Last mentioned: Mar 26, 2026
Trial Conclusion
Expected completion of the current Briscoes Group facial recognition pilot program.
Bunnings Entry
Hardware giant Bunnings expected to begin its own facial recognition technology testing.
Scheduled Conclusion
The initial six-month trial period for Briscoes Group is expected to conclude for evaluation.
Foodstuffs Expansion
Foodstuffs confirms permanent deployment of FRT in 28 locations following their own successful trials.
Industry Expansion
Foodstuffs confirms permanent deployment in 28 stores while Bunnings announces upcoming trials.
Mid-Trial Disclosure
Details of the trial and its focus on staff safety are made public as the halfway point is reached.
North Island Trial Launch
Briscoes confirms the rollout of FRT trials in 18 North Island stores, including Rebel Sport locations.
Mid-Trial Status
Reports confirm the trial is active in 18 stores with a focus on reducing staff assaults.
Trial Commencement
Briscoes Group begins a six-month trial of FRT in 18 North Island stores.
Testing Phase Begins
Briscoes Group initiates a year-long internal review and testing of facial recognition capabilities.
Trial Commencement
Briscoes Group begins facial recognition trials in select North Island stores.
Briscoes Group has launched a six-month trial of facial recognition technology across 18 stores to combat a rise in retail violence and physical assaults. The move follows permanent deployments by Foodstuffs and signals a major shift toward biometric surveillance in the New Zealand retail sector.
Briscoes Group, New Zealand's fourth-largest retailer, has launched a facial recognition technology trial across 18 North Island stores to combat rising retail violence. The move aligns with a broader industry shift as major players like Foodstuffs and Bunnings adopt biometric surveillance to protect staff and customers.
Briscoes Group is halfway through a six-month trial of facial recognition technology across 18 North Island stores, targeting a rise in physical and verbal assaults. The move mirrors a broader trend among major New Zealand retailers, including Foodstuffs and Bunnings, toward biometric surveillance as a primary security tool.