What’s next for Ministerial Advisory Group after three resignations

Following the resignation of three of its five members, the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) for victims of retail crime says it is continuing its work, while the Justice Minister “considers his next steps on appointing new members”.

The advisory group, established in July 2024 for a two-year term, was set up to engage directly with victims, workers, business owners, retail experts and advocacy groups, and to provide the government with specific proposals to address urgent challenges related to retail crime.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith recently noted that the group was approaching the end of its term and said he would “take stock” of its future.

With three members stepping down in recent weeks - Carolyn Young, Michael Bell and Lindsay Rowles, Sunny Kaushal remains chair, with Hamilton liquor retailer Ash Parmar now the only other remaining member.

Kaushal told The Indian Weekender that the group can continue to function with two members, as set out in the Ministerial Advisory Group on Victims of Retail Crime Terms of Reference.

“The MAG will work quite well. We consult widely with the retail sector across New Zealand on our proposals before finalising our advice. That will continue,” Kaushal explained.

Among those who resigned, Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young told 1News this week that she stepped down after deciding she could no longer work alongside Kaushal.

“It’s fair to say it’s been a really difficult environment for me, and I’ve had personal attacks that have come in from both Sunny and some wider groups he’s associated with and that’s made it really difficult and untenable really to stay,” she told 1News in a statement this week.

Responding to Young’s comments, Kaushal said the difference of opinion between them was “well known”.

“I’ve always appreciated her perspective, and I wish her well,” he told The Indian Weekender previously.

Kaushal said the recent resignations reflected routine leadership changes and maintained that the group’s work was continuing.

“The Ministerial Advisory Group that I lead has been productive, disciplined and delivering results,” Kaushal told The Indian Weekender on Wednesday.

Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith also defended the chairperson, saying earlier this week 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,” RNZ quoted Goldsmith as saying on Tuesday this week. 

Reflecting on the group’s work to date, Kaushal said it had delivered strong results while operating within budget.

“Retailers across the country continue to express strong appreciation for this work and tell us they finally feel heard,” he said.

According to Kaushal, the advisory group has undertaken extensive nationwide engagement, holding more than 40 stakeholder meetings from Northland to Southland.

“We have already delivered five substantive reform reports, with more to come.”

Looking ahead, Kaushal said the group is working on three further reports focusing on professionalising the security industry, the deployment of facial recognition technology, and parental responsibility for youth offending.

“We are focused on the bigger goal of fixing retail crime in New Zealand, which is costing $2.7 billion a year, or more than $7 million every day. That cost is ultimately paid by every New Zealander at the till. While the financial impact is significant, the human cost is far greater,” Kaushal told The Indian Weekender.

Kaushal also explained that a Crimes Amendment Bill reflecting the group’s work is currently before Parliament, aimed at tightening penalties for theft and protecting retailers who have to carry out a citizens arrest.

“This has been driven by our work,” he added.