NARGON newsletter

• Food prices down again, card spending up
• Political Profile- Darien Fenton (Labour)
• NARGON's position on minimum and living wages
• Minimum wage up again and Starting Out wage passed
• Government expected to make significant employment law changes
• Useful guide to the responsible display of "Lads" magazines
• UK: Mixed signals on plain packaging
• UK: Horse meat scandal hits supermarket sales

This update includes information about changes to the minimum wage and liquor laws.

The minimum wage rates are reviewed every year. As of 1 April 2013 the adult minimum wage rates (before tax) that apply for employees aged 16 or over are:

• $13.75 an hour, which is
• $110.00 for an 8-hour day or
• $550.00 for a 40-hour week.

• Food prices fall and card spending also down
• Political comment: Proposed amendments to the Alcohol Reform Bill
• Starting Out Wage moves a step closer
• Lobbying bill well intentioned but fatally flawed
• Countdown to open pharmacies inside supermarkets

Attached is the NARGON Draft Submission for the proposal to introduce plain packaging of tobacco products in New Zealand.

NARGON primarlily agrees with the BusinessNZ Submission (Also attached) aswell as pointed out the effects for retailers should this proceed.

• Food prices up, supermarket sales up, card spending up
• Political comment: Susan Jones (British American Tobacco)
• GST-free fruit and vegetable policy falls out the election basket
• Care needed with staff use of internet
• Drinking age settle - alcohol minimum price still up in the air
• Rest and meal breaks to be included in new Employment legislation

Click here to view

BusinessNZ have prepared a submission which NARGON are looking to support with further comments based on members feedback.

Click here to read the BusinessNZ proposal

Main issue for stores when either of the above holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday:

Due to ever increasing costs, the NARGON Board would like to propose to its members that the requirement for an annual audit be removed from the Rules of the association.

The NARGON Board believes that an annual audit is no longer required because the NARGON accounts have close governance oversight and minimal stake holders.  The accounts are also lodged with the Incorporated Societies Act each year and do not require an audit for this purpose.

• Food prices up in June but down for year
• Political Comment: Peter Dune (United Future)
• Welcome changes in employment law
• UK: The power of social media
• Uk: Scotland looking to ban free plastic bags

From 23 July this year a new regulation allows anyone selling tobacco products to display a printed or handwritten notice setting out where in the shop these can be purchased.  Notices can be ordered online, free, at http://www.healthed.govt.nz  or obtained from local public health units.

Click here to view this information and download resources

• Food prices dip, card transactions up
• Political Comment: David Clendon (Greens)
• Government intensifies anti-tobacco push
• Welcome changes in employment law
• The humble pasty proves a simple GST system is important
• Government launches new support for SMEs
• Click here to view this E-News letter