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As employment legislation continues to evolve, it’s important to stay across the latest changes to ensure compliance and support your people effectively. Here’s a quick overview of what’s new, and what you need to action.
Employment Agreements: Keep Them Handy
From 30 March 2025, it became a legal requirement for employers to keep and have easy access to a copy of each employee’s employment agreement. If an employee requests a copy, you’ll need to provide it within 7 working days. Read more here.
Parental Leave: More Support for New Parents
From 1 July 2025, the parental leave payment rate increased. This weekly payment from Inland Revenue helps support eligible employees who are taking time off work to care for a new child.
The maximum parental leave payment for eligible employees and self-employed parents increased to $788.66 gross per week, and the minimum for self-employed parents rose to $235 gross per week.
There are also updates to the Parental Leave and Employment Protection Act 1987, which took effect from 1 July. These changes relate to:
- how work absences count toward eligibility for parental leave payments.
- preterm baby payments being extra support to primary career leave and extended leave.
- eligibility for non-birth primary carers (e.g. adoption, surrogacy, whāngai).
Read more about changes to parental leave here.
Types of Employment: Updated Guidance
Employment NZ has refreshed its guidance on permanent, fixed-term, and casual employment, helping employers better understand entitlements and obligations.
The update also covers:
- How to determine someone’s employment type
- Differences between full-time and part-time work
- Why it’s crucial to get employment types right
Check out the guidance for:
Not sure if your employment types are aligned with best practice?
Our HR audit service takes a close look at your contracts, classifications, and entitlements to make sure everything’s working as it should.
Contact Kerryn Strong to learn more.
