New Zealand retail workers’ pay rises 6.1%
Amid a shortage of experienced retail staff, employers have been forced to increase wages to retain and attract talent.
Sacked New Zealand border staff mounts legal challenge to dismissal
A border worker who was dismissed for refusing to get the COVID-19 jab has brought her case to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA).
New Zealand increases sick leave from five to 10 days
The New Zealand parliament has passed a bill that will double the number of paid sick leave for employees from five to 10 days.
New Zealand launches national framework to assess workplace DEI
The launch of the national framework to measure workplace diversity, equity and inclusion will help organisations make changes to improve.
New Zealand considers prosecution against misuse of wage subsidies
An inquiry made into how the scheme was managed revealed that applications were approved based on verbal confirmation, without documents.
New Zealand’s jobless rate falls to 4.7% in Q12021
Over the March quarter, employment rose by 15,000 in New Zealand, as the country continues to recover from the pandemic.
New Zealand restarts working holiday visa
The decision to restart the working visa programme was welcomed by tourism employers, who would have access to a pool of offshore workers.
New Zealand sees employment numbers grow
Job vacancies have also increased across all industries, with the highest growth in healthcare, manufacturing, construction and hospitality.
New Zealand raises minimum wage from April 1
Beginning April 1, the minimum hourly wage in the country will increase to NZ$20 (US$14) from the current NZ$18.9 (US$13.2).
New Zealand approves bereavement leave for miscarriages and stillbirth
The bill will apply to parents, their partners, and parents planning to have a child through surrogacy or adoption, but will exclude abortion.
More New Zealanders cancelling unemployment benefit
The net number of people getting off the unemployment benefit has increased for the first time since the start of the pandemic.
New Zealand opens new wage subsidy applications
Finance minister Grant Robertson has announced that employers can start to apply for the latest government wage subsidies.
New Zealand unions urge workplaces to adopt safe practices
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) and Business New Zealand (BNZ) have called on workplaces to help the country get through the pandemic safely.
New Zealand government approves improved Holidays Act
The revised Holidays Act will provide clarity to employers and help employees receive their leave entitlements.
New Zealand businesses can apply for government support from March 2
Companies must show a 30% fall in revenue over seven days compared with a similar period in the six weeks prior to the heightened alert level.
New Zealand mulls vaccinating workers at their workplaces
The government is considering giving employees the COVID-19 vaccine the same way they get their annual flu jab at work.
Employers in New Zealand get US$252 for self-isolating staff
The government has launched the Short-Term Absence Payment (STAP) – a scheme to help businesses and staff affected by the pandemic.
New Zealand’s unexpected jobless-rate drop rules out rate cuts
The unemployment rate fell unexpectedly and salaries increased, ruling out the probability that the central bank will reduce interest rates.
New Zealand’s tech sector constrained by skills mismatch
The majority of roles being recruited are not for entry level positions, indicating a longer-term skills shortage for senior talent.
New Zealand’s union calls for sick leave for new employees
The Council of Trade Unions (CTU) is pushing for the removal of the rule that workers must be employed for six months before getting sick leave.
New Zealand jobs recover close to pre-pandemic levels
Sectors like IT and communications; trades and services; transport and logistics; and manufacturing have seen the most postings.
New Zealand companies repay COVID-19 subsidies exceeding NZ$536 million
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern spoke out against companies that benefited from the subsidies, yet handed out large bonuses in 2020.
Singapore-New Zealand digital economy partnership takes effect
The pact will allow both countries to conduct businesses with greater efficiency, increased trust, and reduced costs or digital barriers.
New Zealand to raise minimum wage to NZ$20 an hour from April 1
The minimum wage hike is set to increase the incomes of some 175,500 citizens who work 40 hours per week.
Australian and New Zealand businesses pressured over misuse of COVID-19 subsidies
More than 17,000 businesses in New Zealand have voluntarily repaid NZ$524 million in subsidies.
New Zealand urged to increase minimum wage
Lifting minimum wages has an inequality reducing effect, although there may be adverse company-level impacts in the short-term.
Jobs creation tops agenda for New Zealand government
More support will be provided to SMEs in the country to cover operational costs and increase hiring.
New Zealand enters into recession for the first time in a decade
The closure of borders since March 19 has had a detrimental effect on New Zealand’s economy. alongside restrictions imposed across the country.
Asia-Pacific businesses kickstart COVID-19 recovery
10 million small businesses across Asia-Pacific will participate in Visa’s global programme designed to meet demand for cashless payments.
COVID-19 pushes businesses to change IT priorities
Businesses in South-east Asia, Australia and Newland are prioritising improving ICT and security resilience for business continuity plans.