AM Edition: Here are the top 10 politics articles on LiveNews.co.nz for September 19, 2026 – Full Text
1. NGOS CALL FOR URGENT ACTION TO PASS MODERN SLAVERY BILL BEFORE THE ELECTION
September 18, 2026
Source: World Vision
New Zealand humanitarian organisations and others have joined forces to sign an open letter calling on Parliament to pass the Modern Slavery Bill before the November election.
The agencies, including World Vision, Tearfund, the Council for International Development, ECPAT, Hagar NZ, the Oceania Freedom Network, and the Council for Trade Unions, are calling for the Bill to be passed before Parliament rises for the final time on September 24.
World Vision’s Head of Advocacy and Justice, Rebekah Armstrong, says the Bill was not prioritised on Parliament’s final Members’ Day and now risks lapsing.
“The Modern Slavery Bill needs to be prioritised if it is going to pass before the election. We’re calling on the government to carve out time to pass the Bill which will help to curb the exploitation and slavery of more than 50 million men, women, and children around the world, including 8,000 right here in New Zealand.
“Passing this Bill is unquestionably the right thing to do, and that is demonstrated by the fact it has strong cross-party support in Parliament. The only thing holding this Bill back is Parliamentary time, and the government can easily address this.” she says.
Armstrong warns that if the Bill is not passed in this term of government, it could lapse and while it could be reinstated in the next Parliament, that isn’t guaranteed.
Tearfund New Zealand’s Head of Advocacy, Claire Gray, says the urgency is about people.
“Behind the products we buy are people whose freedom and dignity matter. Every delay in tackling modern slavery carries a human cost.
“Businesses, communities and politicians across party lines have come together to support this Bill. That progress deserves to be matched by action. We urge the Government to make time to pass the Bill before the election. We cannot let the clock run out on years of work and an opportunity to make a real difference.”
The Bill represents five years of collective advocacy across the humanitarian, civil society and business sectors and has strong public support. Armstrong says it has been an extraordinary example of cross-party collaboration with the Bill being jointly sponsored by National MP Greg Fleming and Labour MP Camilla Belich. It was historically the first bill introduced using the joint-sponsorship mechanism under Standing Order 288.
“We’re asking the government to show that it truly understands the collaborative nature of Parliament and that it recognises that New Zealanders want their MPs to work together on issues of importance like modern slavery. The government needs to prioritise passing this Bill.”
The open letter is being released on social media so that organisations and businesses can endorse and share through their own social channels. World Vision and Tearfund are calling on New Zealanders to show their support by sharing the open letter on social media and adding their voice to the call for Parliament to prioritise passing the Modern Slavery Bill before the election.
A timeline of advocacy for a Modern Slavery Act
- March 2021: 100 businesses sign an open letter calling for modern slavery legislation.
- June 2021: World Vision and Trade Aid delivered a 37,000-strong petition to the Government.
- July 2021: The Labour Government establishes the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group (MSLAG) to support and inform the development of an effective regulatory regime in New Zealand.
- April 2022: The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment solicits public submissions on a proposal for modern slavery legislation. More than 5,000 submissions were made with 90% in support.
- September 2022: The Labour Government releases the feedback which showed widespread support from New Zealand businesses and individuals to introduce law to address modern slavery.
- June 2022: When interviewed as leader of the opposition, Christopher Luxon says that an issue he would march in the streets for is modern slavery legislation.
- March 2023: An independent poll finds that 81% of New Zealanders support legislation to verify the absence of modern slavery in supply chains.
- July 2023: The Labour Government announces that modern slavery legislation will be drafted requiring businesses to publicly report on modern slavery risks.
- May 2024: The National Coalition Government disestablished the Modern Slavery Leadership Advisory Group (MSLAG).
- April 2024: When questioned about modern slavery legislation, Minister van Velden and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said this was not a current priority for the Government.
- June 2024: Camilla Belich, Labour spokesperson for Workplace Relations and Safety questioned Minister van Velden on modern slavery at Parliament question time. Minister van Velden reiterated that modern slavery legislation is currently not a priority for the Government.
- December 2024: World Vision NZ’s Rebekah Armstrong, barrister Jacob Parry, and ANZ’s ESG Lead Rebecca Kingi co-drafted the Modern Slavery and Trafficking Expert Practitioners (MSTEP) Modern Slavery Bill.
- December 2024: The Labour Party issued a media release expressing its support for modern slavery legislation and calling on National to back it as well.
- April 2025: National MP Greg Fleming lodged the Modern Slavery Reporting Bill as a Private Member’s Bill, focused on business reporting obligations. This complemented his Increasing Penalties for Slavery Offences Bill, currently before Select Committee.
- June 2025, Labour MP Camilla Belich lodged a Modern Slavery Bill. This bill introduces similar business reporting requirements but is more comprehensive including updates to the Crimes Act stronger provisions for victim protection and support and the establishment of an Anti-Slavery Commissioner.
- August 2025: The Minister of Justice announced plans to amend the Crimes Act to strengthen laws against trafficking, including many provisions recommended in the MSTEP Bill. World Vision launched its campaign urging politicians to work together utilising the rule of 61.
- September 2025: 28 signatories, representing institutional investors and New Zealand businesses accounting for more than NZD 215 billion, released an open letter calling for urgent action on modern slavery legislation.
- September 2025: The Government introduced the Adoption Amendment Bill to prevent trafficking and unsafe adoptions, signalling willingness to strengthen New Zealand’s response to modern slavery and trafficking.
- December 2025- both member bills were removed from the ballot.
- January 2026 joint modern slavery bill introduced.
- April 2026: Modern Slavery Bill passes its first reading in Parliament with the support of 112 MPs.
- May 2026: The Education and Workforce Select Committee calls for public submissions on the Modern Slavery Bill
- August 2026: The Education and Workforce Select Committee recommends the Modern Slavery Bill be passed at its second readin.
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2. Modernising the Public Works Act
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Minister for Land Information Hon Mike Butterick has welcomed the Public Works Amendment Bill passing its third reading in Parliament tonight.
The Public Works Act enables central and local government and infrastructure providers to acquire land that is needed for infrastructure development. This includes roads as well as public facilities, energy transmission and railways.
“The Public Works Act has not been substantially updated since 1988 and has not kept pace with modern infrastructure development practices,” Mr Butterick says.
“The processes currently required under the Public Works Act are long, slow, and complex for both government and landowners to navigate, resulting in unnecessary delays, additional costs and uncertainty for everyone involved.
“The Public Works Amendment Bill streamlines and clarifies processes to better reflect modern infrastructure development practices, while maintaining protections and safeguards for landowners.
“These law changes will help New Zealand develop the infrastructure we need to boost our economy and move our country forward.”
The preferred way to acquire land for public works is always through a negotiated agreement. The amendments which have passed include changes to support fair and effective compensation for landowners. A new incentive payment for landowners of 10% of the land’s value has been introduced to encourage early agreement to sell, along with increases in payments that recognise the disruption landowners experience.
The changes streamline and improve objection processes to make sure they are more efficient and focused on the land being taken rather than the overall project. The amended law will allow for coordinated land acquisition for connected projects rather than forcing different agencies to run separate processes.
There will also be a faster process that can be used as part of an emergency recovery, while still protecting the interests of landowners.
“Feedback through the Select Committee Process helped to shape this legislation, and I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the process” Mr Butterick says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/modernising-the-public-works-act/
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3. Move on, or face the consequences
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Police can soon issue move-on orders to people being disorderly in public places with legislation passing its final reading in Parliament today, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
“Move-on orders are going to reclaim our streets and town squares for the enjoyment of those who visit, work and live there.
“Businesses, residents and visitors are paying the price for unprecedented levels of disruption. Many are just trying to make a living, but have to face people camped outside their store, day in day out.
“We have many tools to help those who are in need, including access to one of the most generous welfare systems in the world. What we don’t have are effective tools to deal with disorderly behaviour.
“Move-on orders do not criminalise homelessness. They simply provide Police with an additional tool to deal with people displaying disorderly behaviour in public places. Only people who refuse those orders will face prosecution. A move-on order is not a criminal charge.
“New Zealanders are fair-minded people, and our culture is one where we seek to help those who are in need. But that doesn’t mean we should accept our city centres, particularly our showcase tourist spots, as places of intimidation and dysfunction.
“Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and building a future where everyone feels safe to visit, work and live in our central cities.”
Under this legislation Police will have the power to issue move-on orders to people who are:
- Begging that unreasonably interferes with the use or enjoyment of a public place.
- Rough sleeping.
- Displaying disorderly, disruptive, threatening or intimidating behaviour.
- Obstructing or impeding someone entering a business.
- Breaching the peace.
- Behaviour indicating an intent to inhabit a public place.
These orders will:
- Apply to people aged 18 or older.
- Require a person to leave a specified area for a specified amount of time, up to 24 hours. However, a person issued a move-on order for begging or rough sleeping can return to the area so long as they do not do any of the behaviours prohibited by the Bill.
- Require a person to move on a reasonable distance from the area, as specified by the constable.
- Be issued in writing or electronically, as is operationally appropriate.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/move-on-or-face-the-consequences/
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4. Anti-stalking law proving highly successful
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government’s new anti-stalking law is proving to be highly successful with police taking over 1,000 actions in just over three months, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Police Minister Mark Mitchell say.
Police have laid 140 charges before the Courts and issued 918 notices under the new stalking and harassment legislation since it came into effect on 26 May.
“These results demonstrate the tough new reality stalkers are facing – one where there are real consequences for their actions,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Our government has sent a very clear message – this behaviour has to stop. If it continues, stalkers will face the full force of the law, including up to five years in prison.
“For too long this insidious behaviour went unpunished, yet victims were left with often long-term side effects. Our government is committed to fixing the basics in law and order, and this is a prime example of a gap in the law which made no sense,” Mr Goldsmith says.
“Stalking and harassment is a sinister act that can have immense psychological and emotional harm on victims. Passing this new law has sent a short and sharp message to stalkers – expect consequences,” Mr Mitchell says.
“I want to acknowledge our Police officers for the work they have done since the law came into force. With these new powers at their disposal, Police have swung into gear immediately to intervene, hold offenders to account, and help protect people who are subjected to this atrocious behaviour.
“Those who engage in stalking and harassment can expect Police action. This behaviour is unacceptable and can have serious consequences for victims and their families,” Mr Mitchell says.
For more information on stalking and harassment and information to support victims, go to: https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/info-factsheet-people-being-stalked.pdf
Police will continue to monitor implementation of the legislation and work closely with staff and partners to ensure it is well embedded and achieving its intent of improving safety and protection for victims.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/anti-stalking-law-proving-highly-successful/
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5. Opportunity climate policy a step in the right direction – Greenpeace
September 18, 2026
Source: Greenpeace
Greenpeace Aotearoa has welcomed Opportunity’s new climate policy, pointing to its promise to cut agricultural methane as a vital step toward tackling New Zealand’s biggest source of pollution.
Opportunity pledges to align methane targets with the independent scientific advice of the Climate Change Commission, reversing controversial rollbacks on agribusiness emissions.
Greenpeace spokesperson Rhiannon Mackie says cutting methane is the fastest way to slow down climate disruption, calling it our emergency brake as the world is on track to blow past the 1.5 degree safe threshold.
“Opportunity is on the right track by promising to tackle the outsized climate pollution from New Zealand’s biggest emitter: the agricultural sector.”
“Right now, New Zealand is scraping the bottom of the barrel when it comes to climate action. This Government has refused to take action to reduce emissions from the agricultural industry, and at their request, has weakened our methane targets in line with the unscientific principle of No Additional Warming.”
“This policy from Opportunity is a step in the right direction, and it’s needed. Methane acts like a super-heating blanket over the planet, but cutting methane emissions now has the power to bring down global heating within our lifetimes.”
“It is the emergency brake that offers a lifeline for future generations.”
However, Mackie warns the party to avoid the traps that derailed past attempts to regulate dairy and intensive farming.
“Good intentions aren’t enough when you’re dealing with agribusiness lobbyists. The last government tried to work in partnership with the industry through He Waka Eke Noa, trusting them to help design a solution. The industry simply dragged its feet until it could see a government change on the horizon – and then walked away completely.
“It’s been more than 20 years since Helen Clark first tried to introduce a price on agribusiness emissions. Yet New Zealand’s biggest polluters still pay nothing for their greenhouse gases.”
The policy package released today outlined Opportunity’s entire climate action policy, and Greenpeace says it is concerned about a proposed billion dollar transition fund for industry users of coal and gas, as well as plans to establish a new methane pricing model.
Instead of allowing more years of delay by designing a new trade system for farming emissions, Greenpeace is urging Opportunity to stick to the tool we already have: bringing agriculture directly into the existing Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
“We are seeing the consequences of an unstable climate play out in real time with extreme heatwaves causing death and failed harvests, alongside deadly floods,” says Mackie.
“Opportunity has shown the courage to name the problem. It remains to be seen whether this crop of candidates from outside Parliament have the political grit to stand up to lobbyists, and hold the most powerful polluters in the country accountable for their role in the climate crisis.”
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6. Faster and fairer retirement village repayments
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
The Government is strengthening protections for retirement village residents through faster repayments, earlier access to money, fairer contracts and stronger minimum standards, Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka says.
“We have listened carefully to older Kiwis and their whānau, and we are acting.
“The maximum repayment period will be shortened from the 12 months we had initially indicated to nine months, and operators will have to pay a resident who is moving 10 per cent of their net termination proceeds within four weeks rather than interest after six months.
“We’re strengthening it because older Kiwis told us the balance needed to shift further towards residents.
“They told us 12 months was still too long and that interest after six months would not provide meaningful help when money was needed most. We listened and strengthened the package.”
The automatic 10 per cent payment will replace the previously announced interest requirement.
“This is a simpler and stronger package that gets meaningful money into residents’ hands sooner,” Mr Potaka says.
A resident buying an average-priced retirement village villa in 2028/2029 could expect the initial 10 percent payment to be around $60,000 when they move out.
“That is real money when someone is moving into aged care or another home and is facing immediate costs,” Mr Potaka says.
“It will give older Kiwis and their whānau money sooner, and certainty about when the rest will arrive.”
The Government considered calls for a three-month repayment deadline but modelling found this could require the sector to hold or have access to between $3.2 billion and $4.1 billion and, crucially, could add up to about $118,000 to the cost of entering a village if all costs were passed on to residents.
“I looked closely at the three-month option, but the evidence is clear. It could get one person paid faster by making the next pay considerably more,” Mr Potaka says.
“I will not make a promise that sounds good but risks unnecessary higher costs, reduced services or fewer choices for older Kiwis.
“Nine months strikes a fair and responsible balance. It gets residents their money sooner while protecting the affordability and viability of retirement village living.”
The Government will also retain the hardship pathway and other agreed exit protections for residents, including stopping weekly fees and fixed deductions after an occupation right agreement ends.
“Operators will still have to take all reasonable steps to enter into a new occupation right agreement for a former resident’s unit in a timely manner and at the best price reasonably obtainable. They will also be required to provide regular updates and obtain a valuation if the unit has not been relicensed after six months.
A more efficient and effective dispute resolution system will be introduced for cases where operators are not meeting their obligations.”
The 10 per cent upfront payment requirement will not apply to villages with fewer than 50 units – which is about 10 per cent of all villages. Exemptions will also apply where the resident controls the sale and price, the outgoing resident or their estate receives at least half of the capital gain, or the village is in receivership.
The Retirement Villages Amendment Bill will be introduced in the next Parliamentary term, and the new repayment requirements will apply to occupation right agreements signed one year after the legislation comes into force.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/faster-and-fairer-retirement-village-repayments/
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7. Reforming food safety requirements for hospitality sector
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
Regulation Minister David Seymour and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today announced the next steps in the implementation of the Ministry for Regulation’s Hospitality Sector Review.
“Red tape isn’t neutral, it’s a tax on growth. If we are going to unlock New Zealand’s potential, we need to cut red tape and let businesses get on with business,” Mr Seymour says.
“The Review found businesses are struggling with red tape and the associated compliance costs, because most food safety regulations are treated as one-size-fits-all. One business told the review that it was becoming a full-time job to complete the paperwork associated with food safety compliance, and for all that paperwork.
“That’s why we’re fixing it. The Government has accepted seven recommendations to make food safety rules within the hospitality sector proportionate to the actual risk of an issue arising. We need to stop treating small hospitality businesses as though they are fine dining restaurants with large scale commercial kitchens.
“The hospitality sector is a cornerstone of New Zealand’s economy. It’s high time the Government showed it; by being a good host and getting out of the way.”
The Review recommended:
- moving some lower-risk hospitality businesses into lower-risk food safety categories
- creating a simpler, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan, including reducing record-keeping requirements
- review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly
- removing recurring registration renewals
- extending verification (compliance monitoring) periods for high-performing businesses
- allowing food truck compliance checks to be recognised across different council boundaries
- improving fee-setting arrangements through setting more specific and comprehensive principles for setting fees
“Businesses say that record‑keeping and other requirements aren’t aligned to actual harm, and that registration and renewals are slow and confusing. They also say compliance monitoring and enforcement are heavy‑handed for the risk involved, and that fees are often too high, inconsistently tied to risk, and still don’t cover regulators’ costs,” Mr Hoggard says.
“Today is a good day for the hospitality sector. The Government has accepted all but one of the Review’s recommendations to reform food safety requirements in the hospitality sector. I expect these changes to be in force as soon as practicable.
“We will put hospitality businesses into food safety categories which are proportionate to the level of risk they operate with. Low risk small cafes might fall into the low-risk category, whereas a large scale catering company might fall into the higher-risk category.
“We will also create a simple, hospitality-specific Food Control Plan and reduce record-keeping requirements where they don’t contribute to food safety.
“We will remove recurring registration renewals, extend verification periods for high‑performing businesses, recognise food truck compliance checks across council boundaries, review and update the full suite of operational policies and guidance to regulators to be simpler and more user-friendly, and tighten fee‑setting by requiring clear, specific principles that link fees to risk, efficiency, and transparency.
“We are going to make it simpler and more efficient for businesses to demonstrate they are meeting the right standards for their size and risk.”
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/reforming-food-safety-requirements-for-hospitality-sector/
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8. Seven Civil Society Organisations Launch Citizens’ Observer Group (COG) to Support Domestic Election Observation in Fiji
September 18, 2026
Source: International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) and Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)
18 September 2026, 11:00 AM
Suva Business Centre, 217 Victoria Parade
Seven civil society organisations in Fiji signed a Memorandum of Understanding today establishing the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG), a national coalition that will support credible, professional and non-partisan domestic election observation in Fiji. The initiative seeks to strengthen electoral transparency, citizen participation and public confidence.
The founding members of COG are:
- Caritas Fiji
- Centre for Democracy and Dialogue (CDD), formerly Dialogue Fiji
- femLINKpacific (femLINK)
- Fiji Women’s Rights Movement (FWRM)
- Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP)
- Social Economic Empowerment Programme (SEEP)
- Transparency International Fiji
The establishment of COG marks a significant step towards a coordinated, nationally owned and non-partisan framework for domestic election observation, bringing together organisations with diverse expertise, constituencies and community networks to support citizen participation and electoral transparency throughout the electoral cycle.
The initiative responds to a formal request from the Government of Fiji to the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA) for support in organising and preparing local election observers for Fiji’s future General Elections. International IDEA welcomes the request as a reflection of the strong partnership between Fiji and International IDEA under the Host Country Agreement, and of Fiji’s commitment to democratic governance, electoral integrity and citizen participation.
Domestic election observation enables trained citizens and civil society organisations to assess electoral processes independently, impartially and on the basis of evidence, promoting transparency and citizen engagement while respecting the legal mandates of electoral institutions.
As an intergovernmental organisation, International IDEA does not undertake election observation. Instead, its role is to provide technical assistance, capacity building and comparative international experience, while COG will independently determine its governance, activities, findings and public reporting.
Following the signing of the MoU, COG members will begin developing governance arrangements, observer standards, training programmes, observation methodologies and operational procedures for future domestic election observation activities. International IDEA will support this process through technical assistance, capacity building and comparative international experience, drawing on lessons from other regions, including Mozambique, where it supported civil society partners with observer training, methodology development and coordination support. The coalition will promote professionalism, impartiality, integrity and inclusion across its work.
The establishment of COG is an important step towards a sustainable domestic election observation mechanism for Fiji. Engagement with development partners and other stakeholders will be key to building capacity, supporting observer training and strengthening confidence in Fiji’s electoral processes.
Quote from International IDEA
Leena Rikkilä Tamang, Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific, International IDEA, said:
“The signing of this MoU marks an important milestone in a longer-term process of building credible and sustainable domestic election observation capacity in Fiji. This effort will require collaboration among civil society organisations, government institutions and development partners, and International IDEA looks forward to contributing its technical expertise.”
Quote from the Citizens’ Observer Group
Florence Swamy, Executive Director, Pacific Center for Peacebuilding, speaking on behalf of the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG), said:
“COG brings together organisations with different expertise and community connections but a common commitment to credible, peaceful and inclusive electoral processes. Through collaboration, training and shared standards, we aim to contribute positively to public confidence in Fiji’s democracy.”
About the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)
The Citizens’ Observer Group (COG) is a coalition of seven civil society organisations promoting credible, inclusive and non-partisan domestic election observation through professional observation, evidence-based reporting and constructive engagement.
About International IDEA
International IDEA is an intergovernmental organisation that supports sustainable democracy worldwide. In the Pacific, International IDEA works with governments, electoral management bodies, parliaments, political parties and civil society organisations to strengthen democratic institutions, improve electoral processes and promote inclusive political participation.
Event Details
Event: Signing of the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG) Memorandum of Understanding
Hosted by: International IDEA and the Citizens’ Observer Group (COG)
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9. More local support for people experiencing homelessness
September 18, 2026
Source: New Zealand Government
More support is on the way for people experiencing homelessness, with the Government strengthening local services in Lower Hutt, Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei, says Associate Housing Minister Tama Potaka.
The more than $1 million investment will boost existing short-term homelessness services in Lower Hutt and establish new services in Hamilton, Upper Hutt and Whangārei.
“Homelessness has been a problem in New Zealand for decades. We have a broken housing system that is more severe in challenging economic times.
“Earlier this year, we announced an additional $14.5 million for short-term actions to support people sleeping rough.
“That funding expanded outreach and support services across New Zealand, while continuing proven initiatives already helping people in our main centres.
“This latest investment builds on that work. It will mean more people sleeping rough can be reached, supported and connected with a pathway into stable housing.
“These communities have unmet need and local providers ready to get help to people quickly.”
“We have already seen the difference these services can make when people are connected quickly with accommodation and the support they need.
“We know homelessness goes beyond just a house. It can involve challenges with health, employment, addiction, family relationships or access to services.
“Local organisations understand their communities and know how to reach people who may otherwise fall through the gaps.
“This funding backs those frontline providers to deliver practical support and improve outcomes for individuals and whānau.
“Our Government is delivering more homes and backing the local services that help people move off the streets and into stable housing,” Mr Potaka says.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/09/18/more-local-support-for-people-experiencing-homelessness/
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10. Consumer NZ slams government’s retirement village announcement
September 18, 2026
Source: Consumer NZ
18 September 2026
Consumer NZ says the government’s decision to set a nine-month deadline for retirement villages to repay residents shows it has caved to business lobbying.
At present, there is no deadline for retirement villages to pay back residents who are leaving. The government initially announced it would introduce a 12-month deadline, while Consumer has advocated strongly for a deadline of three months.
“More than 41,000 people signed our petition calling for a three-month repayment timeframe for all residents leaving a village,” says Consumer chief executive Jon Duffy.
“The retirement village sector is a multi-billion-dollar industry. The government has effectively ignored the voice of the people in favour of big business.
“At first glance, setting a nine-month repayment period appears to be progress, when compared with the initial proposal of 12 months. But this is equivalent to putting a ribbon on a donkey and calling it a stallion.”
Consumer is concerned that villages will treat the nine-month repayment timeframe as a target, rather than striving to pay exiting residents back as soon as possible. In practice, this could result in worse outcomes for residents than under the existing system.
“Currently, most exiting residents are repaid within seven to eight months, which shows the sector can move quicker than what the government is proposing,” Duffy says.
“Today’s announcement risks most residents waiting for nine months. We think this announcement will lead to more people waiting longer to get their own money back.”
Earlier this year, Consumer’s petition was accepted by Ingrid Leary, Labour spokesperson for seniors. At that time, Labour leader Chris Hipkins announced that if elected, Labour would change the law to ensure all retirement village residents would get their money back within three months of departure, and that the law changes would apply to all existing residents and contracts – not just future ones.
“Labour laid down the gauntlet, and the current government failed to pick it up,” Duffy says. “Today’s announcement will cost our retirement village residents, future and present.”
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