More flexibility, less red tape… but only if you get it right. Employment law doesn’t change quietly in New Zealand; and yesterday's update is no exception. The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026, which came into force on 21 February, is one of the most significant shifts we’ve seen in a while. It’s been positioned as a move toward clarity, flexibility, and reducing compliance pressure for employers; but as always, the detail is where things get interesting. So, what do

The gig economy just got a reality check - and your contractor arrangements might need one too. The Supreme Court has handed down one of the most significant employment decisions Aotearoa has seen in years, and it doesn’t just affect Uber. It has major implications for any business relying on contractors, gig workers, or “flexible” labour models. After a three-year legal battle, four Uber drivers have finally been declared employees , not independent contractors. Uber lost in

Because what happens in the office shouldn’t always end up on tape. Workplace trust is fragile, and a secret recording can shatter it in...

Understanding when to hit the suspension button - and when to let it play out. Suspending an employee is a serious decision that requires...

Because “we downloaded it years ago” isn’t a strategy. Let’s be honest, most businesses don’t think too hard about their HR policies until something goes wrong. A complaint lands. A manager handles something differently to everyone else.Someone raises a personal grievance. And suddenly, that template you grabbed a few years ago (or copied from somewhere overseas) doesn’t quite stack up... That’s usually the moment businesses realise their policies aren’t actually protecting

Every workplace has that one person whose behaviour seems to drain the energy and morale of the entire team. These individuals often...

Contractors, employees, and the grey area in between It would appear that this remains a hot topic and given in recent developments in...

When the foundation of trust crumbles, is the relationship salvageable or is it time to call it quits? At the heart of employment law in...

12 key developments to be across and keep an eye on As we approach the end of the year, it’s essential for employers to stay ahead of the...