Workplace Relations and Safety

Workers in small and lower-risk businesses will have greater choice about how they are represented on health and safety matters.

The Government has delivered on its election promise to support the lifting of incomes and working conditions of everyday kiwis with the passing of the Fair Pay Agreements Bill through Parliament.

New Zealanders can be proud this Labour Day, as working conditions and pay continue to improve across the country, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood has reflected.

Today marks 50 years since the Equal Pay Act 1972 was passed, a law instrumental in ensuring the legal right to equal pay for equal work in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Michael Wood, has today announced the appointment of Jennifer Kerr as the new Chair of the WorkSafe New Zealand Board.

With our borders opened and tourists returning, those seeking out adventurous activities can do so more safely due to the steps we’ve taken to improve the health and safety regulatory regime for adventure activities.

The Government has today introduced the Worker Protection (Migrant and Other Employees) Bill designed to protect migrant workers from exploitation, says Associate Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Priyanca Radhakrishnan.

Improved working conditions for workers in the screen industry is now a reality with the Screen Industry Workers Bill passing its third reading today.

The Bill establishing Queen Elizabeth II Memorial Day has passed its third reading.

Acting Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Priyanca Radhakrishnan expressed her sadness and condolences at the passing of leading trade unionist Ken Douglas.

The Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Wood has today announced the appointment of Geoffrey Summers as the Chair of the Remuneration Authority (the Authority) for a three-year term.

Paid Parental leave entitlements will increase on 1 July, resulting in up to $40 extra a week for new parents, or up to an additional $1040 for those taking the full 26 weeks of parental leave.

The Government has welcomed the outcome of the International Labour Organisation’s consideration of New Zealand’s Fair Pay Agreements (FPA) system, following a complaint made to it by BusinessNZ.

Essential workers sent a clear message today that they no longer want to see their pay and conditions set through a race to the bottom, and that they support fair, good faith bargaining with employers through Fair Pay Agreements.

The health and safety practices at our nation’s ports will be investigated as part of a range of actions taken by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety in response to two deaths in the space of a week.

The Government is taking steps to protect vulnerable workers, strengthen trade and champion human rights through new proposals released today.

Stories from the frontline of some of New Zealand’s most critical workforces were front and centre as the Government’s Fair Pay Agreement Bill passed its first reading today.

Government action to ease the pressure on low and middle income people and whānau will put more money in their pockets from 1 April.

New guidance to support businesses and organisations through the upcoming changes to vaccination requirements has been released today.

The Government has taken another step today on its pre-election commitment to lift incomes and improve working conditions of everyday kiwis with the introduction of the Fair Pay Agreements Bill to Parliament.

The Government is delivering on its election pledge to raise the minimum wage for New Zealand’s lowest paid workers by increasing it to $21.20 per hour from 1 April 2022.

• Vaccination assessment tool available today, guiding businesses on vaccine requirements for workers

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Wood announced today that workplace vaccination requirements will be extended to include the New Zealand Police and Defence Force in preparation for the transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework on 3 December 2021.

The Government is building on measures to protect businesses and workers from COVID-19 as the country gets ready to transition to the new COVID-19 Protection Framework on December 3.