Business Law Library & Tracker

Restraints, Confidentiality & Trade Secrets

Confidential information, non-competes, non-solicitation and staff exits.

Sources last reviewed 28 July 2026

Main law guides

157

Acts, regulations and codes worth reading first

Topics

60

Plain-English clusters

Published case explainers

96

Selected cases with a business lesson

Tracked updates

8

New, amended & reviewed

Plain-English explainers, not legal advice. Use the linked official source for section-level detail, and get advice for your situation.

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Main laws

Main lawNew Zealand

Patents Act 2013

2013 No 68

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionContracts & CommercialContractors & Worker StatusRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsCopyright, Software & Digital ContentLicences, Permits & Registrations
Main lawNew Zealand

Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022

2022 No 20

PriorityIn force4 practical checks · checked 13 June 2026
Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceContractors & Worker StatusRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade Secrets
Main lawNew Zealand

Building Research Levy Act 1969

1969 No 23

PriorityIn force9 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Construction & TradesRegulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsCharities, Clubs & Member GovernanceConstruction Contracts & Payment
Main lawNew Zealand

Fast-track Approvals Act 2024

2024 No 56

PriorityIn force11 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Planning, Building & Local ApprovalsRegulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsEnvironmental Consents & WasteTelecommunications, Media & Content
Main lawNew Zealand

Plant Variety Rights Act 2022

2022 No 61

PriorityIn force8 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
IP & Brand ProtectionRegulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsLicences, Permits & RegistrationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs
Main lawNew Zealand

Financial Markets Authority Act 2011

2011 No 5

PriorityIn force7 practical checks · checked 28 July 2026
Regulatory ComplianceRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLicences, Permits & RegistrationsRecords, Reporting & NotificationsDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesFinancial Services, Credit & PaymentsImport, Export, Sanctions & Customs

Cases

Employment Court of New Zealand[2026] NZEmpC 1001 Jan 2026

Halse & Anor v Hamilton City Council

If your business settles an employment dispute through MBIE mediation, do not treat the record of settlement as a one-off document that fades away with time. In...

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Employment & WorkplaceWages, Leave & PayrollDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceLiquidation & RestructuringDisputes, Enforcement & RemediesTelecommunications, Media & Content
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[2023] NZEmpC 16227 Sept 2023

Birthing Centre Ltd v Matsas

Employers must carefully follow employment law requirements when making decisions that affect employees' jobs, such as redundancies or closures. This includes...

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Employment & WorkplaceRegulatory ComplianceDismissal, Redundancy & GrievancesRestraints, Confidentiality & Trade SecretsDirectors' Duties & GovernanceDisputes, Enforcement & Remedies