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.
Employment Leave Bill
A new Employment Leave Bill has been introduced to replace the Holidays Act. Until the new Bill takes effect, employers must continue to follow the current law.
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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Bay of Plenty kiwifruit orchards under MBIE spotlight
Teams from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) visited several Bay of Plenty towns last week as part of a targeted operation to ensure kiwifruit orchards are playing by the rules.
- Employment agreements
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Christchurch massage business fined $210,000 for exploiting migrant workers
The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has ordered a Christchurch massage business and its sole director to pay $210,000 in penalties for breaching multiple minimum employment standards involving vulnerable migrant workers.
- Migrant exploitation
- Employment agreements
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Know your employment rights and obligations at Easter
With Easter just around the corner, it's important for both employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities over this period.
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Employment Leave Bill 2026
A new Employment Leave Bill has been introduced to replace the Holidays Act. Until the new Bill takes effect, employers must continue to follow the current law.