An update on New Zealand’s Employment Law

May 2026

Jeff McCall

Ariana Kim

From 21 February 2026, four key changes under the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 (ERA) came into force. Below is a general explanation of each change and who it may impact. Contractor vs employee status: the Gateway Test The Gateway ... Read more

Contractor or Employee – The Proposed “Gateway Test”

April 2025

Ariana Kim

Over the years, the status of a worker as a contractor or an employee has been challenged through the Employment Court and Employment Relations Authority (Authority). The Employment Court’s recognition of four Uber drivers as employees rather ... Read more

What are the risks of getting your privacy obligations wrong?

September 2021 It’s not just the reputation of your business that will suffer! The protection of personal information has been a hot topic in New Zealand since the introduction of the new Privacy Act in December 2020. Key changes to the old Act ... Read more

COVID-19 Impact for Employers

April 2020 We have been contacted by a few clients concerned about the impact the COVID-19 restrictions will have on their businesses. It is likely that some businesses will need to reduce staffing numbers or alter positions from full time to part time to ... Read more

Recent Employment Legislation Changes

June 2019 There are two key changes to employment legislation that both employers and employees need to be aware of. These are the new rules around trial periods for employers with 20 or more staff and the provision of domestic violence leave for all ... Read more

Resolving Employment Problems Through Mediation Services

December 2018 Employment Mediation is a cost-effective and relatively simple method of resolving a wide range of employment issues. A well-managed mediation can effectively address workplace conflict, as well as help negotiate the conclusion of an employment ... Read more