The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill (“Bill”) received royal assent on 9 July 2026. The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2026 (“HSWAA 2026”) implements amendments to the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 (“HSWA 2015”). The HSWAA comes into force on 1 April 2027, with the exception of the Approved …
Health and Safety at Work Act 2015’s biggest overhaul in over a decade Read More »
What is a Performance Improvement Plan? The term ‘Performance Improvement Plan’ — or PIP — is now widely recognised by both employers and employees. In today’s fast paced and constantly evolving workplaces, employers increasingly expect staff to perform consistently and add value. But while the concept of a PIP may be familiar to some, the …
Performance Improvement Plans: turning problems into progress Read More »
On 17 November 2025, in a majority decision, the Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Uber’s appeal, confirming that the four Uber drivers who brought the proceedings were employees, not independent contractors. This brings an end to this dispute which has been ongoing since 2021, and in which Uber has now been unsuccessful in each of the …
Significant changes to employment law are one step closer, with the Government introducing the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament on 17 June 2025. This Bill sets out the changes flagged by the Government earlier this year, and provides further detail as to how those changes will work. The Bill still needs to go through …
Employment Relations Amendment Bill: big changes for employment law Read More »
Our corporate and finance team is proud to have advised local robotics company and long-time client Robotics Plus through its recent acquisition by Japan’s Yamaha Motor Company. Partner Ken Hawkes has worked with Robotics Plus founders Steven Saunders and Dr Alistair Scarfe for over 10 years through their journey of development and innovation, to this …
Robotics Plus acquisition by Japan’s Yamaha Motor Company Read More »
This article was published for the Bay of Plenty Times, Friday 14 February 2025 It seems like with every change of government comes the inevitable slew of changes to employment law. The Act Party’s focus on employment law reform has made this truism even truer for the Coalition Government. Big changes have already been made. …
A change is as good as a rest break: proposed employment law changes in 2025 Read More »
In a recent decision, the Employment Court has ruled in favour of High Performance Sport New Zealand (HPSNZ), overturning a decision made by the Employment Relations Authority in January 2024. In its initial ruling, the Authority had determined that HPSNZ was required to engage in collective bargaining with The Athletes Cooperative (TAC), a union representing …
High Performance Sport New Zealand v The Athletes’ Cooperative Read More »
Can swearing justify dismissal? Swearing? We are all guilty of doing it to some extent, but what about in the workplace? Is it acceptable and if so, to what degree? Can your employer discipline you for an outburst of expletives? Swearing in the workplace is common in some industries, but in certain circumstances it can …
Swearing in the workplace: can I be dismissed for swearing at work? Read More »
With the economy continuing on its downward slide, you will not be alone in giving thought to potential cost cutting measures, including reducing your labour costs. Restructuring is usually a last resort for employers and is only a step that tends to be taken when there seem to be no other viable options for reducing …
Restructuring in the workplace – What employers need to know Read More »
Earlier this week the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke Van Velden gave a speech to the Auckland Business Chamber, reiterating her priorities following the conclusion of the Government’s 100-day plan in which Fair Pay Agreements were abolished, and the availability of 90 day trial periods extended to all new employees. The Minister has confirmed …
Holidays Act – could change finally be on the horizon? Read More »
