WorkstepCompliance WikiEmployment Law
Employment Relations Act 2000 + Holidays Act 2003

Employment law — NZ employer and employee guide

Plain-English guides to NZ employment law — from agreements and entitlements to dismissal and disputes.

NZ employment law gives employees strong protections and requires employers to act in good faith at all times. These guides cover the most commonly asked questions — each page cites the exact Act and section.

Starting employment
ERA 2000 s.67A

90-day trial periods

Who can use them, what must be in the agreement, and common mistakes that invalidate them.

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ERA 2000 s.65

Employment agreements

Mandatory content, types of agreements, and how to vary an agreement lawfully.

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Minimum Wage Act

Minimum wage 2026

Current adult, starting-out, and training rates — and who must be paid what.

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Leave entitlements
Parental Leave Act

Parental leave

26 weeks paid leave, partner leave, KIT days, and employer obligations.

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Holidays Act 2003

Sick leave

10 days per year, who qualifies, proof requirements, and caring for dependants.

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Ending employment
ERA 2000 ss.103–105

Dismissal and redundancy

The two-part test, fair process, performance management, and notice periods.

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ERA 2000 ss.103–111

Personal grievance

What it is, 90-day time limit, ERA process, and remedies available.

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Unions and collective bargaining
ERA 2000 Part 5

Collective bargaining

Union rights, good faith bargaining obligations, and collective agreements.

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Also on Workstep
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HSWA — fatigue management

Shift work and rest break obligations

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Privacy Act

Employee information and privacy

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Employment NZ

Official guidance

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ERA mediation

Free dispute resolution

HR teams: answer employment law questions instantly

Workstep gives your managers and HR staff instant answers from employment legislation and your own policies — before they make a costly mistake.

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