Ministerial Advisory Group Faces Transition After Resignations

The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for victims of retail crime is navigating a transitional phase following the resignation of three of its five members. Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is currently assessing the next steps for appointing new members, while the group continues its work aimed at addressing retail crime issues in New Zealand.

Established in July 2024 for a two-year term, the advisory group was designed to engage with a range of stakeholders, including victims, business owners, and retail experts. The goal is to provide the government with actionable proposals to tackle the urgent challenges posed by retail crime. As the group approaches the end of its term, Goldsmith has indicated he will “take stock” of its future direction.

Recent resignations have left Sunny Kaushal, the group’s chair, and Ash Parmar, a liquor retailer from Hamilton, as the only remaining members. Carolyn Young, the chief executive of Retail NZ, stepped down, citing a challenging working environment with Kaushal and personal attacks as key factors in her decision. In a statement to 1News, she expressed that it had become “untenable” for her to stay.

Kaushal responded to Young’s resignation, acknowledging their differences but emphasizing the group’s productivity. “The MAG will work quite well. We consult widely with the retail sector across New Zealand on our proposals before finalising our advice,” he stated in an interview with The Indian Weekender.

Despite the departures, Kaushal remains optimistic about the group’s ongoing work. He pointed out that the advisory group has been “productive, disciplined and delivering results.” Goldsmith echoed this sentiment, describing Kaushal as a fierce advocate for small retailers facing violence and crime.

The advisory group has conducted extensive engagement across the country, holding over 40 stakeholder meetings from Northland to Southland. To date, it has produced five substantive reform reports, with additional reports in progress that will focus on several key areas, including professionalizing the security industry and the deployment of facial recognition technology.

Kaushal highlighted the significant financial impact of retail crime, estimating it costs New Zealand approximately $2.7 billion annually, or more than $7 million each day. “This cost is ultimately paid by every New Zealander at the till. While the financial impact is significant, the human cost is far greater,” he noted.

Looking ahead, the group is preparing a Crimes Amendment Bill that aims to tighten penalties for theft and offer protection to retailers who may need to perform a citizen’s arrest in response to criminal activity. Kaushal emphasized that this initiative has been driven by the group’s findings and recommendations.

As the Ministerial Advisory Group continues to adapt following these recent changes, its focus remains on addressing the pressing issues of retail crime affecting communities throughout New Zealand. The ongoing work and upcoming legislative proposals reflect a commitment to improving safety and support for retail businesses and their customers.