A targeted operation to address concerns over employment practices and non-compliance in the beauty industry has been launched by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) across the central North Island.

The initiative is being called Operation Antic and involves unannounced site visits to nail salons and massage businesses across the Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū-Whanganui, Taranaki, Wairarapa, and Wellington regions.

The operation, led by the Labour Inspectorate and supported by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), aims to protect vulnerable workers, particularly migrants, and to ensure that businesses meet minimum employment standards and immigration requirements.

“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 expect that most businesses are doing or want to do the right thing but there are some concerns about possible links between some beauty industry businesses and organised criminal activity, including money laundering.

“Operation Antic is part of ongoing efforts by MBIE to support the disruption of organised criminality and serious non-compliance and prevent harm.”

The operation will assess whether businesses are complying with employment agreements, record-keeping requirements, lawful deductions, and minimum entitlements, and will provide businesses with education and support to meet these obligations.

Enforcement measures, including infringement and improvement notices, enforceable undertakings, and penalties through the Employment Relations Authority, may be taken by the MBIE upon identifying breaches.