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Updates: Employment Agreements and Privacy
Due to legislation changes in February and May this year, employers need to:
Update their employment agreements to cover changes to remedies for personal grievances.
Update their employment agreements to cover that employees earning over $200,000 cannot bring unjustified dismissal personal grievances or other legal proceedings for dismissal.
Address changes to the Privacy Act around information collection.
Employment Leave Bill
This Bill is intended to replace the Holidays Act 2003. It is currently before the Select Committee. Watch this space.
“A problem shared is a problem halved”
Our advice is not to dwell on employment problems. Come to us as soon as there is an issue because we can do more to help you if you contact us early on.
If you would like more information about the content on our website, please contact us at: lawyer@btlaw.co.nz
Special Edition – Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 came into effect on 21 February 2026, making changes to the Employment Relations Act (ERA). The changes are relevant to employees, employers, contractors and businesses that engage contractors. In this update we draw your attention to two of the most significant changes so that you and your business can be prepared. New Remuneration Threshold for Unjustified Dismissal Personal…
In this edition: How TVNZ got its restructuring (very) wrong Possible changes to the Holidays Act Reminder to check employment agreements are up-to-date Medical certificates, Medical Council Guidelines and employment policies Our free webinars Check out our employment law articles on TradeMe Jobs Did you know we can help with … workplace facilitation and conflict resolution, and privacy issues and…
December 2025 The Select Committee has reported on the Bill, proposing some changes. The Minister has published her Cabinet paper setting out what she will ask Parliament to adopt. The major matters in the Bill are the law on who is a contractor rather than an employee, and the proposal that persons on higher incomes ($200,000 and above) will not be able…
On 14 March 2025 a new section 220AA (Theft by employer) was inserted into the Crimes Act 1961. The new section provides that an employer who intentionally fails, without reasonable excuse, to pay any money owed under an employment agreement (whether or not the agreement is in writing) or an Act (for example the Holidays Act 2003, the Minimum Wage…
A beauty therapist (Zelinda Doria (ZD)) employed by a spa (Medispa) discovered she was pregnant in November 2016. She suffered from morning sickness in her first trimester. In the fortnight after learning of her pregnancy she was sent home early twice and took six days of leave. While on sick leave her manager contacted her to organise a meeting to…
A trial period clause allows an employer to dismiss an employee during the initial period of their employment (up to 90 days) and the dismissed employee is not entitled to bring a personal grievance or other legal proceedings in respect of the dismissal. In a change that took effect on 23 December 2023, all employers in New Zealand, no matter…
Food delivery riders found to be independent contactors. Where British law goes, NZ often follows – so watch this space. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2023/nov/23/deliveroo-victory-riders-british-workers-gig-economy-europe?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other (Posted 30 November 2023)
The Employment Relations (Extended Time for Personal Grievance for Sexual Harassment ) Amendment Act became law on 13 June 2023. The time within which a personal grievance can be raised for sexual harassment has now been extended from 90 days to 12 months. As the Explanatory Note to the Bill set out, coming forward to report sexual harassment can be…
Post-Election Edition Welcome to our post-election edition of Crystal Ball. National has released its Action Plan for its first 100 days. There are three elements that are relevant to employment legislation: 90 Day No-Fault Trial Periods National says it will introduce legislation to restore 90 day no-fault trial periods for all businesses. No-fault trial periods are provisions in employment agreements that an…
