17 Feb 2026
8 months ago
1243 views
The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has passed its third reading, introducing reforms to enhance business confidence and create more job opportunities by clarifying contractor vs employee status and setting a $200,000 income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims. The Bill removes the 30-day rule to allow workers and employers to negotiate agreements from day one and ensures accountability for serious misconduct without rewarding employees financially. These changes aim to rebalance employment relations, providing more choice for businesses and workers, with most provisions taking effect immediately after Royal assent.
08 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1103 views
The Government welcomes the Select Committee report on the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, which supports key reforms to enhance labour market flexibility and reduce compliance costs while maintaining core objectives. The Committee recommends clarifications to the gateway test for contractors, including platform-based arrangements, and supports Cabinet decisions to expand income definitions for unjustified dismissal claims and raise the income threshold from $180,000 to $200,000. Minister Brooke van Velden looks forward to progressing the Bill in early 2026, emphasizing the Government’s commitment to helping businesses grow and innovate confidently.
21 Aug 2025
1 year ago
1735 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden has appointed four new members to the Employment Relations Authority [ERA] and reappointed two Members to ensure a better balance of public and private sector experience among ERA members. The new members, Simon Greening, William Fussey, Alyn Higgins, and Robert Davis, bring valuable legal expertise and experience to the ERA. These appointments aim to shift the mix of experience towards 60% private and 52% public, reflecting the employment landscape in New Zealand. Additionally, policy changes in the Employment Relations Amendment Bill are underway to address issues such as poor employee behavior and clarify employment arrangements.
15 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3030 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden applauds the passage of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill, emphasizing its significance in fostering business confidence and employment opportunities. The bill will now undergo review by the Education and Workforce Select Committee to gather public feedback on proposed changes. Key provisions of the legislation aim to clarify employment arrangements, simplify the grievance process, and enhance flexibility in negotiations between employers and employees.
17 Jun 2025
1 year ago
2186 views
Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden says amendments to the Employment Relations Act will improve labour market flexibility and help businesses to grow, innovate, and employ with confidence and certainty. “Today I’m announcing the introduction of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill to Parliament, marking a key milestone in this Government’s efforts to help New Zealand businesses employ or contract with confidence and create more and better opportunities for workers,” says Ms van Velden. The changes give effect to several ACT–National Coalition Agreement commitments, including to provide greater certainty for contracting parties.