New look Kiwi Access card to replace 18+ card from January 2019

The new Kiwi Access Card has enhanced security features, which makes it a secure and reliable form of identification (like the 18+ Card currently). The updated features of the Kiwi Access Card include the use of embossing, micro text, and also braille. To give you a full insight into all the security features and unique design details of the card, we have included with this email a helpful resource with the full information on it.

You can use the attached document as a guide for verifying the validity of Kiwi Access Cards used to purchase goods or services through your business. Please familiarise yourself with the Kiwi Access Card security features, and share this resource with staff members that will be responsible for accepting the ID. We are producing a small flyer which shows the cards that are valid, which can be put up around your point of sale areas, behind the bar, etc, to assist staff with identifying valid cards.  We will circulate these to you in the new year – if you require more please contact our office.

The new Kiwi Access Card has been designed with everyone in the New Zealand community in mind. We have changed the name and the look of the card so that it can better address the needs of everyone, across our society, that needs a form of secure identification to give them access to goods and services. You do not need to be a New Zealand citizen or passport holder to apply for the Kiwi Access Card.

There have been no changes in the process to obtain a card. Like the 18+ Card, applicants must be 18 years or older to be entitled to apply for a Kiwi Access Card. Proof of age is required as part of the application process. Applications for the new Kiwi Access Card will be available from 14 January 2019, and can be made via NZ Post. The Kiwi Access Card will retail at $55 including GST.

Please also note that the current and previous versions of the 18+ Card remain valid for 10 years from the date of issue.

Summary of key changes to the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2018

Below is a summary of the key changes contained in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2018 that was passed by Parliament last week.

The most significant change that came into effect on 13th December 2018 (being the day after Royal Assent) is that businesses must now enter into bargaining for multi-employer collective agreements if asked to join by a union, HOWEVER, they will not have to settle a multi-employer collective agreement if their reason for not wanting to settle is based on reasonable grounds.
For example, if there are significant differences between two employers – such as one operating in Auckland where price and wages are higher, and the other in Invercargill – it could be reasonable for one employer to negotiate a single-employer collective agreement instead.

The most significant change that comes into effect on 6th May 2019, particularly for those involved in guard services, is the right to set rest and meal breaks is to be restored, HOWEVER, some limited exemptions may apply in specified essential services or national security services.

Amendments to Part 6D (rest breaks and meal breaks).  Section 69ZEA – Exemption from requirement to provide rest and meal breaks. 
This states that an employer is exempt from the requirement to provide rest breaks and meal breaks if:
a)   The employer is engaged in the protection of New Zealand’s national security, and
b)   Continuity of service is critical to New Zealand’s national security, and
c)   The employer would incur unreasonable costs in replacing the employee during the rest or meal breaks with another person of sufficient skill and experience and without compromising New Zealand’s national security

The amendments Bill does not provide a definition for “national security” however the NZSA’s position is that all security workers who hold a Certificate of Approval under the Property Guard classification should be recognised as being engaged in New Zealand’s national security and we will lobby government on that basis.

See attached pdf for futher details

Update on MSD Work Broker Pilot Programme

This ground breaking initiative commenced on the 1st October and sees the NZSA act as the national work broker for the security industry.  Effectively the NZSA works as a recruitment agent – we work with MSD to find candidates with the interest and ability to work in the security industry and then match those candidates with job vacancies notified to us by our members.  Not only does this result in our providing our members with “fit for purpose” candidates who have been through our screening and assessment process, but if they are employed, the member/employer qualifies for support subsidies of up to $3,970 plus GST to assist with training and induction costs.

The results to date have been impressive with 25 candidates placed into employment with our members and a number currently in the interview process.  It is also pleasing to see placements across the country and in a range of roles including Security Officers, Patrol Officers, Monitoring Operators and Trainee Security Technicians

For members who would like to find out more about the process or would like to register, please contact Andrea Charlton on 0274 502 020 or email  [email protected]