News & Views
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.
Secret Recordings in the Workplace
In a world where phones are always within reach, it’s becoming more common for employees to record conversations. But when it's done in secret, without permission, it crosses a line—and can justify dismissal.
5 Cases Every Employer Should Know in 2025
Staying informed on recent Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court decisions is one of the smartest things an employer can do. Here are five decisions from the past year that have clarified, reinforced, or strengthened employer rights in New Zealand.
King’s Birthday Public Holiday
Kings Birthday - A simple guide to help you manage public holiday pay and entitlements smoothly.
ERA Confirms Dismissal Was Justified
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) recently ruled on a case involving an employee's dismissal on medical grounds.
Employee Ordered to Pay $869,112 for Misappropriating Company Funds
Employee Ordered to Repay $869,112 After Systematic Misuse of Company Funds, According to ERA Ruling.
Minimum Wage Increase Effective 1 April 2025
As of 1 April 2025, the minimum wage will increase to $23.50 gross per hour, an increase of $0.35 from the current rate of $23.15.
Contractor or Employee – Uber New Zealand
The Court of Appeal ruled that 4 Uber drivers are employees, not independent contractors, by applying the correct legal test.
Invalid Trial Period – Retail
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) recently addressed a case in which a worker alleged unjustified dismissal and disadvantage in her employment.
Datacom Report – Business Outlook
The 2025 Datacom Business Outlook highlights a shift in priorities and threats compared to 2024. Workplace productivity and growth remain top priorities for businesses, while economic uncertainty has emerged as the most significant threat, overtaking its 2024 ranking. Government focus areas have also shifted, with boosting the economy remaining paramount, but export opportunities gaining prominence over climate change.
We Love AI, But…
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and others have changed the way we work, providing efficiency and convenience in a variety of tasks.
When it comes to sensitive matters such as drafting disciplinary letters, relying on AI systems can be a risky move.