Articles tagged with Employment
Introducing the Employment Leave Act: Simplifying Leave Entitlements for Employers and Employees
2 days ago | 105 viewsThe speaker acknowledges the complexity and challenges associated with the Holidays Act 2003, highlighting the need for reform to simplify calculations and reduce compliance costs. They introduce the Employment Leave Act as a replacement, outlining key changes such as transitioning to an hours-based accrual system for annual and sick leave. Additionally, the new legislation includes provisions for casual workers through a Leave Compensation Payment system and addresses issues related to parental leave entitlements, with a focus on clarity, fairness, and simplicity in the new employment laws.
Tags: Holidays Act 2003 Employment Leave Act Cabinet MBIE EMA members Leave Compensation Payment parental leave annual leave sick leave public holidaysNew Employment Leave Act: Simplified Leave Payments for Employers and Employees
2 days ago | 81 viewsCabinet has approved the repeal of the Holidays Act 2003 and its replacement with the Employment Leave Act, aiming to simplify leave entitlements for both employers and employees. The key changes include a shift to hours-based accrual for annual and sick leave, pro rata sick leave entitlements, and a Leave Compensation Payment system for casual employees and additional hours worked. The reforms also address issues related to parental leave, family violence leave, mandatory pay statements, and cashing up annual leave, with a 24-month implementation period planned post-legislation passage.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Employment Leave Act Workplace Relations Safety Minister annual leave sick leave parental leave Holidays Act reform casual employees leave entitlementsLandcorp Introduces Livestock Equity Partnership for Future of Farming in New Zealand
2 weeks ago | 171 viewsLandcorp has introduced a new livestock equity partnership program in New Zealand to assist farm operators in building equity and securing the future of farming, according to State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown. The initiative aligns with the government's goals of enhancing rural employment, boosting farm productivity, and facilitating ownership opportunities for the next generation of farmers. The equity partnership model expands on Landcorp's existing contract farming options for dairy farmers and aims to promote high performance, unlock the farming sector's potential, and create pathways for aspiring farmers to take ownership of farms like Mahiwi Farm.
Tags: Landcorp livestock equity partnership farm operators farming New Zealand State Owned Enterprises Minister Simeon Brown rural employment farm productivity ownership pathways next generation farmersBoosting Employment in Waikato: Minister Upston's Commitment to Jobseeker Reduction Target
3 weeks ago | 130 viewsSocial Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston highlights the importance of regional employment events in getting Kiwis into jobs and boosting the economy. The Government's focus on the Going for Growth strategy emphasizes developing talent and reducing the number of people on the Jobseeker Benefit by 50,000 by 2030 through partnerships with employers and training organizations. Initiatives such as early intervention services, work seminars, and the Relocate for Work Support payment aim to help beneficiaries find sustainable employment, providing them with purpose, independence, and a pathway out of welfare dependence.
Tags: Louise Upston Minister Employment MSD Jobseeker Benefit Kiwis Economy Growth Waikato CommunityMinister Brooke van Velden Appoints New Members to Employment Relations Authority for Balanced Expertise
1 month ago | 307 viewsWorkplace 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.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Simon Greening William Fussey Alyn Higgins Robert Davis Employment Relations Authority ERA Employment Relations Amendment Bill workplace relations employment lawNew Zealand Disability Strategy: Public Consultation Open for Feedback on Draft 2026-2030 Vision
1 month ago | 279 viewsPublic consultation has opened on the draft New Zealand Disability Strategy, aiming to improve lives and uphold rights of disabled people in key areas like education, employment, health, housing, and justice. The strategy, developed through targeted engagement with disabled individuals and organizations, seeks feedback from the wider disability community and the public to make a positive impact. Interested parties, including disabled individuals, carers, families, and employers, are encouraged to provide feedback through various formats until September 28, 2025, with the refreshed strategy set to run from 2026 to 2030.
Tags: New Zealand Disability Strategy public consultation Minister for Disability Issues Louise Upston disabled people employment education housing community participation WhaikahaNew Zealand Government Enhances Building Code for Improved Fire Safety
1 month ago | 638 viewsThe Government will amend the Building Code to enhance fire safety protections for New Zealanders, prompted by a nationwide fire safety review following a tragic fire at Loafers Lodge in Wellington. Over 100 organizations and individuals contributed feedback during the consultation, highlighting the need for clearer regulations and improved evacuation measures, especially in larger residential buildings. The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will incorporate this feedback into proposed Building Code changes separate from the regular update cycle, with a focus on aligning fire safety provisions with modern technologies and ensuring the safety of occupants and firefighters.
Tags: Government Building Code New Zealanders fire safety Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Loafers Lodge WellingtonGovernment's Enhanced Task Force Green Employs 18 Job Seekers for Tasman Flood Clean-Up
1 month ago | 587 viewsEighteen job seekers in Tasman have begun clearing flood-damaged farms and orchards through the Enhanced Task Force Green programme funded by Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston. The program received $500,000 in funding to support job seekers in the clean-up efforts following the region's first flood in late June. The job seekers, who received training, are removing debris and trees from properties to aid in the recovery of the regional economy, with the Ministry of Social Development assisting in finding other employment opportunities for interested individuals.
Tags: Louise Upston Tasman job seekers farms orchards Government Enhanced Task Force Green Social Development Employment MinisterFinance Minister Nicola Willis Reacts to Lower Than Forecast Unemployment Rates
1 month ago | 333 viewsFinance Minister Nicola Willis has acknowledged the latest labour market data, revealing a lower-than-expected unemployment rate of 5.2% for the June quarter, below the Treasury's forecast of 5.4%. Despite challenges like inflation and rising interest rates, the government's efforts have led to 8,000 fewer unemployed individuals than initially projected, with a focus on economic recovery and job creation through initiatives like government-funded construction projects and investment incentives. Additionally, there has been a notable increase in average hourly earnings by 4.5% in the past year, surpassing the inflation rate of 2.7%.
Tags: labour market unemployment Finance Minister Nicola Willis Stats NZ Treasury forecast economic management inflation interest rates job creationManufacturing Regulations Simplified for Safety and Efficiency
1 month ago | 540 viewsWorkplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden is consulting with manufacturers, such as wood processors, bakers, and millers, to simplify machine guarding rules and review exposure standards in the manufacturing sector. The proposed changes aim to align standards with real-world risks and international benchmarks, addressing concerns about clarity and compliance burden. The review will also consider updating Workplace Exposure Standards for substances like wood dust and flour dust to ensure practicality and alignment with safety measures, aiming to reduce costs and stress for businesses.
Tags: Brooke van Velden manufacturers Workplace Relations and Safety Minister wood processors bakers millers WorkSafe inspectors Health and Safety in Employment Regulations Workplace Exposure Standards Mr SeymourGovernment Pauses Major Changes to Building Code System for Certainty in Construction Sector
2 months ago | 485 viewsBuilding and Construction Minister Chris Penk announced a pause on major changes to the Building Code system to provide stability and clarity for the building sector amidst disruptions from the pandemic and supply chain challenges. The government aims to implement a predictable three-year cycle for updates, allowing businesses to plan ahead and invest with confidence. While major changes will be paused, updates related to life safety, energy efficiency, Building Product Specifications, and fire safety will continue, supporting economic growth and productivity improvements in the building sector.
Tags: Government Building sector Building Code system Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE Builders Designers DevelopersOver 80,700 People Transition from Benefit to Work in Past Year, Reveals Social Development Minister
2 months ago | 508 viewsOver 80,700 individuals transitioned from benefits to employment in the past year, reflecting the government's focus on facilitating job opportunities despite economic challenges. While the total number of beneficiaries has increased, particularly in Jobseeker Support, this aligns with seasonal trends and the government's efforts to provide enhanced support services for job seekers. Initiatives such as increased case management, community job coaching, and regular work seminars aim to assist individuals in securing and maintaining employment, with a focus on transitioning people off welfare and into work during the economic recovery period.
Tags: Louise Upston MSD benefit job seekers employment New Zealanders main benefit Social Development economic conditions case managementGovernment Focuses on Jobseeker Beneficiaries in Employment Programs for Next Three Years
2 months ago | 489 viewsMinister Louise Upston highlights the Government's focus on jobseeker beneficiaries in upcoming employment programs. The Ministry of Social Development's updated strategy emphasizes the importance of prioritizing beneficiaries for job placements. Efforts include targeted support for young people to reduce long-term reliance on benefits and increase employment opportunities.
Tags: Jobseeker beneficiaries Government Employment programmes Minister Louise Upston Ministry of Social Development MSD Young people Frontline staff Employment case management New Zealand.New Zealand's Employment Relations Bill: Boosting Business Confidence and Worker Opportunities
2 months ago | 828 viewsWorkplace 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.
Tags: Brooke van Velden Workplace Relations Safety Minister Employment Relations Amendment Bill New Zealand businesses workers contracting arrangements personal grievance process Select Committee genuine contracting relationshipsNew Flexible Insulation Rules to Cut Costs for Designers, Builders, and Homeowners
2 months ago | 818 viewsOverly rigid insulation rules are being removed to ease costs for designers, builders and homeowners, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk has announced. “I’ve heard clearly from the industry that the current one-size-fits-all approach to insulation requirements is needlessly driving-up costs. “The most prescriptive compliance pathway currently available for insulation – known as the Schedule Method – doesn’t allow for design trade-offs that can affect a home’s energy efficiency, like adjusting window size.
Tags: insulation rules designers builders homeowners Chris Penk energy efficiency Building Code Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment Far North