With recent government announcements aiming to cut costs by 1.5 billion dollars, many New Zealand public sector agencies are facing the possibility of redundancies. This has led to a rise in voluntary redundancies being offered to employees. But what exactly are voluntary redundancies, and what rights do you have as an employee in this situation? In this “Ask Law Lenz” segment, join Sanam as she offers invaluable insights and answers a listener’s questions surrounding voluntary redundancy. Specifically, this episode tackles three key questions: What benefits and rights do employees have in a ..read more

Workplace conflict got you down? What if there was a way to address workplace issues before you feel the employment relationship is becoming untenable? The Early Resolution Service, a free resource offered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), is the answer you've been searching for! Imagine a resource designed to help employers and employees nip workplace conflict in the bud before it explodes into a full-blown personal grievance. That's the magic of Early Resolution Service! This episode of Law Lenz, hosted by Sanam, will be your guide through this valuable service ..read more

Have you been hearing rumblings about changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)? Well, the rumours are true. The immigration law update that came into effect on 7 April 2024, has left many migrant workers and employers scrambling. Back in February, the Public Services Commission released a scathing report highlighting serious issues with the AEWV process. Fast forward to April 2024, and the government responded with a significant shakeup designed to tighten controls and ensure migrant workers are genuinely needed. This episode of the Law Lenz podcast is your one-stop shop for underst ..read more

In this episode Sanam takes the mic to share some exciting updates and insights into the future direction of the podcast. Join her as she discusses the evolution of Law Lenz and where it's headed next. From building a community to offering training and consultancy services, Sanam invites listeners to join the waitlist and share their ideas for the journey ahead. She also dives into her mission to bring forward the employer's perspective in workplace discussions, advocating for better understanding and education among employers and HR professionals. Whether you're nodding along in agreement or ..read more

One of the key remedies available to an employee in a successful personal grievance claim is compensation. The compensation is associated with humiliation, loss of dignity, and injury to feelings. Over the years we have seen a steady increase with compensation. In 2023, there was a reassessment of compensation awards, which has now been adopted by the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court.  Whether you're an employer navigating the complexities of dispute resolution or an employee seeking justice in the face of adversity, understanding compensation is paramount. In toda ..read more

We are back with another “Unpack the Holidays Act” episode! This time around we're unpacking a topic that often flies under the radar: transferring public holidays. It's a provision that might be unfamiliar to many, yet it can provide great benefits to a workplace. Like with all other areas of New Zealand employment law, employers and employees must understand their obligations.  Join Sanam as she uncovers the rights, obligations, and potential pitfalls involved in transferring public holidays. From the complexities of transferring part of a public holiday to reasons behind the transfer ..read more

Last week was a saucy week for employment law, but not that kind of saucy! It was a whirlwind of developments in New Zealand's employment law landscape. We saw the resurfacing of the leaked Cabinet papers debacle from last year. Additionally, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister, Hon. Brooke van Velden, hinted at the employment law changes on the horizon by the Coalition Government. Join our host Sanam, as she delves into the practical implications for workers and businesses alike. The episode explores the proposed reforms touching on the Holidays Act, health and safety regulations, treatme ..read more

The 29th of February may not have shaken New Zealand, but it sure stirred up some internet commotion. Every four years, the leap year brings with it the familiar question that never fails to spark debates. In this Ask Law Lenz segment, Sanam unravels the age-old query: Are you really working for free on a leap day? Dive into a lighthearted episode where Sanam dissects the confusion surrounding leap years and workdays. From employment relations specialists to HR experts, everyone's weighing in, but the real surprise comes when Sanam's partner calls her out of the blue with a burning question ab ..read more

Yes, you read that title right! In this episode, we boldly tackle an unpopular opinion that verbal warnings are obsolete. Verbal warnings are regularly thought of as a resource for managing employees, but how effective are they? Especially in the grand scheme when you are considering termination.  With common myths such as "three strikes and you're out" or verbal warnings being a stern talking to, there is a lot to unpack. Join our host, Sanam, as she discusses the pros and cons of verbal warnings. Sanam will present you with an alternative - setting expectations and utilising a ‘letter o ..read more

On 6 January 2024, the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Act came into effect. This ushered in significant changes across the Employment Relations Act, Immigration Act, and Companies Act. If you're involved in hiring migrant workers or work in HR, understanding these changes is crucial to compliance and avoiding legal consequences. This episode delves into the core aim of the legislation — preventing the exploitation of workers - especially migrant workers. Host, Sanam, explores the definition of worker exploitation, shedding light on non-minor breaches of employment standards. T ..read more