Employment Law in New Zealand: Redundancy, Dismissal, and Workplace Relations

New Zealand employment law is undergoing significant change, creating new challenges and opportunities for employers, employees, and legal practitioners alike. Recent legislative reforms, proposed amendments to personal grievance procedures, evolving trial period requirements, and an expanding body of Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court decisions are reshaping how workplace disputes are managed and resolved. In this rapidly changing environment, practitioners must stay abreast of both current obligations and emerging developments to provide effective legal advice and mitigate risk.

This practical webinar examines the key legal and procedural issues surrounding redundancy, dismissal, and workplace relations in Aotearoa New Zealand. Participants will explore the operation of 90-day trial periods, redundancy and restructuring processes, personal grievance claims, workplace investigations, and dispute resolution pathways. The session also considers recent and proposed legislative reforms, highlighting their implications for employers and employees across a range of industries. Attendees will gain practical guidance on navigating workplace disputes, ensuring procedural fairness, and advising clients in an increasingly complex employment law landscape.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Recent and proposed reforms to New Zealand employment law
• The 90-day trial period framework and compliance requirements
• Redundancy, restructuring, and procedural fairness obligations
• Unjustified dismissal and constructive dismissal claims
• Personal grievances and limitation periods
• Employer obligations regarding wages and employee entitlements
• Employee misconduct, investigations, and disciplinary processes
• Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court procedures
• Mediation, dispute resolution, and litigation strategy
• Practical implications of the Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2025
• Workplace relations issues across diverse industries and workforces