Justice Minister defends 'absolutely fierce' head of retail crime advisory group after spate of resignations

The Justice Minister is defending the chairperson of an advisory group on retail crime, following a spate of resignations in recent weeks.

Three of the five members on the Ministerial Advisory Group for victims of retail crime have resigned in recent weeks.

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young, who was one of three business leaders advising the government on how to combat retail crime, said she quit because her relationship with chairperson Sunny Kaushal became untenable.

Young's departure follows that of Foodstuffs North Island senior manager Lindsay Rowles and Michael Hill national retail manager Michael Bell, who quit late last year.

The group is led by Sunny Kaushal, who remains as chairman, with one other member remaining, Hamilton liquor retailer Ash Parmar.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith said on Tuesday that the group had been "productive".

"Sunny is full-on, and he is absolutely fierce in his defence of mum and dad shop-owners who have had to put up with all sorts of violence over a long period of time," Goldsmith said.

He said Young was also a "full-on" person.

Goldsmith said two of the resigning members were promoted into other positions, while one left, and this wasn't the "crisis of the century".

"The thing we are focused on is the victims of crime and making progress on retail crime. We have seen a massive reduction of ramraids but there is still a lot of work to do," he said.

"The work the [advisory group] has put forward is before the house at the moment, before the select committee, and is going to make a difference."

Goldsmith said the group was coming towards the end of its period, so he would "take stock" about its future.

Labour's police spokesperson Ginny Andersen said the ministerial advisory group was "dysfunctional, directionless and failing".

"It is clear by the number of those members who have left, including the head of Retail New Zealand, that the group is dysfunctional and not delivering for victims of crime."

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young was one of three business leaders advising the government on how to combat retail crime. Photo: Supplied

Andersen said she has also spoken to Young and believes Kaushal's behaviour has been unacceptable and unprofessional.

"From understanding what Carolyn Young has said, [was] that he organised a press release that launched a personal attack on her, which is unprofessional and uncalled for.

"Furthermore, it does not assist to help the victims of crime, which is what the purpose of this group was meant to be."

Andersen also said she has "not seen the group do anything useful".

Kaushal hit back at Andersen's comments.

"Ginny is only highlighting her failures. Just cast your mind three years ago, it used to be news full of violence, ram raids and aggravated robberies. Lawlessness had gripped the entire nation," he told RNZ.

"Retail Crime more than doubled under Labour's watch when Ginny was the police minister."

Kaushal said he was proud of the work the Ministerial Advisory Group had accomplished over the last year.

"We're fixing our broken laws that have been allowing criminals to go free without facing any real consequences," he said.

"Restoring law and order is my focus. Maybe that's some advice Ginny should take."

The group is led by Sunny Kaushal. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Kaushal previously told RNZ the resignations reflect normal leadership movement in any organisation.

"Members hold other senior roles and when business demands increase, or people step into new appointments, they sometimes need to step back from external commitments," he said.

"The work of the MAG continues. We have a busy year of new work ahead.

"The group remains focused on delivering practical, evidence-informed advice to improve safety for retailers and communities."