Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

• We're Back, But What in the Pay Equity is Going On?

  Law Lenz is officially back from break! While we were gone, employment law kept on moving. So much so, that on 13 May 2025, the Coalition Government passed urgent changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay laws. By introducing hierarchical comparators, that claims must have "merit" and redefining what counts as a female-dominated workforce, the changes have impacted employees across industries such as healthcare, teaching and corrections. As the changes have swept the nation, it has caused major outrage and controversy.  In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down: What changed in NZ’s pay equity legislation Why the Coalition Government says the changes were necessary What the unions and opposition party thinks The controversy of equal pay and the Federal Budget What other countries have done with their pay equity systems The current real-life impact across NZ Whether you're a compliance guru, a business owner, or just want to understand how gender, politics and budgets collide, this bite-sized episode is your go-to explainer. Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.  Resources: Changes to improve pay equity process - Beehive Equal Pay Amendment Bill - NZ Parliament ‘Women’s pay' and ‘retirement funds’ paying for Budget 2025, Labour says - Stuff article Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

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• Minimum Wage is Increasing! Here's Your Quick 2025 Checklist

  The minimum wage increase is just around the corner - 1 April 2025 isn’t far away. The big question is, are you ready? Many employers focus on payroll adjustments, but there’s a lot more to consider. From pay parity concerns to budgeting strategies, pricing reviews, and employee conversations, this episode breaks down everything you actually need to consider. Join host Sanam as she walks through key steps to ensure a smooth transition, avoid last-minute payroll headaches, and keep your team engaged. Whether you're a small business owner or an HR leader, this quick checklist will help you navigate the increase with confidence. Tune in now and get ahead before 1 April! Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.  Resources: Minimum wage set for 2025 - MBIE Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

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• New Zealand's Wage Theft Bill - Could You Be a Criminal?

  Wage theft has become a major topic of debate, especially with Australia recently criminalising intentional underpayments. The conversation has recently resurfaced in New Zealand and it seems we may be following suit. In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s Wage Theft Bill, officially known as the Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill. This proposed law aims to make it a criminal offense for employers to intentionally withhold wages, salaries, or entitlements. But what does that actually mean in practice? Join host, Sanam, as she breaks down: The current laws and penalties relating to unpaid wages Why the Wage Theft Bill was introduced Employer obligations if the Bill becomes law The challenge of proving intent in wage theft cases The political debate surrounding the Bill and its impact on businesses With hundreds of wage arrear cases over the past five years, the question is whether this Bill is necessary, or whether this is an unnecessary burden on employers? If you want to know what this means for you and your business, then tune in for a deep dive into wage theft. Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.  Resources: Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill Zhang v Panda Restaurant Ltd [2024] - Employment NZ Wage Theft Bill Explanatory Note - Parliament NZ Labour’s Wage Theft Bill Gets Support from NZ First - The Post Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

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• Accredited Employers, Brace Yourself - AEWV Changes Ahead

  Big changes are coming to New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The government is rolling out a series of reforms throughout 2025, fundamentally shifting the way employers hire and retain migrant workers. So, what’s changing? From scrapping the median wage requirement to adjusting job check processes, reducing experience thresholds, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways, these reforms are designed to address skill shortages while maintaining fairness in the job market. In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down the key updates, including: The end of the median wage requirement and what “market rate” really means for employers Changes to the job check process and what it means for recruitment New earning thresholds for family sponsorship under the AEWV Longer visa durations and interim work rights to provide more certainty Construction sector reforms, including a lower local workforce threshold Seasonal visa pathways and how they could reshape hiring in 2025 If you employ migrant workers, these changes will affect you. Tune in to get the full breakdown so you can stay ahead of the curve. Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.  Resources: Reforms to Accredited Employer Work Visa announced - Immigration New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa changes - Dentons Lawyers Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

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• Employment Law Update: What 2025 Holds for Employers

  It’s a new year, and major reforms are on the horizon! In late 2024, the Coalition Government unveiled sweeping changes set to shake up New Zealand’s employment law landscape. These updates aren’t just policy tweaks, they’re set to reshape how businesses operate in 2025 and beyond. Join host Sanam as she unpacks these reforms in plain English and provides insights to help you prepare. What’s in this episode: Personal grievance reforms: stricter rules for serious misconduct, reduced remedies, and changes to reinstatement eligibility Proposed changes to restraints of trade The new minimum wage rates for adult, starting-out, and training wages from April 2025 What about the Holidays Act? Clearer definitions and simpler leave calculations If you’re an employer, HR professional, or business leader, now is the time to get ahead of the curve. From hiring and terminations to everyday workplace management, these reforms will impact every corner of your business. Stay informed, stay prepared, and make 2025 your most compliant year yet! Coming next week: A deep dive into the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) reforms and their impact on recruitment strategies in 2025. Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE! Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights. Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected]. Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.  Resources: More flexible dismissal process for high-income employees - The Beehive Removing rewards for poor employee behaviour - The Beehive Restraint of Trade Bill Minimum wage increase - Employment NZ Minister response to consultation on Holidays Act replacement - The Beehive Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

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