Coinciding with the peak ski season activity, the 4-day operation, codenamed Operation Fandango, is focused on ensuring that both employers and employees in the ski sector are aware of their rights and responsibilities under the law.
The majority of the businesses being visited will be in the hospitality and retail sectors but construction, cleaning and security businesses will also be under the spotlight.
“Our aim is to promote the fair treatment of workers - particularly those who may be vulnerable - by checking that employment and visa conditions are being met,” says Joanne Hacking, the Labour Inspectorate’s Head of Compliance and Enforcement.
The operation was initiated following ongoing complaints and concerns about compliance with minimum employment standards by some employers in the Queenstown and wider Central Otago area.
The Labour Inspectorate is being supported by a team from Immigration New Zealand with joint visits planned throughout the operation. Accredited employers are required to meet a range of obligations above minimum employment right and obligations and Immigration New Zealand may complete checks at any time during the accreditation period.
Peak ski season
The operation has been timed to coincide with the peak ski season in the area when the increase in tourists means businesses have to hire more staff to meet the increased demand. These additional employees may include workers who are vulnerable such as young people or migrants working in New Zealand on a visa.
Besides Queenstown the teams will also be checking on businesses in Frankton, Glenorchy, Wanaka, Cromwell and Alexandra.
Ms Hacking says while identifying breaches of minimum employment standards is a key focus, educating employers and employees about their rights and responsibilities is also an important part of the operation.
“We also want to raise awareness of the Labour Inspectorate and the importance of complying with minimum employment entitlements.
“The operation will include compliance checks for businesses that may not have previously engaged with the Inspectorate, as well as follow-up visits to support ongoing compliance among employers who have had issues in the past.”
Operation Fandango follows a successful similar joint MBIE initiative led by the Inspectorate in the Queenstown area during the 2024 ski season.
Ms Hacking says ski field and related sector employers need to understand that no matter whether employees are employed on a casual, part-time or fixed-term basis they all have minimum employment rights.
“This includes providing all workers with a written employment contract, paying them at least the minimum wage if they are 16 years or older, allowing them meal and rest breaks, and entitlements such as holiday pay, sick leave and public holiday pay.”
She stressed the importance of accurate record-keeping for time worked, payments, holidays and leave taken, and entitlements.
“Our experience is that the majority of businesses want to be compliant with the country’s employment laws and want to treat their employees fairly.
“Employers are generally receptive and understand that by clamping down on employers who cut corners or take chances, the Labour Inspectorate and its regulatory partners are striving to provide a level playing field so those that abuse the system do not receive unfair advantage,” Ms Hacking says.
Employee rights and responsibilities
What your employer must do when they hire you on an AEWV - Immigration New Zealand(external link)
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MBIE encourages anyone who thinks they or someone else has been treated unfairly in the workplace to contact our 0800 20 90 20 contact centre number where their concerns will be handled in a safe environment.