45433 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

45433 (2025). Hon Dr Duncan Webb to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Is the minister undertaking any work on the safety of button batteries; if so what progress has been made?

Hon Scott Simpson: In 2018, the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs issued a product safety policy statement on button batteries under section 30A of the Fair Trading Act 1986. In 2023, the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE) reviewed the policy statement, and the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, agreed to continue it. This product safety policy statement provides guidance for manufacturers and suppliers of button batteries to help reduce the risks associated with these items. MBIE will review the product safety policy statement again by 2 March 2028. MBIE is currently partnering with SafeKids Aotearoa to develop a Button Battery Safety Campaign. This campaign aims to raise awareness among parents, caregivers, and whānau about the dangers of button batteries, encourage practical steps to reduce risk in the home, and promote swift, informed action in case of ingestion.