The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi undertakes a broad range of work to advance and improve the lives of working people.
As the trade union peak body in Aotearoa New Zealand, the NZCTU submits on a range of policy areas on behalf of our affiliated unions and the broader workforce.
Stay up to date on the work of the NZCTU, including our submissions, analysis, and resources below.
Latest from the NZCTU
- Dark day for working New Zealanders as the Employment Relations Amendment Bill passes
The passing of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill is a dark day for working New Zealanders, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi President Sandra Grey. “This… Read More »Dark day for working New Zealanders as the Employment Relations Amendment Bill passes - Health and Safety changes will harm workers
The new Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill is a dangerous move away from the longstanding commitment to ensure all workers should come home healthy and safe, says New… Read More »Health and Safety changes will harm workers - Consultation on a rates target model for New Zealand
The Government has decided to impose a rates capping scheme as part of its broader suite of local government reforms. The NZCTU strongly opposes the proposed rates capping system for… Read More »Consultation on a rates target model for New Zealand - MPs urged to vote down anti-worker law
A collective of 49 unions, lawyers, NGOs, academics, former Workplace Relations Ministers, and current spokespeople have co-signed an open letter calling on all Members of Parliament to vote against the… Read More »MPs urged to vote down anti-worker law - Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill
The NZCTU strongly opposes this Bill. It gives the Minister of Education the power to unilaterally make changes to the curriculum, and how it is taught. It also moves many… Read More »Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill - Economic Bulletin December 2025
Early next year, the government plans to pass the Employment Relations Amendment Bill (ERAB). This Bill makes it easier for employers to misclassify workers as contractors (thus denying them the… Read More »Economic Bulletin December 2025
Policy topics
Latest Submissions
- Consultation on a rates target model for New ZealandThe Government has decided to impose a rates capping scheme as part of its broader suite of local government reforms. The NZCTU strongly opposes the proposed rates capping system for… Read More »Consultation on a rates target model for New Zealand
- Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment BillThe NZCTU strongly opposes this Bill. It gives the Minister of Education the power to unilaterally make changes to the curriculum, and how it is taught. It also moves many… Read More »Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment Bill
- Proposed data collection approach and content for the Census Submission
This submission comments on potential data content for the revised census model. - Proposal to revoke Asbestos Code of Practice
Submitted by the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi7 November 2025 This submission is made on behalf of the 32 unions affiliated to the New Zealand Council… Read More »Proposal to revoke Asbestos Code of Practice - Submission on the Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill
The NZCTU Te Kauae Kaimahi strongly opposes this Bill. The right to strike is deeply entrenched. It is a fundamental right, intrinsically connected to the right to ‘freedom of association’.… Read More »Submission on the Defence (Workforce) Amendment Bill - Draft Tertiary Education Strategy Submission
The NZCTU welcomes the opportunity to comment on the draft Tertiary Education Strategy (TES). Our submission focuses on the high-level objectives of the draft strategy. Our two central recommendations are:… Read More »Draft Tertiary Education Strategy Submission - Submission on Electoral Amendment Bill
This Bill is a direct assault on New Zealand democracy and contrary to the values of our open and inclusive society. Key parts of the Bill are reminiscent of voter-suppression… Read More »Submission on Electoral Amendment Bill - Submission on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill
The NZCTU opposes this a retrograde Bill, which will restrict local government’s ability to fulfil its important roles in supporting community decision-making and wellbeing. It reflects the current government’s rhetorical… Read More »Submission on the Local Government (System Improvements) Amendment Bill - Submission on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill
The NZCTU opposes the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2025 (the Bill) in the strongest possible terms.The Bill is nothing more than a ‘multi-pronged’ attack on the rights and dignity of… Read More »Submission on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill