Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

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 thi...

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...

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 c...

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...

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 f...

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 t...

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...

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...

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 fr...

Did you know that Law Lenz hit pause? Sorry to all the Spotify listeners that didn't get this episode. But don't worry, we're back on it and releasing weekly episodes every Tuesday starting from 30th July! During our brief hiatus, we wanted to flip the script and put the ball in your court. Our host Sanam wants to know what burning insights you’re craving.  So what are you waiting for? Join our po...

Have you heard all the commotion? Holidays Act changes are comin' in hot! For years, the Act's ambiguity, especially regarding atypical work arrangements, has led to widespread non-compliance and significant remediation costs. However, changes are on the horizon, and the Act is set to undergo a massive overhaul in 2024. Join host Sanam as she explores the proposed legislative amendments introduced...

The law guarantees employees minimum rest and meal breaks to ensure wellbeing and productivity. These breaks come in two flavours: paid 10-minute rest breaks and unpaid 30-minute meal breaks. The number of breaks an employee gets depends on how long they work. However, even with clear guidelines, employers are still getting it wrong. So how do these misunderstandings and oversights occur?  In this...

We've all been there. Sometimes, we just don't want to go into work, and if you own or operate a business, then you may have come across creative ways an employee may avoid work. Sometimes they may opt to 'chuck a sickie'. Other times, you may see an intermittent but frequent pattern forming where it seems like sick leave is being taken advantage of. Whether it's faking symptoms, calling in after...

What if I told you that getting your employment agreements wrong could cost you $20,000? And what if I told you that you might be making this mistake right now? Welcome to another eye-opening episode, where we delve into the critical topic of hours of work and why it's essential to get it right. Join Sanam as she uncovers the often misunderstood and unspoken rules surrounding minimum and maximum w...

Under New Zealand employment law, employees have the right to bring a support person or representative to meetings. This person can be anyone the employee chooses, such as a friend, family member, union representative, lawyer, or even a trusted colleague. With a support person's role going beyond just being a silent observer, there is confusion around what a support person can and cannot do.  This...

Juggling leave requests can be tricky, especially when employees request to cash out their annual leave instead of taking a vacation. This can be due to various reasons, such as financial needs, sending money home, or saving for a larger future trip. While it's important to encourage breaks to prevent burnout and boost productivity, accommodating these requests can leave HR professionals and emplo...

Changing existing terms in an employment agreement can be confusing. Have you ever found yourself wondering whether to issue a brand new employment agreement or if variation letter will do? Lately, this question has been popping up more frequently among both employers and employees. So it's time to shed some light on the matter. In this episode host, Sanam, clarifies the difference between a varia...

The foundation of a healthy work environment is a strong relationship built on trust and mutual respect. This concept extends to legal protections as well, with the duty of good faith acting as a core principle in employment law. But what exactly does good faith entail, and how can employers and employees ensure they're upholding their obligations? The practical implications of good faith can be e...

With recent government announcements aiming to cut costs by 1.5 billion dollars, many New Zealand public sector agencies are facing the possibility of redundancies. This has led to a rise in voluntary redundancies being offered to employees. But what exactly are voluntary redundancies, and what rights do you have as an employee in this situation? In this “Ask Law Lenz” segment, join Sanam as she o...

Workplace conflict got you down? What if there was a way to address workplace issues before you feel the employment relationship is becoming untenable? The Early Resolution Service, a free resource offered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is the answer you've been searching for! Imagine a resource designed to help employers and employees nip workplace conflict in the...

Have you been hearing rumblings about changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)? Well, the rumours are true. The immigration law update that came into effect on 7 April 2024, has left many migrant workers and employers scrambling. Back in February, the Public Services Commission released a scathing report highlighting serious issues with the AEWV process. Fast forward to April 2024, and...

In this episode Sanam takes the mic to share some exciting updates and insights into the future direction of the podcast. Join her as she discusses the evolution of Law Lenz and where it's headed next. From building a community to offering training and consultancy services, Sanam invites listeners to join the waitlist and share their ideas for the journey ahead. She also dives into her mission to...

One of the key remedies available to an employee in a successful personal grievance claim is compensation. The compensation is associated with humiliation, loss of dignity, and injury to feelings. Over the years we have seen a steady increase with compensation. In 2023, there was a reassessment of compensation awards, which has now been adopted by the Employment Relations Authority and Employment...

We are back with another “Unpack the Holidays Act” episode! This time around we're unpacking a topic that often flies under the radar: transferring public holidays. It's a provision that might be unfamiliar to many, yet it can provide great benefits to a workplace. Like with all other areas of New Zealand employment law, employers and employees must understand their obligations.  Join Sanam as she...

Last week was a saucy week for employment law, but not that kind of saucy! It was a whirlwind of developments in New Zealand's employment law landscape. We saw the resurfacing of the leaked Cabinet papers debacle from last year. Additionally, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Hon. Brooke van Velden, hinted at the employment law changes on the horizon by the Coalition Government. Join our ho...