Petition request

That the House of Representatives increase penalties for serious or repeated privacy breaches, strengthen the Office of the Privacy Commissioner’s enforcement powers, and improve accountability where organisations fail to protect personal or health information.

Petition reason

Privacy breaches can cause serious harm, including identity theft, financial loss, emotional distress, and loss of trust in essential services. While I feel the Privacy Act 2020 improved New Zealand’s framework, I think penalties and enforcement powers remain limited. I believe heavier fines and enhanced powers for the Office of the Privacy Commissioner are needed to deter poor practices, improve accountability, make penalties proportionate, and ensure organisations protect personal information.

Petition progress

  • Open for signatures
  • Closed for signatures
  • Select Committee
  • Reported
  • Referred to Minister
Number of signatures: 1533
Date presented: 10 Mar 2026
Considered by: Petitions
Presenting member: Hon Dr Ayesha Verrall
Closing date: 28 Feb 2026