Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has ignited global conversations about free speech, politics, and the boundaries of expression. But how does this play out in your workplace? In New Zealand, political expression by employees is a legal minefield. Employers must carefully balance freedom of expression with the duty to protect reputation, maintain trust, and comply with employment law standards.
In this episode, host Sanam breaks down the rules around political conversations at work. Here's what we'll cover:
When an employee’s political opinions cross the line into misconduct
How the Employment Relations Authority and Courts assess off-duty social media posts
The tricky space for public sector employees under the their guidelines and framework
Why “freedom of expression” is not a free pass in the NZ employment context
Using recent cases and real-world examples, Sanam unpacks what NZ employers need to know about politics in the workplace. Because when global headlines collide with workplace compliance, you need more than opinions. You need to know your rights.
Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.
Resources:
Talking politics at work a bad idea - Wmrk Lawyers
Discrimination at work - NZ Government
Turner v. Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, in respect of the former Wairarapa District Health Board [2023] NZEmpC 158 - Employment Court Case
Pros and cons to political discussions at work: survey - HRD Mag NZ
Political opinions at work: when is it grounds for dismissal? - HRD Mag NZ
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Pay secrecy in New Zealand workplaces is on its way out! With the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill moving through Parliament, employers will soon no longer be able to rely on confidentiality clauses to stop staff talking about pay.
This is more than a legal technicality. It’s a cultural shift that will shape workplace transparency, trust, and team dynamics. It's critical to know how the law applies to you, but also what to expect when the change officially comes into place. Employers and HR need to be ready for the questions, the comparisons, and the conversations that will follow.
In this episode, join our host Sanam as she breaks down what the bill is really about, what’s changing, and the new personal grievance risks. She will also share practical steps to prepare now. From auditing pay structures to reviewing employment agreements, building your comms plan, and training managers. 
This one is for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders across every industry in New Zealand who want to stay compliant and confident before the law changes hit.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.
Resources:
Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill - Parliament NZ
New Zealand businesses urged to prepare for pay secrecy law - CFOtech article
Legislation that lets workers talk about salaries likely to pass into law - RNZ article
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

The Coldplay kiss cam broke the internet last week and no one expected to see a CEO and CPO (yep, the head of HR!) in the spotlight. But beyond the headlines lies a much juicier compliance dilemma.
We recognise that many employers across New Zealand probably haven't even thought about workplace relationships or where they can go wrong. In this episode, host Sanam pulls apart the legal implications of workplace romances, especially when the power dynamic is off-kilter. She unpacks the real-life case of Raravula v Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd [2025] NZERA 238, where a workplace romance collided with serious employment consequences.
You’ll learn:
Whether NZ employers can actually "ban" relationships at work
When disciplinary action could be justified
How to manage risks without overstepping legal boundaries
The key lessons from the Raravula case (and what Northern Rescue got right and wrong)
If you’re in HR, lead a team, or just love a good case breakdown with a side of legal tea - this one’s for you.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.
Resources:
ERA Determination Raravula v Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd - Employment Relations Authority
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Job advertisements are often overlooked in the compliance conversation, but under New Zealand employment law, they matter more than you might think. The language you use can shape your brand, attract the right candidates, or land you in legal trouble (yikes!).
In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down the legal risks hidden in everyday job ads. From subtle bias in wording to outright discriminatory requirements. You’ll learn what makes a job advertisement lawful, what crosses the legal line, and when exceptions might genuinely apply.
Expect practical, real-world examples of non-compliant job ads, why they don’t meet the legal standard, and how to rewrite them in a way that is inclusive, accurate, and compliant.
This episode covers:
The Human Rights Act and Employment Relations Act governing job advertisements in New Zealand
Legal risks and consequences of getting job ads wrong
A mini checklist that can be used when reviewing the job ad
How to spot and avoid discriminatory language
Examples based on age, sex, disability, and family status
When exceptions apply and what you need to prove
If you’re an HR professional, hiring manager or business owner involved in hiring, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to strengthen your recruitment process and protect your business.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.
Resources:
Discrimination & prohibited grounds - Employment NZ
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

In this Ask Law Lenz episode, we tackle one of the most common and misunderstood questions in New Zealand workplaces: “Can I just hire them as a casual?”
While it might be easy to label someone a casual employee, ensuring they actually are casual in the eyes of the law is a whole different story.
Join host Sanam as she unpacks what legally defines a casual employee under New Zealand employment law, busts common myths, and highlights red flags that could mean your so-called “casual” is really a permanent employee in disguise.
In this episode, Sanam covers:
The legal definition of casual employment in New Zealand
How casual, "part-time", and permanent roles differ
Common mistakes employers make when classifying workers
Best practices for managing casual employment the right way
Real case examples where casual missteps led to big consequences
A step-by-step guide to help you confidently classify your workers (HERE)
Whether you’re in HR, managing a small business, or an employer trying to stay compliant, this episode is packed with practical information to help you navigate casual employment.
Tune in to find out: is your employee really a casual, or just labelled one?
Need help figuring it out? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify with confidence.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Check out Lisa Young’s HRHQ Membership HERE! Feel supported with tailored guidance, content and access to a massive HR community.
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.
Resources:
Casual employment - MBIE
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Dismissing an employee always feels scary. Even if you think you've got it in the bag, you’re left wondering… have I done everything right?
Because the reality is when you get it wrong, it can cost you time, trust, and cash. So what does “getting it right” actually look like?
In this episode, we're diving into a real-life case from the Employment Relations Authority involving a shift manager, suspicious GPS data, and a whole lot of time spent… not working.
But this isn’t just about what the employee did wrong. It’s about what the employer did right! From the investigation to the disciplinary process, this is a masterclass in handling serious misconduct, maintaining procedural fairness, and making a dismissal stand up legally.
Join Sanam as she breaks down:
The case of Sahil v First Security Guard Services Limited [2025] NZERA 310
What makes a dismissal legally justified under NZ employment law
When you separate an investigation from a disciplinary process
How to manage misconduct in high-trust or senior roles
The importance of documenting your process (and what to include)
What to test when assessing an employee’s credibility
If you’re an employer, HR lead, people manager or business owner thinking, “I know something’s off, but I’m not sure what to do next”, this one’s for you.
Because when it comes to dismissals, being fair and reasonable isn’t optional. It’s the law.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Sahil v First Security - ERA Determination
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Law Lenz is officially back from break! While we were gone, employment law kept on moving. So much so, that on 13 May 2025, the Coalition Government passed urgent changes to New Zealand’s Equal Pay laws. By introducing hierarchical comparators, that claims must have "merit" and redefining what counts as a female-dominated workforce, the changes have impacted employees across industries such as healthcare, teaching and corrections. As the changes have swept the nation, it has caused major outrage and controversy. 
In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down:
What changed in NZ’s pay equity legislation
Why the Coalition Government says the changes were necessary
What the unions and opposition party thinks
The controversy of equal pay and the Federal Budget
What other countries have done with their pay equity systems
The current real-life impact across NZ
Whether you're a compliance guru, a business owner, or just want to understand how gender, politics and budgets collide, this bite-sized episode is your go-to explainer.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Changes to improve pay equity process - Beehive
Equal Pay Amendment Bill - NZ Parliament
‘Women’s pay' and ‘retirement funds’ paying for Budget 2025, Labour says - Stuff article
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

The minimum wage increase is just around the corner - 1 April 2025 isn’t far away. The big question is, are you ready? Many employers focus on payroll adjustments, but there’s a lot more to consider. From pay parity concerns to budgeting strategies, pricing reviews, and employee conversations, this episode breaks down everything you actually need to consider.
Join host Sanam as she walks through key steps to ensure a smooth transition, avoid last-minute payroll headaches, and keep your team engaged. Whether you're a small business owner or an HR leader, this quick checklist will help you navigate the increase with confidence.
Tune in now and get ahead before 1 April!
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Minimum wage set for 2025 - MBIE
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Wage theft has become a major topic of debate, especially with Australia recently criminalising intentional underpayments. The conversation has recently resurfaced in New Zealand and it seems we may be following suit.
In this episode, we explore New Zealand’s Wage Theft Bill, officially known as the Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill. This proposed law aims to make it a criminal offense for employers to intentionally withhold wages, salaries, or entitlements. But what does that actually mean in practice?
Join host, Sanam, as she breaks down:
The current laws and penalties relating to unpaid wages
Why the Wage Theft Bill was introduced
Employer obligations if the Bill becomes law
The challenge of proving intent in wage theft cases
The political debate surrounding the Bill and its impact on businesses
With hundreds of wage arrear cases over the past five years, the question is whether this Bill is necessary, or whether this is an unnecessary burden on employers?
If you want to know what this means for you and your business, then tune in for a deep dive into wage theft.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Bill
Zhang v Panda Restaurant Ltd [2024] - Employment NZ
Wage Theft Bill Explanatory Note - Parliament NZ
Labour’s Wage Theft Bill Gets Support from NZ First - The Post
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Big changes are coming to New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). The government is rolling out a series of reforms throughout 2025, fundamentally shifting the way employers hire and retain migrant workers.
So, what’s changing? From scrapping the median wage requirement to adjusting job check processes, reducing experience thresholds, and introducing new seasonal visa pathways, these reforms are designed to address skill shortages while maintaining fairness in the job market.
In this episode, join host Sanam as she breaks down the key updates, including:
The end of the median wage requirement and what “market rate” really means for employers
Changes to the job check process and what it means for recruitment
New earning thresholds for family sponsorship under the AEWV
Longer visa durations and interim work rights to provide more certainty
Construction sector reforms, including a lower local workforce threshold
Seasonal visa pathways and how they could reshape hiring in 2025
If you employ migrant workers, these changes will affect you. Tune in to get the full breakdown so you can stay ahead of the curve.
Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!
Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law insights.
Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.
Check out the Law Lenz website HERE. 
Resources:
Reforms to Accredited Employer Work Visa announced - Immigration New Zealand
Accredited Employer Work Visa changes - Dentons Lawyers
Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.