therapy suit, which combines compression, deep pressure and thermo therapy.
  • Oasis Engineering – a manufacturer of high-pressure control devices for gases, such as hydrogen and compressed natural gas.
  • Plazmax – a designer and manufacturer of advanced computer numerical control (CNC) plasma cutting and robotic welding systems for precision engineering.
  • Rhino Manufacturing – an industry-leading supplier of parts for trucks and trailers; Rhino guards blend powerful performance with striking style.
  • Spida Machinery – a manufacturer of high-quality, precision machinery for the frame, truss, and building-component industries.
  • Trimax Mowing Systems – a designer and manufacturer of tractor-powered roller and flail mowers for commercial use.
The short-listed exporting companies will be judged over the following categories:
– Best Emerging Business (in partnership with Air New Zealand Cargo) – recognising businesses in the early stage of their international growth journey.
– Excellence in Innovation (in partnership with Page Macrae) – recognising success in the commercialisation of innovation in international markets, incorporating intellectual property, strategy, processes and monitoring.
– Exporter of the Year (in partnership with Sharpe Tudhope) – recognising the success of those businesses that are established in their international growth journey.
In addition, the Export Achievement Award (in partnership with Zespri) recognises an individual who has made a material contribution to the export success of a business. Finalists for this category are:
– Sarah Webb, LawVu
– Karl Stevenson, BlueLab
Finally, the Services to Export Award (in partnership with Orbit Travel) recognises an individual or business, who may or may not be directly involved with exporting, but has made a significant contribution to exporting success in the Bay of Plenty. Entry for this award is by nomination only, with the winner announced at the awards gala on 18 July.
Highlighting export innovation in Bay of Plenty
The awards are organised by the EMA on behalf of ExportNZ. EMA Chief Executive John Fraser-Mackenzie says, “We look forward to honouring these outstanding companies at this year’s awards gala on 18 July, which will harness the spirit of the ‘Roaring Twenties’.
“The awards celebrate the community of business, providing an opportunity for peer-to-peer networking and knowledge sharing among like-minded, export-oriented companies.”
Chair of the ExportNZ BoP Executive Committee Warwick Downing says, “These awards shine a well-deserved spotlight on the incredible exporters in the Bay of Plenty who work tirelessly to bring New Zealand products and services to the world.
“Equally important is the opportunity they provide to bring the exporting community together, to share stories, challenges, and insights that help drive the sector forward.”
Head of Trade Finance at ASB Bank Mike Atkins says, “We are excited to partner with ExportNZ to celebrate the export champions from the Bay of Plenty region.
“At ASB, we are passionate about enabling exporters to scale up, be it through working capital funding or other advisory initiatives across productivity, sustainability, clean tech, and food & fibre.”
Executive Director of ExportNZ Josh Tan says, “These awards are a recognition of the incredible mahi of exporters in the Bay of Plenty who continue to deliver excellence.
“The awards not only celebrate the individual enterprises, importantly they encourage a collaborative culture that nurtures exporting success across the region.”
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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.”