Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

• 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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• Thank You & Happy Holidays from Law Lenz

  As Law Lenz wraps up for the festive season, host Sanam wants to take a moment to say a huge THANK YOU! This year has been nothing short of phenomenal, thanks to you. We’ve reached more listeners than we ever imagined, and we’ve had the absolute privilege of connecting with so many of you. Your support, whether it's spreading the word, reaching out, and tuning in each week, has been the driving force behind the growth of Employment Law Done Right. Truly, it wouldn’t have been possible without you! To help you navigate the holiday period, we have put together a list of past episodes you might find useful: Unpack the Holidays Act: Closedown Periods, but the Right Way Unpack the Holidays Act: Is the Public Holiday an Otherwise Working Day? Ask Law Lenz: Navigating Casuals on Holidays For those celebrating, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! If you’re not celebrating, we hope you enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation. We will be back mid-January. See you in the new year! 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.  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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• Essential Tips for a Merry Annual Closedown

  Annual closedowns are a regular occurrence for many businesses across New Zealand. However, they often come with a range of questions and compliance concerns. Whether your business shuts its doors over Christmas or during another seasonal break, getting the details right is essential. In this episode of Employment Law Done Right, host Sanam provides a quick refresher on the top tips for managing annual closedowns effectively. This episode is perfect for businesses seeking a simple compliance checklist without diving into every detail. Need more? Check out Sanam's comprehensive episode (CLICK HERE) for a full breakdown of annual closedown requirements. What we cover in this episode: What is an annual closedown? Tip 1: Is it a customary closedown? Tip 2: Have you given proper notice? Tip 3: What happens to annual leave? Tip 4: What about public holidays? Whether you are finalising plans for the holiday season or refining your processes, this episode provides the compliance essentials to help your business closedown smoothly and stress-free. 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: Law Lenz Full Annual Closedowns Episode Annual Closedowns and Holidays - Employment 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.

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