Source: Radio New Zealand
From next month, two Hamilton stores will set up the technology to test safeguards are working properly. RNZ / Richard Tindiller
Bunnings Warehouse will introduce facial recognition technology (FRT) in its stores across the country in a bid to crack down on high-value theft and serious harm.
From next month, two Hamilton stores will set up the technology to test safeguards are working properly, and it will then be rolled out across the country.
Bunnings manager Melissa Haines said the scale of retail crime was growing, particularly when it came to threatening behaviour by repeat offenders, and showing no sign of stopping.
“Our number one priority is keeping team and customers safe, and we believe that FRT can play an important role in helping to protect people from violence, abuse and intimidation in our stores by repeat offenders.
“The scale of retail crime in New Zealand is accelerating and shows no signs of stopping.”
She said the company had “undertaken a thorough assessment process, with privacy, safety and community expectations at the forefront, and we are taking a phased approach to get this right”.
“FRT gives us a proactive warning when a serious repeat offender enters the store, so we can act before something happens. It adds one more layer to the safety tools we are already using, such as security guards, team member training, body-worn cameras and serious incident response processes.”
Last year three Christchurch supermarkets began trialling FRT, like Bunnings citing regular offenders. Operator Foodstuffs South Island said it would not be used on teenagers, despite people under 18 making up more than half of those deemed a problem.
A study in 2024 found it reduced serious harm in supermarkets by 16 percent.
The Privacy Commissioner in 2025 said facial recognition technology in retail outlets had potential safety benefits, despite raising significant privacy concerns.
Police have been using the technology for years.
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– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
