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We support the intent of this Bill as it relates to amending the monetary thresholds and penalties for theft. In our view, it takes necessary and overdue steps to restore consequences for shoplifting and related offending, and better recognise the harm caused by aggressive shoplifting.

Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: The government will contract to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import facility in a critical step to strengthen New Zealand’s energy security and support economic growth, Energy Minister Simon Watts says. The decision follows extensive analysis and the first stage of procurement. “New Zealand is experiencing a renewable electricity boom, but a rapidly declining gas supply has left our electricity sector exposed dur

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce has welcomed Mayor Andrew Little’s commitment to reduce Wellington’s commercial rates differential and to pursue sector-specific advisory councils, describing the announcements made yesterday at a sold-out Chamber event, as a significant pro-business signal from the new Mayor. Wellington Chamber CEO Hayley Horan says this represents a pivotal moment for Wellington’s business community. "For years we have urged a fairer commercial rates s

Here's what is leading the news for employers this week: WorkSafe has updated its enforcement policies and processes to give businesses more clarity about how it makes enforcement decisions and allow them to address and remedy safety issues faster, Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Brooke van Velden announced. “On my health and safety roadshow I heard concerns about WorkSafe’s approach to enforcement. In particular that WorkSafe can be heavy-handed in punishment wh

Total exports were valued at $80.7 billion in the year ended December 2025, according to figures released by Stats NZ. “This is the first time that annual exports have reached $80 billion,” international accounts spokesperson Viki Ward said. The value of total exports in the year ended December 2025 increased by $9.9 billion (14 percent), compared with December 2024. In today’s Bulletin: Employer successfully appeals finding of constructive dismissal Issuing trespass notice f

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has announced that the 2026 General Election will be held on Saturday 7 November. “Continuing the recent tradition of announcing the election date early in the year ensures New Zealanders have certainty,” Mr Luxon says. “Kiwis can also have certainty that our government will continue governing throughout the year to deliver on our plan to fix the basics and build the future." “When we took office, the country was going in the wrong direction,

After a tough few years, Wellington has a golden opportunity to receive billions in Government infrastructure spending to improve our roading network. New tunnels at Mt Victoria and the Terrace along with Basin Reserve improvements and four-lanes on sections of SH1 have been desperately needed for decades. These chokepoints were never built to handle our current population and clog our city, economy and neighbourhoods. So what are the benefits to Wellington from NZTA’s propos

Following a comprehensive financial review and audit, Business Central has released its annual results for the 12 months ending 30 June 2025.The review for the year just concluded, included prior-period adjustments for the previous financial year, to ensure accuracy and transparency. One key adjustment involved reclassifying $800,000 of international trading revenue that had previously been recognised in FY23/24. This change followed expert advice and a review of revenue reco

Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today set the scope of the country’s investment agency, Invest New Zealand, announcing strategic growth areas and launching three investment prospectuses. “New Zealand has underachieved in attracting foreign investment, and this dedicated agency is key to us achieving more. More capital means stronger business, more jobs and a growing economy,” Mr McClay says. New Zealand’s stock of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) amounts to 37%

Applications are now open for the Business Investor Visa, a new immigration pathway designed to attract experienced businesspeople who want to invest in and grow established businesses in New Zealand. The Business Investor Visa offers that applicants invest $1 million in an existing business for a three-year work-to-residence pathway, or $2 million for a 12-month fast-track. “We want to help keep businesses going where New Zealand business owners look to retire,” Immigration

Minister for Trade and Investment; and Agriculture, Todd McClay, has cautiously welcomed the United States announcement this week removing the additional reciprocal tariffs on a range of New Zealand agricultural products, including beef, offal, and kiwifruit. These products represent around 25% of our exports to the United States, worth approximately NZ$2.21 billion annually.“The US remains an important trade partner for New Zealand and the decision to lift these tariffs is a

Up to $450 million of new deals and partnerships were concluded this week at the China International Import Expo (CIIE), Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has announced. More than 20 Memorandums of Understanding and supply agreements between New Zealand and Chinese companies were signed during Mr McClay’s visit to CIIE. More than 80 New Zealand companies participated from a diverse array of sectors. “The new ‘Grass-Fed’ standard is one example of this government suppo

In the September 2025 quarter: the unemployment rate was 5.3% the employment rate was 66.6% annual wage inflation was 2.1% average ordinary time hourly earnings were $43.60. “The unemployment rate has been over 5% for the last four quarters. The last time that the unemployment rate was 5.3% was in the December 2016 quarter,” labour market spokesperson Jason Attewell says. There were 160,000 unemployed people in the September 2025 quarter, as measured by the Household Labour F

European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay have adopted a joint declaration to focus on reducing costs and boosting bilateral trade, during the inaugural NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting hosted by New Zealand in Queenstown. Commissioner Šefčovič has completed his first visit to New Zealand to join Minister McClay at a NZ-EU Business Summit attended by 500 New Zealand and European businesses. “The EU is one of New Zealand’s mo

The Wellington Chamber of Commerce congratulates Mayor Andrew Little and all newly elected members of the Wellington City Council, following the official swearing in of the new Council today.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s consumers price index (CPI) increased 3.0 percent in the 12 months to the September 2025 quarter, according to figures released by Stats NZ today. The 3.0 percent increase follows a 2.7 percent increase in the 12 months to the June 2025 quarter. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s target band for the annual inflation rate is 1 to 3 percent. “The 3.0 percent annual inflation rate in the September 2025 quarter is the highest since the June 2024 quarter when

The contributions of some of Wellington’s most prominent businesspeople were celebrated last night at the 2025 Wellington Address, hosted at Pipitea Marae. For the third-year running, the event recognised the mahi and relentless energy of three individuals and one business who have made outstanding contributions to our city. They are people who inspire others and help Wellington’s business community prosper and thrive. This year saw the beginning of a new era for The Wellingt

The government welcomes new data showing a healthy growth in international visitor numbers and improved confidence across the tourism industry. “International tourism, as New Zealand’s second highest export earner, is a key part of our economic recovery,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “So, it is great to see that international visitor arrivals in August were up 7.5% from the same time last year. With summer around the corner, we are making steady progr

Business Central and the Wellington Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce the appointment of Hayley Horan as its Chief Executive Officer, effective 10 November. As CEO, Ms Horan will lead the organisation’s strategic direction, member engagement, and policy influence. Ms Horan is a seasoned executive with a demonstrated history of bringing together business, government, and education to build more connected and resilient regional economies. Ms Horan has extensive networ

New Zealand businesses will have a better shot at winning government contracts as a result of changes to government procurement rules, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says. “The new rules agreed to by Cabinet will take effect on 1 December. “More than 900 submissions were received during consultation on the new rules earlier this year,” Ms Willis says. “Businesses shared that the lack of weighting for New Zealand’s interests in the evaluation criteria was holding them