news and events

As we move out of the uncertainty of the past year, there are important changes to the overseas investment regime, with some taking effect as early as 5 July 2021 with the existing emergency call in notification coming to an end even sooner.

The Holidays (Increasing Sick Leave) Amendment Bill received royal assent on 24 May 2021, which means that 24 July 2021 (two months after royal assent) will be the date on which the sick leave increase from 5 to 10 days officially kicks in.

The Government is aware of the holes in NZ’s parental leave and payment scheme (as outlined in the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987) and has sought various recommendations over the years as to its improvement.

The Holidays (Increasing Sick leave) Amendment Bill has now been passed, officially increasing employees sick leave entitlement from 5 days per annum to 10 days per annum.

The judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal in the ongoing proceedings between the liquidators of Mainzeal and its directors is significant.  

On 7 May 2021, the Government announced the much anticipated Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) system, being one of its pre-election promises.

Matariki (short for Ngā mata o te ariki o Tāwhirimātea, or “the eyes of the god Tāwhirimātea”) is the Māori New Year, and the date is always set to align with the rise of its namesake, a cluster of stars that make their first appearance during midwinter.

A recent Employment Relations Authority case has highlighted the importance of employers acting in accordance with their good faith obligations under section 4 of the Employment Relations Act 2000 when it comes to employees who hold work visas.

INZ has released some further information in relation to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) which will be introduced from 1 November 2021.

Several legislative changes are in the pipeline that employers need to be aware of, including related to sick leave, Matariki, bereavement leave and more.