Justice Minister Downplays “Crisis” as Retail Crime Advisory Group Implodes
By Lions Roar Aotearoa Politics Desk
WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND (Tuesday, January 27, 2026) — Justice Minister Paul Goldsmith is standing firm behind the chairman of the Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) on retail crime, despite a wave of resignations that has left the high-profile committee with only two of its original five members.
Retail NZ CEO Carolyn Young is the latest to exit, citing an “untenable” relationship with chairperson Sunny Kaushal. Her departure follows those of senior managers from Foodstuffs North Island and Michael Hill, leaving the group in what the opposition has labeled a state of “dysfunction.”
⚖️ “Fierce” Leadership or Functional Failure?
Minister Goldsmith dismissed suggestions that the group was in turmoil, instead characterizing the friction as a clash of strong personalities.
- The Defense: Goldsmith described Kaushal as “full-on” and “fierce” in his defense of small business owners. He noted that while Young was also a “full-on” individual, the group’s work has already resulted in legislation currently before a select committee.
- The “Crisis” Label: “This isn’t the crisis of the century,” Goldsmith told media on Tuesday, adding that two of the three resignations were due to professional promotions rather than internal strife.
- Future Outlook: With the group’s term nearing its end, the Minister said he would soon “take stock” of its future utility.
🔥 The War of Words: Kaushal vs. Andersen
The resignations have sparked a fierce political row between the chairperson and Labour’s police spokesperson, Ginny Andersen.
- Andersen’s Critique: The Labour MP described the group as “directionless and failing,” specifically citing reports that Kaushal organized a press release to launch a “personal attack” on Carolyn Young. “It is unprofessional and uncalled for,” Andersen stated.
- Kaushal’s Rebuttal: Sunny Kaushal hit back, blaming Andersen for the “lawlessness” he claims gripped New Zealand during her time as Police Minister. “Retail crime more than doubled under Labour’s watch. We’re fixing our broken laws… Restoring law and order is my focus,” Kaushal said.
📊 The Ministerial Advisory Group (MAG) Status
| Original Membership | Current Status | Reason for Departure |
| Sunny Kaushal (Chair) | Remaining | N/A |
| Ash Parmar | Remaining | N/A |
| Carolyn Young (Retail NZ) | Resigned | Relationship became “untenable.” |
| Lindsay Rowles (Foodstuffs) | Resigned | Promotion/New appointment. |
| Michael Bell (Michael Hill) | Resigned | Promotion/New appointment. |
📉 Progress on the Ground
Despite the internal drama, Goldsmith pointed to a “massive reduction” in ram raids as evidence that the government’s approach is working. Kaushal echoed this sentiment, stating the group remains focused on delivering “evidence-informed advice” to improve safety for “mum and dad shop-owners.”
However, with the head of the country’s peak retail body (Retail NZ) now on the outside, questions remain about how effectively the group can represent the broader business community moving forward.
