In our previous article, Employment Relations Authority 2025 Report, we looked at the latest figures, determination statistics, and trends outlined in the Employment Relations Authority 2025 Report.  We saw that applications to the Authority have increased, personal grievances remained the predominant types of application, and the number of matters referred to mediation have also increased. […]

In our previous article, Employment Institutions – Who Does What?, we looked at the main employment institutions in New Zealand and the different roles they play in resolving workplace issues. This article is the second in this series and narrows the focus to the role of the Employment Relations Authority by looking at its 2025 […]

Employment law has its own set of institutions.  If you are an employer or employee dealing with a workplace issue, it can be difficult to know who does what, where to go, and what each organisation can actually decide. This article explains the main employment institutions in New Zealand, what they cover, and how they […]

Today, we share some exciting (and slightly bittersweet) news. We are incredibly proud to announce that Richard Roil has been appointed as a Member of the Employment Relations Authority, a significant career milestone and a testament to the expertise, integrity, and dedication he has brought to the employment law profession throughout his career. Since joining Black Door […]

By Caro Where it began Four years ago, I started Black Door Law with a simple belief: we put people at the centre of what we do. Before I had an office, before I had a team, before there was even a name, there was that philosophy. See the person first, listen before speaking, and […]

On Monday, 17 November, the final stage of the legal process between Uber and four of its drivers came to an end. The Supreme Court unanimously dismissed Uber’s appeal.  The Supreme Court found that the four Uber drivers were employees, not independent contractors. The Supreme Court’s Reasoning Although the Supreme Court’s reasoning differed from that […]

With Christmas just around the corner, many employers are turning their minds to their annual holiday closedowns. If your organisation plans to close over the holiday season and you haven’t already communicated this, now is the time to notify your team and discuss how the period will be managed, especially if an employee may receive […]

There are a number of different ways an employment relationship can come to an end. In the final instalment of our Lifecycle of Employment Series, we discuss the various ways an employment relationship can come to an end. An employee can end their employment by resignation; or abandoning their employment An employee can end the […]

Attracting staff has always been a challenge; retaining them is even tougher. A 2023 Boston Consulting Group survey found that when employees were asked what makes them stay in a role, job security, fair treatment, enjoyable work, feeling valued, and being supported all ranked above compensation.[1] The same survey showed that great managers are associated […]

Onboarding is more than just an administrative exercise. It sets the tone for the employment relationship and can significantly influence employee engagement, retention, and compliance with internal processes, procedures and workplace policies. In this instalment of our Lifecycle of Employment Series, we discuss why an effective onboarding process is essential and outline key considerations for […]