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.
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.
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.
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
Sick Leave in New Zealand: Your Guide to Keeping Your Team Healthy and Your Business Running
Employers Guide to Sick Leave
Parental Leave in NZ: What Employers Really Need to Know
Parental leave is one of those topics that can feel like a legal minefield. You want to support your people, stay compliant, and keep your business running smoothly — but the rules can be tricky if you’re not across them.
Free Download Parental Leave Checklist
Changes to Parental Leave Payment Rates
From 1 July, the maximum parental leave payment has increased from $754.87 to $788.66 gross per week.
Proposed changes to New Zealand Employment Law
Summary of the proposed amendments below along with providing insights into what these proposed amendments mean to employers.
Serious Misconduct Justifies Dismissal Despite Imperfect Process
Morrison v New Zealand Post provides a useful reminder that, in cases of serious misconduct, a dismissal may be upheld even where the employer’s process is less than perfect.
Unilever Wins on Dismissal Process
In a recent decision, the Employment Relations Authority confirmed the long-standing principle that an employer’s decision to dismiss will not be rendered unjustified by minor procedural imperfections, provided the dismissal itself is substantively fair and the overall process meets the test of reasonableness.