What We Do

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Working for you

We're super proud to be the voice of retailers and to go in to bat on issues that matter to the sector.

Whether it's Government ministers, oppositions spokespeople or senior officials from Government agencies we make sure the voice of retail is heard at the highest levels. You may have seen us in the media, our strong presence ensures the public are aware of the issues faced by NZ retailers like you.

We stand for:

  • Reducing the cost of doing business.
  • A level playing field for all New Zealand retailers.
  • Providing maximum opportunities for retailers to deliver great shopping experiences.
  • Minimising red tape & compliance requirements that get in the way.
  • Allowing consumers to make their own informed decisions about shopping.
  • Ensuring the retail sector is recognised as a key contributor to New Zealand economic prosperity.

    • Here's what we're working on right now:

    Low Value Goods Feature Tile

    Unfair tax loophole for online foreign retailers

    A loophole means that online foreign retailers doing business here don't pay their share of tax, creating more of a competitive disadvantage for NZ retailers. This is not good enough and we're calling for Government action to require overseas companies to register for GST, and collect the tax just like any other retailer does.

    Payments Feature Tile

    High costs of accepting card payments

    NZ retailers pay significantly more than our counterparts in Australia and the UK to accept contactless scheme debit and credit payment types. We're asking the Government to increase the oversight and transparency of New Zealand's retail payment systems. This is the first step towards fairer merchant fees.



    Feature Tile Retail Crime Action Plan

    Retail crime

    Retail crime is a huge issue for the retail sector - costing the nation an estimated $1 billion a year in losses. We're calling for the Government to adopt a three point action plan for change.

    Feature Tile Shop Trading Hours

    Shop trading hours

    We want to remove outdated laws that restrict physical shops from opening on three and a half days a year. The restrictions don't apply to stores operating online, and no longer make sense.


    Feature Tile Sustainability

    Sustainability

    The retail sector is actively working to address sustainability issues. Retail NZ has been working with others over many years to reduce the level of packaging waste and to minimise its impacts if it enters the environment. We're also calling for Government legislation on the use of single-use plastic carry bags.

    Feature Tile #Shop Local

    #ShopLocal

    We're encouraging Kiwis to #shoplocal. Shopping at local stores or local online etailers helps keep communities strong, reduces environmental impacts, keeps jobs in New Zealand and has real benefits for consumers.




    Feature Tile Food&Drink Issues

    Food & Drink Issues

    Food and drink sales make up 46 per cent of all core retail sales in New Zealand, and we work across the retail sector on issues around health, safety, quality, and transparency.

    Feature Tile Health&Safety

    Health & Safety

    Health and Safety law in New Zealand is undergoing an overhaul, however many of the systems that businesses have in place to manage workplace risks will continue under the new legislation.

    Want to know more?

    If you have enquiries about these or any other issues affecting your retail business contact:

    Greg Harford, General Manager Public Affairs
    Ph: 027 243 2842
    Email: Greg.Harford@retail.kiwi