The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has launched a targeted enforcement drive across the central North Island to crack down on non-compliance in the beauty industry, particularly nail salons and massage businesses.
The initiative, called Operation Antic, involves unannounced site visits to businesses in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Wairarapa, and Wellington. Inspections began earlier this year and will continue through the coming months.
The operation is led by MBIE’s Labour Inspectorate with support from Immigration New Zealand (INZ). It aims to protect vulnerable and migrant workers, ensure fair working conditions, and disrupt any links to organised criminal activity such as money laundering.
Focus on Wellington and Bay of Plenty
During October 2025, MBIE teams carried out inspections in Wellington’s CBD and the Hutt Valley, following earlier visits to Bay of Plenty businesses.
“The beauty sector has seen a rise in complaints and referrals, especially in the Waikato and Wellington areas,”
said Margaret Meafua, Labour Inspectorate Compliance Manager for the Central region.“We’re taking a proactive, intelligence-led approach to disrupt non-compliant practices and support businesses in doing the right thing.”
According to Ms Meafua, intelligence gathered during these visits will help MBIE map overall compliance levels across the sector and guide future enforcement.
What Operation Antic looks for
Inspectors are checking that employers meet minimum employment standards, including:
- Written employment agreements for all staff
- Proper recordkeeping and pay documentation
- Lawful deductions and correct wage payments
- Compliance with minimum wage, leave, and break entitlements
When breaches are found, MBIE may use a range of enforcement tools:
- Infringement or improvement notices
- Enforceable undertakings requiring corrective action
- Penalties imposed through the Employment Relations Authority
- Education and support for business owners wanting to comply
Tackling organised crime and unfair competition
MBIE says the crackdown is about fair treatment for workers and maintaining a level playing field for compliant businesses.
“We expect most businesses are doing or want to do the right thing,” Ms Meafua said.
“But there are concerns about possible links between some beauty-industry businesses and organised criminal activity, including money laundering. Operation Antic is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt serious non-compliance and prevent harm.”
Operation Antic takes an integrated approach, bringing together Labour Inspectorate teams and Immigration NZ to share information and strengthen responses to organised criminal activity.
What happens next
MBIE is analysing data from the Wellington inspections before confirming specific issues or enforcement actions.
Findings will shape future compliance campaigns and education drives across the country.
Anyone who believes they- or someone they know- has been treated unfairly at work is encouraged to contact MBIE’s confidential helpline on 0800 20 90 20.
Media contact: media@mbie.govt.nz | 021 814 674
Source: Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (New Zealand) official media release, November 2025.
