Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

After a couple of months heads down building, Law Lenz officially has a proper home! And Sanam is way too excited about it.

In this episode she breaks down what she's been building, what Law Lenz now offers, and why she started it in the first place. Spoiler: too many good employers are getting employment law wrong not because they don't care, but because nobody ever gave them the tools and showed them how. That's the gap Law Lenz exists to fill.

Sanam also shares one practical thing you can do on Monday morning that could save you from a personal grievance. Hint: it starts with unclear expectations and it's more preventable than you'd think.

Plus a sneak peek at what's dropping next week. A three-part series on the Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERAA) changes, where things actually sit now, and Sanam answering listener ERAA questions.

In this episode we cover:

Why Law Lenz exists and who it's for

Workshops, courses and ER coaching now available

The expectation-setting tip that prevents disputes

What's coming in the ERAA series

Go have a look and let us know what you think. The website is lawlenz.co.nz

Sanam would like to extend a massive thank you to the amazing community here on the Employment Law Done Right podcast. This started with an idea and it has grown because of you all. Thank you! 

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE

Want to Book a Clarity Call? Send your inquiry through to Sanam HERE

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to ask@lawlenz.co.nz

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.

The two biggest payroll changes of the year land on the same day! 

In this episode, join Sanam as she breaks down exactly what changes are coming up on 1 April 2026, what you need to do before your first April pay run, and the questions that are front of mind for employers.

Sanam covers:

The change to KiwiSaver default rates

The pay date rule that trips people up when a pay period crosses 1 April

What to do when an employee says they can't afford the increase 

The employer contribution trap when a temporary rate reduction expires

Employer KiwiSaver contributions for 16 and 17-year-olds 

The minimum wage increase 

Tune in and have those burning KiwiSaver questions answered by Sanam. Whether you have two employees or two hundred, these changes apply to you.

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Other Minimum Wage Episodes:

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

Preparing for the Minimum Wage Increase on 1 April 2024

Resources:

Minimum wage set for 2026 - MBIE

KiwiSaver changes - IRD

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.

Guess who’s back… and newly married!

After a couple months away for a big, bold, beautiful and very chaotic wedding, Sanam is back behind the mic! And she is ready to dive into the latest shake up in New Zealand employment law.

The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 has officially passed.

That means new rules, new thresholds, and plenty of questions for employers.

What does the contractor gateway test actually mean in practice?
Does the $200k unjustified dismissal threshold change the game?
And do businesses need to do now?

This episode is a quick catch up and an open invitation to the Law Lenz community.

Send through your questions and Sanam will tackle them in next week’s deep dive.

Send your questions:

On LinkedIn HERE

By email - asklawlenz@gmail.com 

Or drop them down below!

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

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.

Engaging a contractor usually starts with good intentions. Sometimes it can end with you realising you have an employee on your hands instead.

This bite sized breakdown gives you a practical look at why contractor arrangements often fall apart when you move from paper to practice. In this episode, join me, Sanam, as I unpack what a true contractor actually looks like in the real world. Not in theory. Not in templates. In practice.

Using everyday examples like plumbers, cleaners, writers and gig workers, this episode explores how contractors should operate day to day. It covers the exact factors the Employment Relations Authority and the Courts focus on when deciding whether someone is genuinely independent or actually an employee. Think control, independence, risk, tools, and how integrated they really are.

You will also hear why the legal test does not suddenly change just because the work is modern, digital, or part of the gig economy. Plus a quick update on the contractor law reforms that may be coming later this year, and what still applies right now in New Zealand.

Perfect for a coffee break listen.

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

Employee or Contractor - 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.

Restraints of trade are one of the most misunderstood clauses in New Zealand employment agreements. Some employees think they are meaningless. Some employers think they are bulletproof. Both assumptions can land you in trouble.

In this episode, host Sanam unpacks how restraints actually work in practice and why the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has moved well past the idea that they are “not worth the paper they’re written on”. Drawing on real world examples and ERA cases, this episode focuses on what genuinely makes a restraint enforceable.

You’ll hear why reasonableness is everything, why overreaching is risky, and why evidence matters more than intention.

In this episode, Sanam covers:

What a restraint of trade is designed to protect under NZ employment law

The difference between common restraints like the non-competition and non-solicitation clauses and why it matters

The three interests the ERA consistently takes seriously

How the ERA assesses reasonableness in relation to time, geography, and scope

Practical takeaways for employers drafting restraints 

If restraints have ever felt confusing, intimidating, or oddly ignored, this episode will bring you clarity and help you adapt them to your business. 

Don't miss our updates and legal 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 asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

Cookright Filtering Services v Hill & Thomas

Cookright Filtering Services v Hill & Thomas (Cost Determination)

What is a Restraint of Trade in New Zealand? - Legal Vision NZ

Non-Solicitation Restraint Clause Example - MBIE Employment Agreement Builder

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.