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...

Safety first, last, and always - Why cutting corners could cost you more than you think; a tale of High Voltage hazards and the shocking...

Embracing Neurodiversity: A call to action for employers In recent years, awareness of neurodiversity has significantly increased,...

Late last night, the government announced significant changes to the ERA2000 that will clarify how workers are classified.

Navigating the turbulent seas of business in 2024 I know we are only a quarter of the way through, but this year many have found...

Understanding Employee Availability In the dynamic landscape of modern workplaces, flexibility is often key to meet business demands. One...

Unlocking the Potential of Trial Periods With the inauguration of the new Government in 2023 came a wave of regulatory changes, including...

Navigating the aftermath of annual leave/close-down's and unraveling the fatigue conundrum in kiwi workplaces Fatigue remains a...

HR and H&S strategies to assist during the festive season As the year draws to a close and the holiday season approaches with many...

Navigating the Pitfalls of Repeated Fixed-Term Contracts In the dynamic landscape of employment in New Zealand, fixed-term agreements are...

The true costs of Employees vs. Independent Contractors: Unveiling the hidden expenses As a business owner or manager, one of the most...

Mitigating PG Risks when the employment relationship cannot continue. As an employer, ensuring a harmonious workplace environment while...