What are the penalties for violating employment laws in New Zealand?

Violations of the Employment Relations Act 2000 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 in New Zealand can result in significant penalties. Employers might face fines for underpayments, failure to provide breaks, and violating terms of Individual Employment Agreements or Collective Agreements. Serious contraventions, such as deliberate exploitation, can attract higher penalties. Individual company directors and officers may also be held liable in some cases. Breaches of workplace health and safety can lead to additional fines or even imprisonment. Engaging with our employment law experts can ensure understanding of potential penalties and ways to avoid them.