Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

Law Lenz is officially back from break! While we were gone, employment law kept on moving. So much so, that on 13 May 2025, the Coalition Government passed urgent changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay laws. By introducing hierarchical comparators, that claims must have "merit" and redefining what counts as a female-dominated workforce, the changes have impacted employees across industries such as healthcare, teaching and corrections. ...

The minimum wage increase is just around the corner - 1 April 2025 isn’t far away. The big question is, are you ready? Many employers focus on payroll adjustments, but there’s a lot more to consider. From pay parity concerns to budgeting strategies, pricing reviews, and employee conversations, this episode breaks down everything you actually need to consider.

Join host Sanam as she walks through key steps to ensure a smooth transit...

Wage theft has become a major topic of debate, especially with Australia recently criminalising intentional underpayments. The conversation has recently resurfaced in New Zealand and it seems we may be following suit.

In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s Wage Theft Bill, officially known as the Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill. This proposed law aims to make it a criminal offense for employers to intentionally withhol...

Big changes are coming to New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The government is rolling out a series of reforms throughout 2025, fundamentally shifting the way employers hire and retain migrant workers.

So, what’s changing? From scrapping the median wage requirement to adjusting job check processes, reducing experience thresholds, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways, these reforms are designed to address skil...

It’s a new year, and major reforms are on the horizon! In late 2024, the Coalition Government unveiled sweeping changes set to shake up New Zealand’s employment law landscape. These updates aren’t just policy tweaks, they’re set to reshape how businesses operate in 2025 and beyond.

Join host Sanam as she unpacks these reforms in plain English and provides insights to help you prepare.

What’s in this episode:

• Personal grievance...

As Law Lenz wraps up for the festive season, host Sanam wants to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU!

This year has been nothing short of phenomenal, thanks to you. We’ve reached more listeners than we ever imagined, and we’ve had the absolute privilege of connecting with so many of you. Your support, whether it's spreading the word, reaching out, and tuning in each week, has been the driving force behind the growth of Employment...

Annual closedowns are a regular occurrence for many businesses across New Zealand. However, they often come with a range of questions and compliance concerns. Whether your business shuts its doors over Christmas or during another seasonal break, getting the details right is essential.

In this episode of Employment Law Done Right, host Sanam provides a quick refresher on the top tips for managing annual closedowns effectively. This ...

‘Tis the season for festive cheer, and that means one thing… the work Christmas party! But before you deck the halls and celebrate, there are a few key things to keep in mind to make sure your holiday bash is both merry and safe.

In this episode, host Sanam covers everything employers need to know for a memorable (and incident-free) work party. From employer obligations under New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 to sett...

Imagine working hard, only to face the spine-chilling reality that your pay is nowhere to be found. Payday quickly turns into a nightmare as days creep by unpaid and all while you’re still putting in the hours. In most cases, employers across New Zealand get payroll done on time, but some face cash flow issues or accounting oversights that lead to the horror of delayed pay runs.

In this Halloween special of Ask Law Lenz, we’re divi...

Bereavement leave isn’t always top of mind when we think about employee entitlements. It tends to fly under the radar, only becoming relevant during deeply emotional and often difficult times. But just because it’s not as frequently discussed as other types of leave doesn’t mean it’s without its challenges. In fact, what might seem straightforward on the surface can quickly become tricky when real-life complexities arise. Whether i...

Navigating New Zealand employment law can be tricky, but the Law Lenz Newsletter is here to help! Get expert insights, real-world examples, and practical tips delivered straight to your inbox - with a touch of light-hearted fun too. Host Sanam keeps you updated on the latest legal developments, helping you avoid costly mistakes and stay compliant. So what are you waiting for? Don’t miss out on this valuable resource! 

Sign up tod...

Have you heard about the latest announcement from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Brooke van Velden?

The recent legal update is making waves across New Zealand, as it proposes to create certainty when entering into contractor arrangements. Businesses are now facing a potential legal shake-up that will provide greater clarity around the status of independent contractors. But what does this mean for your business?

In this e...

Emojis have become the new language of the workplace - but is it all just fun banter, or could it turn into a HR nightmare? 

In this light-hearted episode, join host Sanam as she delves into the cheeky world of emojis and what they mean for workplace communication. Whether you're sprinkling them into Slack messages or firing off a playful emoji in a work email, these tiny icons can carry serious compliance and HR implications.

Tune...

Wage and time records might seem like just another admin task, but they’re actually the backbone of fair and compliant employment practices. These records aren’t just about ticking boxes - they ensure employees get what they’re legally entitled to and shield employers from serious legal and financial risks. In this episode, we’re diving deep into why accurate wage and time records are more crucial than you might think.

We’ll explor...

The "right to disconnect" is creating a lot of buzz in the world of work, especially with Australia’s new laws officially taking effect earlier this week. But what does this mean for us here in New Zealand? Recently, there have been conversations about whether we are falling behind compared to Australia. The Law Lenz hot take is that we already have protections in place and we're not too far off from the "right to disconnect" laws....

Did you know there are big changes ahead for New Zealand’s Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme? On 2 September 2024, changes will officially take effect for the 2024/25 season. These updates, are part of the Government's efforts to support the growth of the horticulture and viticulture industries while reducing costs and compliance burdens for employers. At the same time, these changes aim to improve working conditions for RS...

A topic that's becoming increasingly relevant in today's challenging economic landscape is permanent business closures. As liquidation numbers rise across New Zealand, employers face difficult decisions that directly impact their teams. But what are the legal obligations when a business needs to shut its doors for good?

In this Ask Law Lenz segment we are tackling 3 major questions for businesses across NZ (especially SMEs):

• Wh...

Probationary clauses are a common feature in New Zealand employment agreements. They serve as a valuable tool for both employers and employees to assess mutual suitability in the role and workplace. Yet, the requirements and nuances of probation periods often go unspoken.

Join host Sanam in this episode as she delves into the multifaceted role of probationary periods, emphasising the requirements for ensuring their validity and the...

From a new idea to a binding rule, New Zealand laws undergo a rigorous journey through Parliament. Bills are proposed, debated, and scrutinised before facing the public spotlight. If they survive this gauntlet, they’re signed into law.

So, have you ever wondered how laws are actually made? Join us as we demystify the legislative process, shedding light on the often lengthy and intricate journey from a bill's introduction to its ena...