Unjustified dismissal (often referred to as unfair dismissal) claims are the most common type of personal grievances lodged in New Zealand. Employees in New Zealand have the right to raise a personal grievance if they believe their dismissal was unfair or without proper cause. What Constitutes an Unjustified Dismissal? An unjustified dismissal occurs when an
Understanding Unjustified Dismissal Read More »
A common misconception is that people who engage in cyberbullying, online harassment or harmful digital communications can hide behind anonymous social media accounts and online profiles without consequence. In many cases, this is not correct. The Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015 (“HDCA”) gives the District Court significant powers to require information to be disclosed where
In New Zealand thousands of personal grievances are lodged with the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) each year. A personal grievance is a formal complaint that an employee can raise if they believe they have been treated unfairly or unlawfully in their workplace. The personal grievance process is an important mechanism for addressing workplace issues and
Personal Grievances In New Zealand Read More »
Artificial intelligence is no longer experimental—it’s embedded in how New Zealand businesses market, hire, contract, and make decisions. But while adoption is accelerating, the legal guardrails are still catching up. That gap is where risk—and opportunity—sits. For many organisations, the key issue isn’t whether to use AI, but how to use it responsibly without exposing
AI in Business: Opportunity, Risk, And what NZ Companies Must Get Right Now Read More »
Tragically, New Zealand continues to have one of the highest rates of family violence in the OECD. Family violence leave is a key legal entitlement, designed to support employees affected by family violence by providing paid time off to address personal challenges without workplace stress. Despite its introduction in 2019, many employers and employees remain
Family Violence Leave: What You Need to Know Read More »
Redundancies have been on the increase over the past 12-months, and as New Zealand’s economic recovery is proving to be more sluggish than most had anticipated, redundancies may continue to rise. Although some sectors have been impacted more than others, redundancies have been felt across the whole of New Zealand and in every part of
Five Crucial Aspects of Workplace Change and Redundancy Read More »
The distinction between contractors and employees is a critical issue in employment law, with significant ramifications for businesses and individuals alike. Misclassification can lead to disputes, penalties, and reputational damage. This article cites some of the key differences between contractors and employees and refers to the recent NZ Supreme Court decision. Supreme Court Decision
Contractor or Employee: Key Differences and Legal Implications Read More »
This article addresses some frequently asked questions about restraint of trade provisions – a commonplace employment practice. It also flags an important pending change to the law. WHAT is a restraint of trade clause? A restraint of trade clause is a provision in an employment agreement that restricts an employee’s activities after their employment ends.
Restraint of Trade FAQs Read More »
The Government has announced that the Holidays Act 2003 will be repealed and replaced by the Employment Leave Act to streamline leave entitlements and address other key areas. Some of these are outlined below. Hours Based Accrual Model Under the proposed system, both annual and sick leave entitlements would begin accruing from the first day
Introducing the Employment Leave Act for a Modern Workforce Read More »
The Government is proposing several amendments to the Employment Relations Act 2000 in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 175-1 (Government Bill). This article identifies how these will impact on high-income earners and their ability to lodge a claim against their employer for unjustified dismissal. The Change Employees earning more than $180,000 a year will not
Unjust, But Not Unlawful? Read More »
We wish you safety, joy, and special moments with your loved ones.
Our office will be closing at midday on the 23rd of December and reopen at 9am on the 12th of January 2026.
From the 12th of January 2026, we welcome you to our new office at:
7 Paerata Road,
Pukekohe.
