Stories that mention John Edwards

In early June 2022, Justice Minister Kris Faafoi announced the appointment of the new Privacy Commissioner.

Michael Webster, who is currently the Secretary of the Cabinet, will step into the Privacy Commissioner role on 5 July 2022.

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards says, “We are seeing clear patterns emerging since mandatory reporting of serious privacy breaches came into effect with the Privacy Act 2020 on 1 December last year.”

It's been a bumper year for cyber incursion in Aotearoa New Zealand, with organisations big and small, public and private, falling victim to hackers from around the globe.

"It is necessary to publicly acknowledge the steps being taken by the Bank, to provide assurance to the public that these issues are being addressed," says Commissioner.

“While this consideration reflects the expertise of the Commissioner, it also reflects the work of the strong and stable team within the Office... and the results they have achieved for privacy in New Zealand.” 

Waikato District Health Board will not be fined for patient data being hacked, but it may face liability if harm is caused from it, the Privacy Commissioner says.

“First AML conducts regular, detailed staff privacy and security training sessions and employs regular third-party audits that go above and beyond what is required by law."

Privacy Commissioner John Edwards officially opened the centre this week, recognising SecOps’ efforts to provide managed security services to New Zealand businesses.

Of 1398 polled New Zealanders, 65% are in favour of strong privacy regulation, 29% are happy with the same level of regulation, and 6% prefer less legislation.

“Privacy is about being transparent and clear with customers and protecting their personal information. It’s about telling people what you’re collecting and what you’re going to do with it."

Edwards has a clear message: If New Zealand businesses undermine the issue of privacy, they will ruin their business.