Category: Business

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Unions launch campaign to ban engineered stone

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi has today launched a campaign to ban the import, supply, and use of engineered stone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

“We are urging the Government to do the right thing and save workers’ lives by banning engineered stone, an extremely dangerous product that causes the fatal lung disease silicosis”, said NZCTU President Richard Wagstaff.

“Engineered stone is the asbestos of our times. It is not an essential product and there are many safe alternatives already in the market.

“Silicosis is a debilitating disease that cannot be cured. The evidence is clear that the only solution is to stop workers from being required to process engineered stone, which exposes them to the dangerous silica dust.

“Brooke van Velden has the power to save workers’ lives. All she needs to do is follow Australia’s example and implement a total ban.

“There is broad support for this campaign. Last year the CTU joined with 18 other organisations, including public health experts and health and safety specialists, and called on the Minister to act.

“Aotearoa has a terrible record when it comes to work-associated deaths. The Government has the opportunity to help turn that around by banning engineered stone. It’s time they stepped up on behalf of Kiwi workers,” said Wagstaff.

The NZCTU have today launched a public petition calling on the Minister to implement a full ban on the import, supply, and use of engineered stone.

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Govt vocational education reforms will cause massive disruption

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi is warning that the Government’s decision to adopt a new model for the vocational education and training sector will lead to massive disruptions and instability in an already fatigued sector.

“The NZCTU remains fundamentally opposed to these reforms, which will create further disruption across the sector and come off the back of a period of disruption and change in the sector over the past five years,” said NZCTU Acting President Rachel Mackintosh.

“We are concerned by the impacts that another several years of change processes will have on the sector, learners, and industries.

“Our major concern regarding the model that the Government is adopting is the risk of the creation of new private agencies competing for public funding within the sector; this model has not served New Zealand well in the past.

“Profit motives drive instability in education, and it is not a good use of resources to have multiple agencies competing for funding as they must focus attention on securing funding at the expense of focusing on delivery for learners.

“The whole process for these reforms has been flawed. There is no reason why the consultation needed to have such a narrow scope, excluding critical stakeholders, and key subject matter experts.

“The Minister’s insistence on pushing ahead with these poorly thought through reforms is likely to create several more years of instability in the sector, and more uncertainty for learners, industries, and the vocational education and training workforce,” said Mackintosh.

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Inflation data confirms real terms minimum wage cut

Source: Council of Trade Unions – CTU

The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi is concerned for low-income workers given new data released by Stats NZ that shows inflation was 2.5% for the year to March 2025, rising from 2.2% in December last year.

“The prices of things that people can’t avoid are rising – meaning inflation is rising faster for those on low incomes,” said NZCTU Economist Craig Renney.

“Inflation was driven by increases in rents (up 3.7%), rates (up 12%), household energy (up 7.2%) and insurances (up 8%). Grocery prices were also higher, rising 4.3%.

“Earlier this year, the minimum wage rose by 1.5% – a full 1% less than actual inflation. This is the second year the Government has increased the minimum wage by less than inflation, which means that a full-time minimum wage worker is now cumulatively $2,438 worse off in real terms. Minimum wage workers are missing out on $28.36 a week because of the Government’s decisions.

“The Government is considering removing the Living Wage guarantee for government contractors who are caterers, cleaners, and security guards. This data shows why that protection is so important – working people can’t rely on this Government to protect them through the Minimum Wage.

“With 46% of workers receiving a pay rise less than inflation last year, it also shows that many working people are still doing it tough. Unemployment is still rising, with tens of thousands of more people on Jobseekers Support. It is clearly not workers who are benefitting from the very little economic growth is being delivered.

“This data is another piece of evidence about who is winning and losing in the economy. The poorest working people are facing higher costs they can’t avoid – but with less money to pay.

“Workers need a change in direction and a government that will actively address low pay, unemployment, and poverty – it’s time for a different approach,” said Renney.

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BNZ cuts home loan rates, offers market-leading 18-month fixed rate

Source: BNZ statements

BNZ today cut interest rates across a number of home loan terms, with a market-leading 18-month fixed rate of 4.95% p.a.*

BNZ’s rates include 5.49% p.a. for 6 months, 4.99% p.a. for 1 year, and 4.99% p.a. for 2 years. The new rates are available from today for both new customers and existing customers who are eligible to refix.

BNZ General Manager Home Lending James Leydon says these competitive rates respond to customers’ diverse home loan needs, giving customers more options as they navigate the current interest rate environment.

“We know many of our customers are looking beyond the very short-term fixed rates as the interest rate environment evolves. By offering a market-leading 18-month option, we’re giving customers more choice and the ability to lock in a competitive rate for a longer period,” he says.

“At the same time, we continue to compete hard for those New Zealanders who prefer the flexibility of our 6-month and 1-year fixed rate options. With fixed rates reduced across multiple terms, we’re providing solutions that work for a wide range of borrowers.

“It’s also a timely Easter bonus for homeowners, when household budgets can face a bit of extra pressure from those extra school holiday costs.”

The changes follow BNZ’s announcement last week that it will cut its floating home loan rates by 25 basis points, following the Reserve Bank’s OCR reduction.

BNZ lending criteria (including minimum equity requirements), and terms apply. Rates subject to change. Up to $150 establishment fee and early repayment charges may apply.

*As at 6.30am, 16 April 2025, BNZ has the market leading 18-month fixed rate of the five main banks.

The post BNZ cuts home loan rates, offers market-leading 18-month fixed rate appeared first on BNZ Debrief.

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From Local Roots to National Recognition: Ultimate Web Designs Emerges as a Digital Powerhouse in New Zealand

Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: From Local Roots to National Recognition: Ultimate Web Designs Emerges as a Digital Powerhouse in New Zealand

Ultimate Web Designs has quickly grown into a leading digital agency in New Zealand, known for high-quality, custom-built websites and apps developed entirely in-house. Completing over 1,000 projects, the company emphasizes transparency, results-driven solutions, and strong client relationships, positioning itself as a trusted digital partner nationwide.

The post From Local Roots to National Recognition: Ultimate Web Designs Emerges as a Digital Powerhouse in New Zealand first appeared on PR.co.nz.

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Upwell Scaffolding for Safe and Reliable Access Solutions

Source: Press Release Service – Press Release/Statement:

Headline: Upwell Scaffolding for Safe and Reliable Access Solutions

Upwell Scaffolding, a New Zealand-owned business, is making waves in the construction industry by delivering safe, reliable, and customised scaffolding solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial projects with a strong focus on safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction.

The post Upwell Scaffolding for Safe and Reliable Access Solutions first appeared on PR.co.nz.

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E tū welcomes defeat of Treaty Principles Bill – E tū

Source: Etu Union

E tū, New Zealand’s largest private sector union, welcomes the overwhelming defeat of the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill in Parliament yesterday. The bill, which sought to redefine the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, was rejected by 112 votes to 11.​

E tū President Muriel Tunoho expressed immense pride in the union’s active opposition to the bill:​

“I am extremely proud that E tū took a stand and made submissions to oppose the Treaty of Waitangi Principles Bill too. Thank you all for playing your part in this incredible fightback.​

“It was right to finally see the bill consigned to the past and into the bin. The results show that this is not us.​

“We don’t need to rewrite or re-define the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi. We just have to live them!”​

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh highlighted the bill’s potential to undermine the foundational agreement between Māori and the Crown:​

“This bill sought to fundamentally alter the meaning of Te Tiriti o Waitangi by selectively and incorrectly interpreting the reo Māori text. It tried to undermine the separation of powers under the rule of law by using the power of Parliament to change Aotearoa New Zealand’s constitutional foundation, all based on a legal and historical fiction.​

“This bill has done damage. It has given airtime to false and racist ideas.​

“It also galvanised hundreds of thousands of people to stand up – toitū Te Tiriti. More than 90% of the submissions on the bill called for it to be abandoned. E tū and thousands of our members were among the voices in those submissions. The submissions stood up for the truth of Te Tiriti as the foundation on which we can build a society where tāngata whenua and tau iwi take care of each other.​

“Now that Parliament has voted it down, we can start to repair the damage and to build an Aotearoa where we honour Te Tiriti and respect each other.”​

E tū remains committed to upholding the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and advocating for a just and inclusive society.