54263 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs

Written Question

Published date: 07 Dec 2025

Metadata

Document type:	Written Question
Parliament number:	54
Question number:	54263 (2025)
Question asked:	18 Nov 2025
Member asking:	Arena Williams
Portfolio:	Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs
Minister replying:	Hon Scott Simpson
Answer received:	01 Dec 2025
Status:	Question Answered
Reply type:	Reply
Document ID:	WQ_54263_2025
Document guid:	c24e5489-4a04-46f1-9683-799884abd564

54263 (2025). Arena Williams to the Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs: Why did it take the Government until November 2025 to introduce new legal protections so banks, telecommunications providers and digital platforms can block online scams faster?

Hon Scott Simpson: The announcement about providing a legal protection or a 'safe harbour' for scam disruption was based on the feedback and suggestions put forward by the New Zealand Anti-Scam Alliance. These protections will come into force once legislation amending the Fair Trading Act is passed and comes into force. The necessary targeted consultation, impact analysis and Cabinet agreement was undertaken.