Employer Bulletins

The coalition Government is providing immediate relief to employers with upcoming seasonal peaks by creating a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). “We know in the coming months a number of sectors will need a significant number of additional workers to undertake key seasonal roles,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. “Alongside the changes to the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, we’re also making it easier for employers to access other e

The coalition Government is supporting the growth of New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries, by revitalising the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme and increasing the cap on the number of workers to 20,750 for the 2024/25 season. “Our Government is committed to increasing the number of RSE workers over time in line with industry demand, while balancing the availability of New Zealanders and accommodation for workers,” Immigration Minister Erica Stanford

Labour market statistics provide a picture of the New Zealand labour market, including unemployment and employment rates, demand for labour, and changes in wages and salaries. In the June 2024 quarter, compared with the March 2024 quarter, the: Unemployment rate was 4.6 percent, compared with 4.4 percent Underutilisation rate was 11.8 percent, up from 11.2 percent Employment rate remained at 68.4 percent. In the year to the June 2024 quarter: All salary and wage rates (includ

The cost of living for the average New Zealand household increased 5.4 percent in the 12 months to the June 2024 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ. The 5.4 percent increase, measured by the household living-costs price indexes (HLPIs), follows a 6.2 percent increase in the 12 months to the March 2024 quarter. The most recent high was 8.2 percent recorded in the 12 months to the December 2022 quarter. Meanwhile, inflation – as measured by the consumers price i

After receiving more than 740 submissions in the first 20 days, Regulation Minister David Seymour is asking the Ministry for Regulation to extend engagement on the early childhood education regulation review by an extra two weeks. “The level of interest has been very high… people are keen to have a bit more time to have their say,” says Mr Seymour. “Parents, teachers, centre owners, child advocacy groups, unions, research bodies, and others connected to the sector have all co

Wednesday’s Consumer Price Index data which has inflation at 3.3 percent for the year to July 2024, shows we are turning our economy around and winning the fight against rampant inflation, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. “While today’s data will be welcome news for Kiwis, I know many New Zealanders are still struggling with the ongoing cost of living crisis. Our work is not done and the Government are committed to rebuilding our economy so that workers, businesses and fa

The coalition Government is proud to announce the launch of its Climate Strategy, a comprehensive and ambitious plan aimed at reducing the impacts of climate change and preparing for its future effects, Climate Change Minister Simon Watts says. “The Strategy is built on five core pillars and underscores the Government’s commitment to delivering on our climate change goals,” Mr Watts says. The pillars are: Infrastructure is resilient and communities are well prepared Credible

Councils, iwi, businesses and community organisations with infrastructure projects that support regional priorities are invited to apply for funding from the Regional Infrastructure Fund. “The Coalition Government is focused on growing the economy. We are doing everything we can to enable an export-led recovery, regional prosperity and jobs,” Regional Development Minister Shane Jones says. The Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) will drive regional productivity, prosperity and

New Zealand’s total exports were valued at $7.2 billion in the May 2024 month, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. This is the first time that monthly exports have reached $7 billion. Trade values are not adjusted for price changes. The previous high for monthly exports was $6.95 billion in May 2023. “May months are typically a peak time for exports, being the height of the fruit season, and strong periods for meat, dairy, and vegetable exports,” international tr

A substantial consultation on work health and safety is now open. The Government want to start a conversation about New Zealand’s work health and safety regulatory system, particularly your experiences with it, how you think it’s working now, and what you think should change. They are interested in your feedback on the regulatory system - the law and regulations, the supporting information (e.g. guidance and approved codes of practice), the regulators, and the responsibilitie

Removing the ban on petroleum exploration beyond onshore Taranaki is part of a suite of proposed amendments to the Crown Minerals Act to deal with the energy security challenges posed by rapidly declining natural gas reserves, Resources Minister Shane Jones says. “When the exploration ban was introduced by the previous government in 2018, it not only halted the exploration needed to identify new sources, but it also shrank investment in further development of our known gas fi

The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden says this Government will improve the Holidays Act 2003 [the Act] with the help of businesses and workers who will be affected by changes to the Act. “Change has been a long time coming, and I know there are many who are frustrated with the Holidays Act. We need an Act that businesses can implement, and that makes it easy for workers to understand their entitlements. We need to do this once and do it right. “I

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon says Budget 2024 delivers on the Government’s promises, with savings across the public sector being reinvested in frontline services and meaningful tax reductions to support hard-working Kiwis. “This Budget is prudent and fiscally responsible. By identifying billions of dollars of lower-value spending across the public sector, we have both been able to deliver meaningful tax relief to support Kiwis with the cost of living and invest in key fro

The total volume of retail sales rose 0.5 percent in the March 2024 quarter, after adjusting for price inflation and seasonal effects, according to the latest figures released by Stats NZ. This followed falls in the previous eight quarters. “In the March quarter we saw a modest increase in retail activity, with growth across most industries,” business financial statistics manager Melissa McKenzie said. “This followed two years of declines.” Nine of the 15 retail industries ha

A year on from the tragedy at Loafers Lodge, the Government is working hard to improve building fire safety, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. “I want to share my sincere condolences with the families and friends of the victims on the anniversary of the tragic fire at Loafers Lodge, in which five people lost their lives and 20 others were injured. Nothing makes up for their loss and a year on it is still keenly felt,” Mr Penk says. “In response to the traged

WorkSafe has charged the Whangārei Boys High School Board of Trustees for health and safety failures related to the death of a student a year ago. 15-year-old Karnin Petera died on a school trip to Abbey Caves on 9 May 2023. “We acknowledge the profound impact of this tragedy on whānau, friends, and the wider community. A year on, our sympathy and thoughts are with all of those who knew and loved Karnin,” says WorkSafe’s Head of Inspectorate, Rob Pope. An extensive WorkSafe i

The coalition Government is refreshing its approach to supporting pay equity claims as time-limited funding for the Pay Equity Taskforce comes to an end, Public Service Minister Nicola Willis says. “Three years ago, the then-government introduced changes to the Equal Pay Act to support pay equity bargaining. The changes were supported by other parties in the House, including the National Party. At that time, the government established on a time-limited funding basis a pay equ

The coalition Government is delivering on its commitment to improve resource management laws and give greater certainty to consent applicants, with a Bill to amend the Resource Management Act (RMA) expected to be introduced to Parliament next month. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop has outlined the first RMA Amendment Bill which will make urgent changes to the resource management system. "RM Bill 1 focuses on targeted changes that can take effect quickly and give certainty to

Benefit figures released last week underscore the importance of the Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and have 50,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support, Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says. “Benefit numbers are still significantly higher than when National was last in government, when there was about 70,000 fewer people on Jobseeker Support. “The 187,986 people receiving a Jobseeker benefit is roughly the equivalent of Hamilton’s population… T

Trade and Agriculture Minister Hon Todd McClay will visit China, to strengthen relationships, support Kiwi exporters and promote New Zealand businesses on the world stage. “China is one of New Zealand’s most significant trade and economic relationships and remains an important destination for New Zealand’s products, accounting for nearly 22 per cent of our good and services exports in 2023,” Mr McClay said. "Growing our trade relationships and exports will boost New Zealand’s