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Performance Issues: NZ Employer Guide to Fair & Legal Management

Every business has times when an employee’s performance doesn’t meet expectations. It might be missed deadlines, errors, poor communication, or simply not keeping up with the demands of the role. For small business owners, it can be uncomfortable to address but ignoring the problem usually makes things worse. The key is to manage performance issues fairly, consistently, and in line with New Zealand employment law.The first step is to make sure your expectations are clear. Often, performance ...

Full-time, Part-time, Casual & Fixed-term Employees: What NZ Employers Need to Know

If you employ staff in New Zealand, it’s important to understand the key differences between full-time, part-time, casual and fixed-term employment. Each type has its own legal obligations and entitlements under the Employment Relations Act and the Holidays Act, and getting it wrong can create compliance and payroll headaches later.Let’s break down the main types of employment in simple terms.Full-Time EmploymentFull-time employees usually work around 35 to 40 hours a week on a regular and o...

Upcoming Changes to the Holidays Act: NZ Employer Guide

The government is planning to replace the Holidays Act 2003 with a new law designed to make things simpler and fairer for everyone. The current Act has long been criticised for being confusing and difficult to apply, especially for small businesses that have employees working variable hours or on different pay cycles. The new law will make it easier to calculate leave and ensure that employees get what they’re entitled to, without creating unnecessary admin headaches for employers.One of the b...

Christmas Closedown & Annual Leave Notice: What NZ Employers Need to Know

As the end of the year approaches, many businesses across New Zealand start planning for their annual Christmas closedown. Whether you’re shutting your doors completely or running a smaller team through the holiday period, it’s important to make sure you handle your employees’ leave correctly, especially when it comes to giving notice for annual leave.What the law saysUnder the Holidays Act 2003, employers can require employees to take annual leave during a customary closedown (for example...

Redundancy: Things Employers Need to Know

The current tough economic conditions mean we are seeing a dramatic increase in redundancies across all sectors in New Zealand. The cost of living has increased and business growth has slowed. Sadly, this is affecting many individuals and small business employers.It is important for individuals going through a redundancy process to be aware of their rights, and it is equally important for employers understand their obligations.An employer must follow a fair process when they want to make an empl...

90 Day Trial Periods are back – what does this mean?

In December 2023, the recently elected National Government reintroduced 90 day trial periods into New Zealand employment legislation. Many small business employers believe this means they can terminate a new employee within the first 90 days without reason. But…………………..there are a few things to keep in mind.While an employee cannot raise a personal grievance in respect of a termination under a valid trial period, this does not mean an employee cannot bring a claim under any circums...