Changes to SafePlus online self-assessment tool coming soon

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February 27, 2025

Source: Worksafe New Zealand

27 February 2025

From April there will be a new way of doing a SafePlus self-assessment.

The current SafePlus online tool is at the end of its life and would require significant resource to rebuild.

It is being replaced with downloadable questions – in multiple languages – that can be used much more flexibly as a paper-based survey or in any online survey tool (at the user’s cost).

Registered users of the online tool have been contacted to let them know that no new assessments using the current tool can be started after 11 April 2025.

Those who have run a previous assessment using the tool can access their data and reports until 12 June 2025. After 12 June 2025, the personal data put into the tool by users will be destroyed, to meet Privacy Act requirements.

See our FAQs for more information(external link) including data export instructions.

From April the survey questions and a results calculator will be available to download from the SafePlus section of the WorkSafe website. Businesses can use the questions either as a paper-based survey, or in their own choice of online survey platform.

They are the same questions currently used in the online tool. The questions were developed using the SafePlus framework. They focus on three key areas of health and safety – leadership, worker engagement, and risk management.

Businesses can use their workers’ responses to the questions to calculate a SafePlus health and safety maturity rating in the three key areas, and they can repeat the survey to see their progress year on year.

WorkSafe will not have access to the data. The questions and results calculator are downloadable files, so the business using them will save them in their own system. This means all data will remain with the business itself.

Providing the survey questions for businesses to pick up and use means more flexibility to run their own surveys using their own choice of survey tool. The new way of providing the survey questions also means we can incorporate user-requested enhancements to provide a paper-based option for completing surveys and translation of the questions into multiple languages.

The survey questions and results calculator will be free to use. However, WorkSafe will no longer provide the survey functionality, so if a business decides to use an online survey tool then that may have some cost to them to use.

Onsite assessments by independent SafePlus assessors are also available.

You can find out more on the SafePlus section of the WorkSafe website

We aim to make it easy for businesses to do regular self-assessments of their health and safety environment to identify areas they can improve.

We would like to thank everyone who has used the SafePlus online tool to help keep people healthy and safe at work.

Going for Growth: Multi-million dollar benefits possible for farmers and growers

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Regulation Minister David Seymour, Environment Minister Penny Simmonds and Food Safety Minister Andrew Hoggard have today released the Ministry for Regulation’s recommendations to cut red tape on products used by the agriculture and horticulture sectors.
“HSNO and ACVM products used to manage animals and plants like veterinary medicines and agrichemicals are absolutely critical for farmers and growers. Technological developments in these products can be the difference between surviving, or thriving,” Mr Seymour says.
“Some farmers and growers told us they had waited over five years for their applications for new products to be approved by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). That’s completely unacceptable and it’s costing the economy millions in lost productivity.
“The Government is cutting red tape to ensure farmers and growers can quickly access the high-quality products they need so we can grow the economy.
“Faster access to new products for farmers and growers will lift primary sector productivity and growth.
“The review found that halving approval times for new products is estimated to generate benefits of $272 million over 20 years for New Zealand farmers and growers.
“Cabinet has accepted all 16 recommendations, including:

Setting targets to accelerate assessments and reduce application queues
Increasing the use of HSNO rapid pathways, ACVM registration exemptions and self-assessments for appropriate applications
Reducing ACVM efficacy requirements for inhibitors to the minimum required to manage risk
Using international regulators’ assessments to save time
Exploring a strategic pathway for priority products
Updating EPA’s outdated risk assessment models.

Minister for the Environment Penny Simmonds says the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has already been working to improve the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) system.
“This has included looking to appoint additional staff in the hazardous substances applications area, creating a prioritisation framework for the approval queue and developing new group standards for low-risk hazardous substances,” Minister Simmonds says.
“These are good first steps to help achieve some of the review recommendations, and I expect improvements to continue at pace.”
Minister for Food Safety Andrew Hoggard says the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will be addressing review recommendations as part of a wider Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines (ACVM) Modernisation work programme.
“Eight out of the 13 recommendations that are applicable to MPI are already in progress or can start now,” Minister Hoggard says.
“MPI has been extremely proactive, working alongside the Ministry for Regulation to start work on the recommendations and I look forward to seeing further progress this year.”
The Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review ran from August to December 2024. The review was of the approval process for new agricultural and horticultural products and was triggered by concern that additional regulatory burden on these products was worsening New Zealand’s international competitiveness.
Notes to editors:
Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review Report: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/assets/Publication-Documents/Agricultural-Horticultural-Products-Regulatory-Review-full-report.pdf
Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review Summary Report: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/assets/Publication-Documents/Agricultural-Horticultural-Products-Regulatory-Review-summary-report.pdf
Agricultural and Horticultural Products Regulatory Review Summary of Engagement https://www.regulation.govt.nz/assets/Publication-Documents/Agricultural-Horticultural-Products-Regulatory-Review-summary-engagement.pdf
Sense Partners Scenario analysis of economic impacts: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/assets/Publication-Documents/Agricultural-Horticultural-Products-Regulatory-Review-scenario-analysis.pdf
Other information about the review can be found on the Ministry for Regulation’s website: Agricultural and horticultural products regulatory review | Ministry for Regulation cultural Products Regulatory Review – briefings to joint Ministers
All information can be found in the ‘Our publications’ section of the Ministry for Regulation’s website here: https://www.regulation.govt.nz/about-us/our-publications/

Have your say on proposed changes to inspection requirements for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes

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February 27, 2025

www.nzta.govt.nz/consultations

Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) is seeking feedback on a proposal to reduce the frequency of warrant of fitness (WoF) checks on vintage and veteran vehicles and certificate of fitness checks (CoF) on privately owned heavy motorhomes.

The changes, proposed by the Minister of Transport, would be progressed through an amendment to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.

The proposed changes align with the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024 objectives to reform the vehicle regulatory system. The proposed changes intend to reduce regulatory burden by saving owners of these vehicles time and money.

When compared to other light vehicles, vintage/veteran vehicles and privately owned heavy motorhomes are used less frequently, and evidence suggests that vehicle faults from these vehicles result in fewer serious crashes when compared to newer light vehicles.

Further information on the proposed changes and a form to provide feedback can be found at:

The last day for providing feedback is 4 April 2025.

All feedback gathered in the consultation process will be considered before the Minister of Transport makes a decision in mid-2025.

Freedom camping certification extended

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

There will be more time to get self-contained vehicles green-certified, with an extension of the transition period, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has announced.
“This extension will be reassuring for people who enjoy freedom camping as a way to get off the beaten track and explore everything our beautiful country has to offer,” says Louise Upston.
“Following public consultation, we’re extending the certification transition period for private self-contained vehicles out by a year to June 2026. Currently only 23,000 vehicles of the estimated 73,000 have been certified.
“During consultation, individual freedom campers, certification authorities and vehicle inspectors voiced concerns about the limited time and capacity to certify all private vehicles currently on the road.
“Extending the period provides confidence that all vehicles needing to be self-contained can be certified within the transitional period.
“That gives reassurance that laws can be properly enforced when they need to be in the future. “We’re announcing the extension now, to give certainty to both the sector and travellers as they make the most of the end of summer and start to prepare for the ski season.
“Approximately 12,000 rental vehicles are already certified self-contained, which represents the bulk of the national fleet, so holidaymakers can be confident about finding a suitable rental vehicle, wherever their destination.
“Extending the period for certification doesn’t detract from our Government’s commitment to the environment. It remains absolutely essential for freedom campers to respect their surroundings.
“If you’re planning to freedom camp, always check the specific rules at each location where you want to stay,” Louise Upston says.

Further appeal for information about missing person, Geoffrey Kelly

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police working to locate missing person Geoffrey Kelly are urging members of the public to get in touch if they saw any unusual activity in the area of Hikimutu, since 20 February.

Geoffrey’s car – pictured – was located at 7am on Friday 21 February in a ditch on Makokomiko Road, without any occupants.

He was last seen on Thursday 20 February, wearing grey knee-length shorts, a tan sweatshirt and glasses, and it is believed he may have become disorientated and has either taken shelter somewhere or has gotten a lift from a passerby.

Constable Mark Bolten says “Since then, Police have carried out a number of enquiries including extensive searches of the surrounding area with the assistance of a drone, Police Search and Rescue, Land Search and Rescue volunteers, local farmers and residents, and a private helicopter, however he has yet to be located.

“Police and Geoffrey’s family have grave concerns for his welfare.

“We are wanting to hear from anyone who was in the area of Makokomiko Road or its surrounding and saw any unusual activity.

“Even the smallest piece of information could be the thing we need to assist in locating him,” says Constable Bolten.

If you have any information that might help us locate Geoffrey, please call 105 and quote reference number 250222/1771.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Homicide investigation launched, Kawerau

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police (District News)

Police have launched a homicide investigation following the death of a man in Kawerau yesterday.

Emergency services were called to the Onslow Street property around 8:45am yesterday, after a man was located deceased on the front doorstep of the address.

A scene guard remains in place at the property while enquiries are carried out.

If anyone has information that may assist, please contact Police via 105, either by calling or online, and reference file number 250226/5646.

ENDS

Issued by Police Media Centre

Four-year term: a chance for a more mature democracy

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February 27, 2025

Source: ACT Party

ACT Leader David Seymour is welcoming the announcement that legislation enabling a four-year Parliamentary term will advance to select committee.

The legislation is modelled on a draft Bill produced by ACT, and a commitment to advance it to select committee was secured in ACT’s coalition agreement.

“Improving our approach to law making is how we secure more economic growth, better social services, better regulation, and ultimately give the next generation more reason to stay here,” says Seymour.

“A four-year term will lead to more accountability and better law making, giving Kiwis more time to see whether political promises translate into results, so they can vote accordingly.

“Polling shows more Kiwis support the four-year term than oppose it.

“It’s important to point out that ACT’s proposal ensures the term can only be extended if the Government turns control of Select Committees over to the Opposition. This introduces balance by giving the Opposition more power to scrutinise and question Ministers, officials, and legislation.

“ACT’s proposal means such a significant constitutional change will only come into effect with the consent of New Zealanders. If the legislation is supported by Parliament, it will then be subject to a public referendum.

“I’m proud that ACT has started another tough conversation. We look forward to Kiwis having their say at select committee. Ultimately, we’re trying to achieve better law making a more mature democracy. That’s worth a constructive debate.”

Drought conditions declared across Taranaki

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has today classified drought conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging situation facing farmers and growers in the region.

“Conditions on the ground are becoming extremely difficult with limited feed and pasture available,” Mr McClay says.

“Taranaki is experiencing hot, dry conditions and below average rainfall. This has affected pasture growth and farmers have had to feed-out or sell livestock earlier to fill the gap.”

Mr McClay said that the government was making $30,000 available to rural support groups who were working closely with farmers on the ground in Taranaki.

“I know farmers and growers in other parts of the country are experiencing dry conditions and I’ve instructed MPI to monitor the situation on the ground closely,” Mr McClay said.

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the weather conditions are challenging.

“The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working with sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers to provide extra support. This has included attending farmer meetings in southern and coastal Taranaki to discuss options for getting through and proving practical tips,” Mr Patterson says.

“This classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and it enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider Rural Assistance Payments.”

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

More tools for businesses to deal with retail crime

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is clamping down on retail crime by giving businesses more powers to detain those stealing from them, Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith and Associate Justice Minister Nicole McKee say.

“Retail crime increased 85 per cent between 2019 and 2023, including a 91 per cent increase in victimisations relating to theft,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“Currently, no one, including retailers and security guards, is protected from civil or criminal liability if they arrest and detain a person stealing goods valued at less than $1,000 during the day. The operation of the Crimes Act 1961 hinders people from stopping offending as it occurs right in front of them.

“This initial package of reforms, put forward by the Ministerial Advisory Group

for victims of retail crime, will give Kiwi businesses additional tools to deal with those that are robbing them of their livelihood and economic growth.”

These reforms include:

Amending the Crimes Act so that citizens can intervene to stop any Crimes Act offence at any time of the day.
Requiring that a person making an arrest contact Police and follow Police instructions.
Clarifying that restraints can be used, when reasonable, when making an arrest.
Changing the defence of property provisions to the Crimes Act so it is clear that reasonable force may be used.

“The economic cost of retail crime in New Zealand is in the billions, and retailers and security guards face abuse and assault that no New Zealander should be subjected to. This Government will ensure that people working in the retail sector are being effectively protected, are empowered to stop offending, and that offenders are caught and deterred from future offending,” Mr Goldsmith says.

“About 230,000 New Zealanders work in the retail sector. Increasingly, they are experiencing the personal and economic trauma of violent and theft-related crimes. The impact of crime on this group can have flow-on effects for their families and wider communities,” Mrs McKee says.

“We established the advisory group to provide first-hand insight into the issues being faced by Kiwi retailers on the ground. The recommendations the group has come up with are sensible reforms that will enable retail offenders to be more readily stopped and deterred from future offending.

“This is just the first suite of initiatives put forward by the Ministerial Advisory Group that the Government will be implementing. Watch this space.”

Creating a level playing field in the energy sector

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February 27, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

A proposal by the Electricity Authority for mandatory non-discrimination obligations for electricity gentailers sends a strong signal that any advantage being provided to their own retailers will not be tolerated, Energy Minister Simon Watts and Associate Energy Minister Shane Jones say.

“This recommendation from the Energy Competition Task Force has been accepted by the Electricity Authority (EA) which launched consultation today on the measures to create a more level playing field for the energy sector,” Mr Watts says.

The EA is proposing a progressive approach to non-discrimination obligations supported by increased monitoring of gentailers’ responses and consumer outcomes. If the first step proves insufficient, the EA could escalate to more prescriptive ways of levelling the playing field to ensure all New Zealanders can benefit from critical flexible generation.

The proposed steps are:

Step 1: Principles-based non-discrimination requirements.
Step 2: Non-discrimination requirements set out in detail.
Step 3: All gentailer-supplied hedge contracts must be traded through a regulated market, on equal terms for all buyers.

“The proposed measures send a strong signal that gentailers creating an advantage for their own retailers at the expense of the affordability and security of New Zealand’s energy supply will no longer be tolerated,” Mr Watts says.

“A reliable and secure energy supply goes hand in hand with more affordable prices for Kiwis, and that is a key priority for the Coalition Government. This work could help promote much-needed investment in new generation and retail competition, flowing through to more choices and more affordable electricity for consumers.”

“If these proposals go ahead, we will see much-needed rules put in place for how gentailers engage with independent and smaller players in the market, and what kind of terms they have to offer them,” Mr Jones says.

“This means gentailers would be required to treat independent retailers and generators the same as they do to their own retail arms, shifting the dial on market competition by ensuring smaller and independent players in the market are on a level playing field with the big four gentailers.”

The task force was established by the Electricity Authority and Commerce Commission, with MBIE as an observer in August last year in response to the power crisis in winter.

The task force is focused on enabling new generators and independent retailers to enter, and fairly compete, in the market as well as providing more options for users.

Mr Watts met the gentailers two weeks ago and warned them the Government would not accept a repeat of last winter.

“All gentailers have a critical role in keeping the lights on at affordable prices and it’s important they keep taking action. This consultation will give a better picture of what else is needed to shore up reliable electricity supply, including in response to the current independent review of our electricity markets,” Mr Watts says.