News & Views
KiwiSaver contribution changes from 1 April 2026 - what employers need to know
From 1 April 2026, the default KiwiSaver contribution rate for both employees and employers will increase from 3% to 3.5%.
Process Is King: The Legal and Commercial Risks of Getting It Wrong
Employment issues can arise because decisions are made under pressure - operational demands, time constraints, or frustrations with poor behaviour and performance which have not been addressed formally and the employer has simply had enough and makes the decision to terminate.
Christmas Day Trading Rules: What Business Owners Need to Plan for
As the Christmas period approaches, many New Zealand businesses are reviewing whether they can trade on Christmas Day — and what that means for staffing, pay, and compliance.
Uber Drivers Ruled Employees: What the Supreme Court Decision Means for NZ Businesses
On 20 November 2025, the Supreme Court dismissed Uber’s appeal and held that the four drivers at the center of the case were employees. In doing so, the Court found that the factors pointing to employee status outweighed those pointing away from it.
Christmas Party Dos and Don’ts 2025
The festive season is here, and with it comes the opportunity to celebrate your team’s hard work. Follow these Dos and Don’ts to make sure everyone has a safe, enjoyable, and memorable time.
Secret Santa Done Right: Fun Without the Awkwardness
Secret Santa is a classic workplace tradition that can be a great way to boost engagement and build team cohesion during the festive season. However, without careful planning, it can quickly become awkward or even counterproductive. For employers, structuring this tradition thoughtfully can reinforce company culture, strengthen relationships, and maintain professional standards.
Closedown Requirements – What Employers Need to Know Before the Holidays
Planning a Christmas closedown? Employers must give at least 14 days’ written notice before shutting down all or part of their business. This is also a great time to review annual leave balances and make sure you’re not carrying unnecessary leave liability.
Our latest article outlines the key closedown requirements, how to manage leave fairly, and the 2024/2025 public holiday dates every employer should note.
Update: Proposed Changes to the Holidays Act – 24 month implementation period following legislation passed into law
The government has announced significant changes to the way sick leave, annual leave, and other entitlements are calculated.
Knowhow Named Readers’ Choice Winner
Knowhow is proud to announce that we have been selected as a Readers’ Choice Award Winner for HR Management Consultant in the prestigious HRD Australia & New Zealand Readers’ Choice Awards 2025.
Why It’s Worth Investing in a Tailored Employment Agreement
You can get by with a free template—until the day you can’t. When disputes arise, vague or generic agreements can leave you exposed.
Investing in a tailored employment agreement is less about paying for a “document” and more about protecting your business, your people, and your peace of mind.
Preparing for Sale: Why Employment Compliance is Critical for NZ Business Owners
For many New Zealand business owners, the decision to sell their business represents the culmination of years—if not decades—of hard work. Whether you’re preparing for retirement, exploring new ventures, or seeking to capitalize on market value, ensuring a smooth and profitable sale is the goal.
Sick Leave Management
Sick leave management has grown into one of the most pressing challenges for New Zealand employers, especially since employees became entitled to 10 paid days per year in 2021.
Managing Stress in High-Pressure Roles – A Guide for Employers
A Guide for Employers
High-pressure roles are often the backbone of a business. They’re where deadlines are tight, expectations are high, and there’s little room for error. These roles can drive performance and innovation — but without the right support, they can also drive burnout.
Hiring After Redundancy
Hiring After Redundancy in New Zealand: Doing It Right, Reducing Risk
Hiring after redundancy is a legally sensitive area in New Zealand. It’s critical to ensure that new hiring does not undermine the redundancy process or expose your business to personal grievance claims.
Public Holiday Pay in New Zealand: Ensuring Compliance, Minimising Risk
Employer Guide: Public Holiday Pay
Public holiday pay can be a compliance pitfall if not managed correctly. Getting it right ensures fairness, avoids disputes, and protects your bottom line.
Bereavement Leave in New Zealand: Supporting Staff Through Loss
Bereavement leave is more than a legal duty—it’s a human response to life-changing events. Managing this sensitively while staying compliant builds trust and care into your workplace culture.
Annual Leave Entitlements in New Zealand: What Employers Need to Know
Effective leave management is the foundation of a productive, compliant work environment. In New Zealand, understanding annual leave entitlements ensures your organisation supports employee wellbeing, manages risk, and meets statutory requirements—all while driving commercial outcomes.
Employer’s Guide to Employment Mediation
Employer’s Guide to Employment Mediation
When workplace issues escalate, mediation can be an effective, confidential way to resolve them before they become costly, time-consuming, and damaging to relationships.
Cashing Out Annual Leave – What Employers Need to Know
Annual leave is designed to give employees time away from work to rest and recharge. But in some cases, employees can request to “cash out” part of their leave instead of taking time off.
Medical Certificates for Sick Leave – What Employers Need to Know
Employers Guide to Medical Certificates for Sick Leave