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New Zealand Retail Security

New Zealand retailers represent a hardworking sector of New Zealand’s economy actively identifying products to sell and satisfy customer interactions and expectations.  Unfortunately, an increase in retail crime combined with squeezing margins and potential new supply chain issues is creating pressure for the sector.  

Retail crime costs New Zealand retailers approximately US$1 billion each year. In 2023, numerous media articles focused on an increase of ram-raid crimes in mainly the larger urban centers, but other offences such as shoplifting affects all operators nationwide.

As part of the Government’s efforts to combat retail crime, a subsidy of up to US$2,500 (NZ$4,000) is available to small retail businesses to install fog devices (also known as security smoke generators).  Details about this funding are available via this Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment link. The government has also allocated funds for a crime prevention program managed by New Zealand Police which will include solutions such as installing bollards or other security for small retailers.  New Zealand’s largest retail operators including supermarket chains are discussing introducing initiatives such as trolley lock systems, new camera technology for self-service kiosks and push to talk radios.  Other initiatives include increased staff training.  

New Zealand offers U.S. companies seeking to sell retail security products and services a small, yet growing market. Our current Country Commercial Guide provides further information on doing business in New Zealand.
 

Market Entry

  • New Zealand Government Tenders are promoted on the Government Electronic Tenders (GETS) website, which is a free service.
  • Goods must comply under the Consumer Guarantees Act and Fair Trading Act.
  • Most imports can enter the market tariff-free. Information on tariff rates is available on the New Zealand Customs website.
  • All goods imported into New Zealand are subject to a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST). 
  • There are no import licensing requirements.
  • New Zealand’s system of measurement is metric.
  • Standards New Zealand provides information on local standards (agreed specifications for products, processes, services, or performance).
  • As of January 2024, the currency exchange rate was NZ$1.00 : US$0.62.

 

For More Information

Please contact: Office.NewZealand@trade.gov