Company directors must ensure their businesses comply with employment standards, including paying employees their full entitlements. If a company cannot meet its...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsPayroll Deductions & Minimum StandardsStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 5625 Mar 2026

Edgecumbe Supermarket v Petersen

Employers must ensure that employment agreements are clear, that they follow proper procedures when addressing employee concerns or disciplinary matters, and that...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 5319 Mar 2026

Faitala and Vea v The Pacific Island Business Development Trust

Employers must ensure that redundancy processes are genuine, transparent, and in compliance with employment agreements and good faith obligations. Employees have...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1021 Jan 2026

healthAlliance NZ Ltd v Cunningham

If your business is in an employment dispute, treat court and Authority orders as operational deadlines, not negotiation points. In this case, the employer’s delay...

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Employment & WorkplaceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1011 Jan 2026

Insight New Zealand 2007 Ltd v Johnstone

For business owners, the main lesson is not that safety expectations are unimportant. It is that serious allegations need clear rules, a fair investigation and a...

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Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 6814 Apr 2026

Manawatu Motors 1970 Ltd v Renner

Manawatu Motors 1970 Ltd v Renner shows that employees who undermine their employer’s business relationships or breach loyalty duties can be liable for damages....

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1051 Jan 2026

National Collective of Independent Women's Refuges Nga Whare Whakaruruhau O Aotearoa v Love & Crestani

For ordinary employers, the lasting lesson is about responsibility. Even where another organisation funds you, audits you, sets standards, requires reporting, or...

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Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 15728 July 2025

Allied Investments Ltd v Jones

Employers must ensure that any changes to employment terms, such as commission structures, are clearly communicated and agreed upon with employees. Failure to do so...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsBusiness Sales & AcquisitionsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductPayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 20917 Sept 2025

DBM Medical Ltd v Gaarkeuken

Employers should handle performance management carefully, ensuring that any concerns are communicated clearly and fairly. If an employee resigns, it is crucial to...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 20715 Sept 2025

Lyttelton Port Company Limited v Maritime Union of New Zealand

Employers should ensure any health monitoring policy is consistent with the terms of collective agreements and statutory obligations. Policies that go beyond agreed...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 1678 Aug 2025

Lyttelton Port Company Ltd v Maritime Union of New Zealand and Anor

Employers planning restructures should carefully review their collective agreements to ensure they meet consultation requirements. The Court confirmed that...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 20815 Sept 2025

Soapi and Others v Pick Hawkes Bay Inc

Employers must be careful when making deductions from employees’ wages, especially for accommodation and other costs. Deductions must be lawful, agreed to in...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceAgriculture, Farming & Rural BusinessImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsMigrant Workers & Labour HirePayroll Deductions & Minimum Standards

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 9816 May 2025

The Chief Executive of Oranga Tamariki - Ministry for Children v Hill

Employers operating in high-risk environments, such as youth justice facilities, must ensure that their staff are well-trained in the use of force and understand...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesEnvironmental Consents & WasteImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentWorkplace Investigations & Misconduct

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 1364 July 2025

Tighe-Umbers v Jetconnect Limited

Employers must not rush to dismiss staff who cannot comply with health orders. Instead, they should carefully consider all reasonable alternatives, including leave...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Court of Appeal of New Zealand[2025] NZCA 47416 Sept 2025

Westgate Town Centre Limited (In Liquidation) v Westgate Properties Limited

If an outcome is commercially critical, put it into the contract in clear operational terms. Do not assume a shared project vision, planning framework or agreed...

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Insolvency & RestructuringDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 344 Mar 2025

Xu v Pioneer Education and Immigration Services Group Ltd

Employers must be careful when dismissing staff, especially where the dismissal is found to be unjustified. Compensation for lost earnings, emotional harm, and...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2025] NZEmpC 909 May 2025

Youtap Ltd v Johnston

The Court's decision underscores that the true employer is determined by mutual intention and actual control, not just contractual arrangements. Businesses...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesCopyright, Software & Digital ContentImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 18327 Sept 2024

Auckland Trotting Club Inc v Payne

Employers cannot rely on verbal agreements to change written employment contracts. Changes to pay structures, particularly involving commissions or bonuses, must be...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 2926 Feb 2024

E Tū Inc v New Zealand Steel Ltd

The Employment Court confirmed that make-up pay is triggered when an employee, at the employer’s request, works outside their established ordinary hours and cannot...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial ActionStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 22622 Nov 2024

Glenfield College BOT & Ors v Anderson

This case underscores that employers must handle reductions in employee hours with care. Even if a collective agreement contains provisions about hours, unilateral...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 7413 May 2024

Hu v Passion Fresh Ltd

Employers and host businesses must understand their roles and obligations when engaging labour hire workers. Employees must raise personal grievances directly with...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesWorkplace Health & SafetyDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsEquality, Discrimination & AccessibilityMigrant Workers & Labour Hire

Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 2823 Feb 2024

Keighran v Kensington Tavern Ltd

Employers must consult with staff before making significant changes to their roles or hours, especially when those changes are prompted by workplace disputes or...

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Employment Court of New Zealand[2024] NZEmpC 2382 Dec 2024

Preece v Synlait Milk Ltd

Employers should ensure that workplace policies, such as vaccination requirements, are implemented with proper consultation and communication. Employees must have...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceEmployment Contracts & PoliciesDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsEquality, Discrimination & Accessibility

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 8916 June 2023

A Labour Inspector of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment v Prisha’s Hospitality (2017) Ltd T/A Royal Cambridge Indian Restaurant

Employers must strictly comply with minimum employment standards, including paying at least minimum wage, providing proper holiday and leave entitlements, and...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDirectors' Duties & GovernanceShareholders & Company ControlDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsMigrant Workers & Labour HirePayroll Deductions & Minimum StandardsHospitality, Alcohol & GamblingStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 1913 Nov 2023

Appleton v Tasman Cargo Airlines Pty Ltd

Employers must ensure that disciplinary investigations are conducted fairly and in line with both internal procedures and industry standards. In safety-critical...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRecords, Reporting & NotificationsTransport, Shipping & LogisticsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & ContentWorkplace Investigations & MisconductStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 1938 Nov 2023

Le Gros v Fonterra Cooperative Group Ltd

Employers should review their employment agreements and policies to ensure clarity around long service leave entitlements. This case highlights the importance of...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 2171 Dec 2023

MGK Homes Ltd v Yoon

Employers must be careful when ending an employment relationship, especially with migrant workers. If an employee is dismissed without proper process or...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLiquidation & RestructuringAdvertising, Marketing & PromotionsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsMigrant Workers & Labour Hire

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 7416 May 2023

Nelmac Ltd v Reunited Employees Assoc Inc

The Employment Court confirmed that both employers and unions must uphold the duty of good faith during collective bargaining. If negotiations become antagonistic...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial Action

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 17925 Oct 2023

Pyne v Invacare New Zealand Ltd

Employers should base redundancy decisions on genuine operational needs and adhere to employment agreements. Failing to explore alternative employment options or...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Employment Court of New Zealand[2023] NZEmpC 3914 Mar 2023

Wilson-Grange Investments v Guerra

This case shows that small businesses cannot unilaterally reduce staff hours or wages, even in tough times like pandemic lockdowns. Employment agreements must be...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDirectors' Duties & GovernanceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsWorkplace Investigations & MisconductHospitality, Alcohol & Gambling

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2021] NZSC 8514 July 2021

Bathurst Resources Ltd v L & M Coal Holdings Ltd

If a payment or milestone trigger matters, draft it so an outsider can apply it without reconstructing months of negotiations. Context may help, but clear drafting...

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Contracts & CommercialDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2020] NZSC 535 June 2020

127 Hobson Street Ltd v Honey Bees Preschool Ltd

Commercial default clauses can be enforceable when they protect a real business interest and are proportionate. Drafting should show why the obligation matters,...

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Contracts & CommercialCommercial Leases & PropertyCommercial Leases, Rent & OutgoingsInsurance Policies & ClaimsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Court of Appeal of New Zealand[2020] NZCA 5499 Nov 2020

Commerce Commission v Steel & Tube Holdings Limited

A standards claim must be supported by the actual testing method, sample selection and certification chain. Repeating a supplier or laboratory statement is not...

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Consumer Law & TradingConstruction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsNatural Hazards, Climate & ResilienceStandards, Accreditation & Certification

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2017] NZSC 1356 Sept 2017

Affco New Zealand Limited v New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union Inc and Others

If your business relies on returning seasonal staff, do not assume the off-season gives you a clean slate to reset employment terms. This case shows that where...

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Employment & WorkplaceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial ActionMigrant Workers & Labour HireAnimals, Food & Agricultural Products

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2016] NZSC 10715 Aug 2016

David Charles Browne v David Ross Petterson as Liquidator of Polyethylene Pipe Systems Limited (in liq)

Read this case as a caution about timing, purpose and records. It is not a broad rule that every insider payment or shareholder security is invalid. The lesson is...

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Contractors & Worker StatusDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsInsurance Policies & ClaimsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2016] NZSC 5311 May 2016

Sportzone Motorcycles Limited (in liquidation) and Motor Trade Finances Limited v Commerce Commission

The practical lesson from this case is to build each fee from the event that triggers it. If a fee is charged when a loan is set up, the business should be able to...

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Dismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesShareholders & Company ControlLiquidation & RestructuringDebt Recovery, Guarantees & SecurityLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2015] NZSC 718 Feb 2015

Allied Concrete Ltd v Meltzer

If a customer is in financial trouble, getting paid is not always the end of the story. Suppliers should keep evidence of ordinary trading, value given and what...

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Insolvency & RestructuringFinance, Payments & SecurityLiquidation & RestructuringImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2015] NZSC 3431 Mar 2015

Vikram Kumar and Nirupama Kumar v Station Properties Limited (in liquidation and in receivership)

For business owners, the core lesson is simple: do not assume you can enforce a contract just because the other side has stopped cooperating. Before issuing a...

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Insolvency & RestructuringLiquidation & RestructuringCopyright, Software & Digital ContentDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2013] NZSC 15218 Dec 2013

P (SC 87/2012) v Bridgecorp Ltd (In Receivership and in Liquidation)

If your business uses settlement deeds, payment plans or workout arrangements, this case is a reminder to draft enforcement documents carefully. A pre-signed...

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Insolvency & RestructuringDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesHealthcare & Regulated ProfessionsImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsTelecommunications, Media & Content

Supreme Court of New Zealand[2011] NZSC 2828 Mar 2011

Evgeny Orlov v Anza Distributing (NZ) Limited (In liquidation) and USG Interiors Pacific Limited

If your business wants both settlement certainty and an appellate ruling, do not assume you can safely settle first and appeal later. This case shows that once a...

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Insolvency & RestructuringDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & CustomsUnions, Collective Bargaining & Industrial ActionStandards, Accreditation & Certification