Employment Law

We represent employers and employees in employment disputes in New Zealand. All employees have rights under the Employment Relations Act 2000. This blog discusses common and relevant issues in New Zealand employment law.

Showing 1-8 of 48 articles

Menzies v Corrigan [2025] NZEmpC 186 - employment advocate and employment lawyer conduct

Costs 6

Mr Menzies lost company limited liability protection over grievance remedies in the ERA. We appealed to the Employment Court, but discontinued when it became futile. Catherine Stewart Barrister team repeatedly made veiled threats to seek a jail sentence against Mr Menzies in event of non-payment. Fresh evidence has led to a judicial review now underway.

Published: 27 Aug 2025 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Costs in the Employment Relations Authority: practice note, daily tariff, and uplifts explained

Costs 6

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) issued an updated practice note on costs. The daily tariff remains $4,500 for the first day and $3,500 for subsequent days, with adjustments up or down based on the circumstances.

Published: 9 Feb 2022 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Employer ERA costs: when an employer can claim costs after winning

Employment Law Advice For Employers 10 Costs 6

Employers are often shocked that even when they win in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), recovering actual legal spend from an employee is usually limited. The starting point is the ERA daily tariff and costs are a contribution, not an indemnity.

Published: 3 Oct 2020 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Employment lawyer fees: avoiding unreasonable costs when defending a personal grievance

Employment Law Advice For Employers 10 Employment Lawyers 8 Costs 6

Employers beware of high employment lawyer fees when defending a personal grievance claim. Even if you win, recovering your actual legal spend in the ERA is usually limited by the daily tariff approach.

Published: 27 May 2022 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Employee ERA costs uplift: when the Authority increases costs awards

Costs 6

When an employee is successful in the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), the employee can seek a contribution to costs. Costs can be uplifted above the daily tariff where employer conduct increases time and expense.

Published: 3 Oct 2021 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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ERA settlements and s 150A "Payment on resolution of problem": paying advocates directly and GST Invoices

Employment Law Advice For Employers 10 Employment Lawyers 8 No Win No Fee 6

Parties can agree that an advocate is paid directly by the employer in terms of an s 149 record of settlement. "Payment" excludes legal or advocacy services where such service is a separate term of the settlement and a GST invoice for a defined sum is provided to the other party.

Published: 4 Mar 2023 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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"No win, no fee" for employers: when it exists and what to do instead

Employment Law Advice For Employers 10 Employment Lawyers 8 No Win No Fee 6

There are a lot of employers who think that "No Win, No Fee" is an arrangement available to their business in defending a personal grievance or other claims.

Published: 12 Feb 2023 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Constructive dismissal: when resignation becomes an unfair dismissal personal grievance

Unfair Dismissal 19 Constructive Dismissal 2

Constructive dismissal (resignation) personal grievance law. If your employer is pushing you to resign, get advice first. In many cases, do not resign.

Published: 22 May 2021 Last Updated: 18 Jan 2026

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Unfair Dismissal 19 Employment Law Advice For Employers 10 Employment Lawyers 8 Costs 6 No Win No Fee 6 Employment Mediation 5 Covid 19 3 Casual Employment 2 Constructive Dismissal 2 ERA 2 Employment Court 1 Holidays Act 1 Redundancy 1