Nau mai, haere mai Welcome to Employment NZ
- Public holidays and anniversary dates
- Taking sick leave
- Minimum wage rates and types
- Rest and breaks
- Parental leave guide
- How to resolve problems
- Taking bereavement leave
- Online learning
Services, tools and resources
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Everyone
Mediation
If an employment issue cannot be resolved informally by the parties themselves, mediation may help them to reach an agreement.
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Everyone
Early resolution
Early resolution is a free, impartial phone-based service that helps employers and employees resolve a workplace issue quickly and informally.
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Everyone
Migrant exploitation
Migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. If you, or someone you know, is being exploited in the workplace, you can report it to us.
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Everyone
Labour Inspectorate complaints
You can complain to the Labour Inspectorate if you see or suspect a breach of employment standards.
Holidays Act reform
Find out more about proposed changes to the Holidays Act.
Popular topics
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Everyone
Public holidays and anniversary dates
Employees have minimum rights that apply to public holidays.
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Everyone
Sick leave
Eligible employees are entitled to 10 days of paid sick leave each year so they can care for themselves, their partners or their dependants.
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Everyone
Minimum wage
Minimum wage rates apply to all employees aged 16 and over.
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Everyone
Rest and breaks
Employees must be paid rest and unpaid meal breaks. The number and duration will depend on the hours worked. Women who breastfeed or express milk can have extra breaks and facilities where practical.
Latest news
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Holiday trading and work rules: What employers and employees need to know
With the festive season fast approaching the Labour Inspectorate is urging employers and employees to understand their legal obligations around trading and working on public holidays.
- Public holidays
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Former Wendy’s operator loses bid to overturn improvement notice
The former owners of the Wendy’s chain of fast-food restaurants in New Zealand have lost a bid in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) to overturn an improvement notice involving non-payment of employees on public holidays going back 6 years.
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MBIE compliance teams swoop on Coromandel ahead of holiday season
Compliance and enforcement teams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have made unannounced visits to Coromandel district businesses ahead of the holiday season to check they are meeting minimum employment standards.
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MBIE launches crackdown on non-compliance in beauty industry
Compliance and enforcement teams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) have launched a targeted enforcement initiative across the central North Island in response to growing concerns about employment practices and non-compliance in the beauty industry.
- Migrant exploitation