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Rewriting the rules: The biggest shake-up in NZ Employment Law since 1991

The Government has introduced a comprehensive Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament aiming to boost employer flexibility and productivity. This Bill seeks to cut red tape and balance responsibilities between employers and employees.    This Bill intends to foster productivity and if the intention of the Bill is achieved it will reset the balance between employee and employer responsibilities and accountability for individual actions.The Bill has been referred to s...

Proposed changes to termination could lead to more open and honest conversations

The ACT party’s Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Agreement) Amendment Bill (Bill) had its first reading in the House on 9 April 2025 and is currently at the select committee stage.The select committee’s report to the House on the Bill is due in October. Although this is only a member’s bill, it could be adopted by a coalition party and soon passed into law, especially given the upcoming election and the current government’s direction to reform employment legislatio...

All’s fair in pay equity, but where’s the flexibility for men?

Recent announcements by the government signal a pivotal moment in the conversation surrounding equal pay rights.Pushed through with urgency, the amendments to the Equal Pay Act have set stricter criteria for future claims to succeed, with the threshold increasing from 60% to 70% in a sector for it to be regarded as predominantly performed by women.There is a stronger emphasis required on the evidence of undervaluation of those roles based on gender, and for appropriate comparators to be identifi...

Douglas Lawyers welcomes Liam Collins to the Cambridge team

Douglas Lawyers is delighted to announce the addition of Liam Collins to its Cambridge team, bringing a fresh and focused approach to employment law.Principal Jo Douglas said she is looking forward to the contributions Liam will make to the practice and the wider legal community.“His fresh perspective will undoubtedly bring new insights and pragmatic solutions to our clients.” said Douglas.“I am thrilled to join such a reputable firm and am looking forward to specialising in employment law...

A sea change could be coming for SME’s

There is a delicate balance businesses need to strike between fostering a positive workplace environment and mitigating risk.Business owners and managers often struggle to get their heads around New Zealand’s employment laws that are complex to navigate.   Late last year, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden released plans to reform a number of issues with the current Employment Relations Act (ERA).Among the key proposed changes to our employment laws is the int...