November 2025 The long-awaited announcement from the government about its review of the Holidays Act 2003 (Act) has now been made. The existing Act is to be replaced with a new Employment Leave Act (new Act), which will make significant changes to how leave is accrued and paid. If passed by Parliament, it is intended… Read More.
September 2025 The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 came into force on 14 March 2025. This amendment allows for employers to be criminally prosecuted if it is established that they intentionally withheld wages, salaries or other monetary entitlements (such as the minimum statutory entitlements) from their employees. As a result, any wages disputes… Read More.
June 2025 Recording workplace conversations in New Zealand – a growing concern Employees may be asked to attend a meeting with their employer at any time. The meeting might be about performance, conduct, or some other matter or incident they are involved in or have been asked to respond to. The need to maintain a… Read More.
December 2024 This year is proving to be an especially difficult period for employers and employees throughout New Zealand. Many businesses are reporting a disappointing year with declines in revenue and operating profits. Some of this performance is due to the macro environment, such as inflation, employment, spending, and monetary and fiscal policy. This is… Read More.
December 2024 A common misconception that employers often hold is that they can rely on verbal warnings to justify formal disciplinary or performance management outcomes, instead of going through a formal process. The reality is that it’s not that simple. While there is a place for verbal warnings, employers should be cautious when seeking to… Read More.
September 2024 In the current economic landscape, a recent decision of the Court of Appeal comes as a timely reminder of employers’ obligations when carrying out a restructure process. In particular, the need to consult with affected employees during negotiations about a transfer of services (or business sale), and not waiting until after the decision… Read More.
June 2024 Many ‘employers’ in New Zealand, operate under a corporate identity through a limited liability company. There is a common assumption that if a company becomes insolvent, the directors or those that influence or control the company are protected by the ‘corporate veil’ – and can avoid personal consequences. In some circumstances, as this… Read More.
March 2023 Discrimination is a reality for disabled people. The Human Rights Act 1993 and the Employment Relations Act 2000 are two key statutes which cover discrimination in employment. The Human Rights Act does not define discrimination, but rather it lists prohibited grounds of discrimination, for example disability, which means physical disability or impairments, physical… Read More.