Patch 2025.08
August 2025 update
This month, pay discussions are protected, dog tethering limits apply, blue cod stays closed longer, and some home, visa, court and land rules change.
- Workers protected for discussing pay — Employers cannot dismiss or disadvantage employees because they disclose or discuss their remuneration. Starts 27 Aug 2025
- Some homes get insulation exemption — Healthy Homes rules clarify overlapping requirements and allow a partial ceiling-insulation exemption in some older homes. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Visa fees and levies change — Immigration rules change visa fees and levies, and may allow a fee for checking Parent Boost visa conditions. Starts 29 Sep 2025
- Blue cod closure lasts longer — The Marlborough Sounds blue cod closure runs from 1 September to 10 January each year. Starts 4 Sep 2025
- Dog tethering limits become enforceable — Dogs cannot be tethered where prolonged tethering signs are evident or when vulnerable, except in some temporary situations. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Family violence evidence rules change — New rules govern how family violence evidence can be given in Family Court and related District Court cases. Starts 26 Feb 2026
- Land can be taken for critical infrastructure — New rules allow land to be acquired or taken for critical infrastructure projects, with possible extra compensation for owners. Starts 27 Aug 2025
- New safe area around Nelson Hospital — Certain behaviour is prohibited in the new safe area around Nelson Hospital. Starts 24 Sep 2025
- More providers may treat veterans — Veterans’ support rules change which providers can qualify for treatment-provider status. Starts 4 Sep 2025
- Councils get a new water-services framework — Councils remain responsible for water services and must provide clearer information about charges, spending, and service levels. Starts 27 Aug 2025
- Some export foods leave medicines rules — Specified export foods exempt from certain food standards are no longer treated as related products under medicines law. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Some export foods get standards exemptions — Specified export food can be exempt from certain food standards if operators meet conditions and prevent local sale for human consumption. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- New small-scale gold permits begin — Tier 3 mining permits become available for small-scale, non-commercial gold mining, with related application and transition rules. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Petroleum notification fees are updated — Petroleum fees are updated for notifications about certain permit-participant control changes and clarified for existing notifications. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Petroleum mining rules updated — Rules for petroleum mining are updated, but the title does not show what changes for the public. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- New fees for small gold permits — Small-scale gold miners must pay new fees for Tier 3 permits and related applications. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Small gold miners pay new royalty — Tier 3 gold miners must pay the Crown 1% of net sales revenue each reporting period. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- New rules for small gold permits — Rules set information requirements for small-scale gold mining permits in riverbeds and on beaches. Starts 25 Sep 2025
- Commercial fishing observer fees rise — Vessel operators will pay more for observer supervision, rising from $571.65 to $1,029.54 before GST. Starts 1 Oct 2025
- Conservation fishing levies updated — Levies charged for fisheries conservation services are updated. Starts 1 Oct 2025
- Fisheries service levies updated — Levies charged for fisheries services are updated. Starts 1 Oct 2025
- New UAE trade agreement takes effect — Legislation takes effect to implement New Zealand’s obligations under the UAE trade agreement. Starts 28 Aug 2025
- Sports fish licence details change — Sports fish licences, fees, and forms are changed. Starts 1 Oct 2025
- Resource consent rules change — Resource management rules change, including definitions and provisions covering electricity networks and other activities. Starts 21 Aug 2025
- Electronic Bullseye tickets get cancellation rules — New rules explain when electronic Bullseye tickets can be cancelled. Starts 29 Sep 2025
- New rules apply to Keno games — New rules apply to Keno games. Starts 29 Sep 2025
- New rules apply to Lotto games — New rules apply to Lotto games. Starts 29 Sep 2025
- Blackcurrant growers face a new levy — Blackcurrant growers must pay a levy on commercially produced blackcurrants. Starts 30 Sep 2025
- Hawke’s Bay flood works cover more area — The area covered by flood protection work rules in Wairoa is increased. Starts 22 Aug 2025
- Building consent bodies get new requirements — Building consent authorities must meet updated requirements for their building-work inspection policies and procedures. Starts 22 Aug 2025
- Small-scale gold mining permits added — Changes create Tier 3 permits for small-scale, non-commercial gold mining, while other changes start later. Starts 6 Aug 2025
- Overseas building products face new checks — New criteria apply when overseas building products, methods, standards, or certification schemes are recognised. Starts 8 Aug 2025
- Officials can recognise overseas building standards — Officials can recognise certain overseas building products, methods, standards, and certification schemes. Starts 8 Aug 2025
- Commercial blue cod closure lasts longer — Commercial blue cod fishing in the Marlborough Sounds is closed from 1 September to 10 January each year. Starts 4 Sep 2025
- More organisations can join online identity service — Several organisations are now participating agencies for the electronic identity service, which can verify identities online with consent. Starts 4 Sep 2025
- School staffing arrangements set for 2026 — An order sets school staffing arrangements for 2026. Starts 5 Sep 2025
- Resource management infringement fees change — Resource management infringement fees change, with separate treatment for individuals and companies. Starts 4 Sep 2025
- Water services rules are rearranged — Water services legislation and emergency-management references are changed, with one repeal delayed until 1 July 2026. Starts 27 Aug 2025
- Some failed companies face fewer reports — Certain companies in liquidation or external administration get relief from some financial reporting, audit, and record-keeping duties. Starts 31 Aug 2025