Our Work

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

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  International treaty examination of the NZ – India Free Trade AgreementMay 15, 2026
  This submission outlines the NZCTU’s main areas of concern regarding the New Zealand – India Free Trade Agreement and its negotiation. These are: The NZCTU cannot support this agreement due… Read More »International treaty examination of the NZ – India Free Trade Agreement
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  Economic Bulletin March/April 2026May 11, 2026
  In this month’s feature, Craig discusses the upcoming Budget. On its own terms, the government’s economic plan isn’t working – economic growth is stalled, the cost of living has not… Read More »Economic Bulletin March/April 2026
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  Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) BillApril 29, 2026
  The Enhanced Risk Management Bill effectively “raises the stakes” in parts of the immigration system. While proposing to increase deportation liability and reduce appeal rights for migrants, it also proposes… Read More »Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Bill
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  Submission on the Employment Leave BillApril 14, 2026
  The CTU strongly opposes the Employment Leave Bill. It is unworkable, will not achieve its objectives and will leave too many workers worse off, with lower incomes, in a cost-of-living… Read More »Submission on the Employment Leave Bill
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  Submission on the 2026 RSE Policy ReviewApril 10, 2026
  The NZCTU welcomes the opportunity to comment on the 2026 RSE Policy Review. We hope the review leads to positive outcomes for RSE workers, New Zealanders, and the industries and… Read More »Submission on the 2026 RSE Policy Review
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  Submission on the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment BillApril 9, 2026
  The census is the highest-quality source of population and dwelling data in New Zealand. It allows us to understand population and dwelling distribution and change over time and how people… Read More »Submission on the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill

Policy topics

Latest Submissions

• 
  International treaty examination of the NZ – India Free Trade AgreementMay 15, 2026
  This submission outlines the NZCTU’s main areas of concern regarding the New Zealand – India Free Trade Agreement and its negotiation. These are: The NZCTU cannot support this agreement due… Read More »International treaty examination of the NZ – India Free Trade Agreement
• 
  Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) BillApril 29, 2026
  The Enhanced Risk Management Bill effectively “raises the stakes” in parts of the immigration system. While proposing to increase deportation liability and reduce appeal rights for migrants, it also proposes… Read More »Submission on the Immigration (Enhanced Risk Management) Bill
• 
  Submission on the Employment Leave BillApril 14, 2026
  The CTU strongly opposes the Employment Leave Bill. It is unworkable, will not achieve its objectives and will leave too many workers worse off, with lower incomes, in a cost-of-living… Read More »Submission on the Employment Leave Bill
• 
  Submission on the 2026 RSE Policy ReviewApril 10, 2026
  The NZCTU welcomes the opportunity to comment on the 2026 RSE Policy Review. We hope the review leads to positive outcomes for RSE workers, New Zealanders, and the industries and… Read More »Submission on the 2026 RSE Policy Review
• 
  Submission on the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment BillApril 9, 2026
  The census is the highest-quality source of population and dwelling data in New Zealand. It allows us to understand population and dwelling distribution and change over time and how people… Read More »Submission on the Data and Statistics (Census) Amendment Bill
• 
  Submission on the Health and Safety at Work Amendment BillMarch 18, 2026
  The NZCTU strongly opposes the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill. The proposed changes are regressive and actively weaken the systems in place to keep workers safe and healthy.… Read More »Submission on the Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill
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  Submission on the Crimes Amendment BillFebruary 16, 2026
  The NZCTU opposes the Crimes Amendment Bill. Focusing on the amendments to the citizen’s arrest and defence of property provisions in this Bill, the NZCTU outlines serious issues that these… Read More »Submission on the Crimes Amendment Bill
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  Consultation on a rates target model for New ZealandFebruary 5, 2026
  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
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  Education and Training (System Reform) Amendment BillDecember 23, 2025
  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