Becoming an employer
Becoming an employer comes with certain obligations. This sectiond details how to comply with the Employment Relations Act and gives a quick overview of an employer's obligations.
Guide to hiring for employers
There is a lot to think about when hiring staff. This handy guide from the Department of Labour will guide you through the hiring process.
Employees and self-employed contractors
There are guidelines to help employers decide if their staff are employees or self-employed. In both cases, employers must register with Inland Revenue, but tax deductions are different.
Employing workers from overseas
An overview of options for employers looking at employing foreign workers. It includes information on hiring skilled migrants, permanent and temporary workers, seasonal workers and young people on working holidays.
Employing a spouse or civil union partner
Inland Revenue outlines what you must do if you want to employ your spouse or civil union partner.
What to put in employment agreements
Learn more about the relationship between individual agreements and collective agreements, and the minimum terms and conditions of employment as set by New Zealand legislation.
Minimum employment rights
All employees in New Zealand have certain legal minimum entitlements to do with holidays, leave, pay, human rights and union membership. Employers must meet these minimum conditions, but they can also choose to provide their employees with better ones.
90-day trial periods
Employers who employ 19 or fewer employees will be able to employ new employees on a trial period of up to 90 calendar days.
Fixed-term agreements & probation periods
There are extra rules employers need to know for fixed-term agreements and if they agree to an initial trial or probationary period for their new employee. This fact sheet summarises what employers need to know and includes examples of these agreements in practice.
The Employment Relations Act for employers
This article looks at the rules governing employment relationships in New Zealand under the Employment Relations Act. It includes an Employment Agreement Builder and a range of downloadable cover letters to send out with the agreement.
Approved courses covering the Employment Relations Act
Are you looking to apply for employment relations education training? Find out if the training you are interested in is available from an approved provider by referring to this up to date list of approved organisations.
New Zealand employment legislation
Online access to copies of key New Zealand employment legislation, including the Employment Relations Act, the Holidays Act, the Equal Pay Act, and the Minimum Wage Act.
Preparing for your employee's first day at work
A checklist for employers to help prepare for an employee's first day at work. Employees should get a full health and safety briefing, the equipment needed to do their job, and information on any reporting requirements such as who to contact in case of absence or emergency in the workplace.
Minimum pay
In New Zealand adult employees must be paid at least the legal minimum wage. The minimum wage generally applies to all workers aged 16 years or older, including home workers, casual, temporary and part-time workers. For some workers aged 16 and 17 years the New Entrants minimum wage may apply.
Keeping employee records
Find out how record keeping protects the employer in the case of a dispute and ensures that an employee's entitlements are correctly met. Includes employer check list and links to templates for keeping records.
How does the Privacy Act apply to my employees?
An article written for employers, explaining the Privacy Act and the implications for their employees. It provides answers to employers' commonly asked questions about privacy and information practices.
