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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Lower Hutt restaurant fined $30,000 for exploiting migrant worker
The Employment Relations Authority has ordered a Lower Hutt sushi restaurant to pay $30,000 in penalties after breaching multiple employment standards which negatively affected a migrant worker.
- Migrant exploitation
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Changes to the rules for partial strikes
Recent changes to Employment Relations Act 2000 affect how employers can handle pay when employees participate in a partial strike.
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Changes to parental leave laws from 1 July
Changes to the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987 take effect from 1 July 2025.
- Parental leave
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Parental leave payments to increase from 1 July
Parental leave payments will increase from 1 July 2025.
- Parental leave