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# Resolve Legal Employment Law: Resolve Legal is a specialist employment law firm based in Wellington, NZ. Our focus is on providing legal support in workplace and employment matters, for both employees and employers.

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 27–2 August 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-27-2-august-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 20–26 July 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-20-26-july-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 13–19 July 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-13-19-july-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 6–12 July 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-6-12-july-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 29–5 July 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-29-5-july-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 22–28 June 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-22-28-june-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 15–21 June 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-15-21-june-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 6–12 June 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-6-12-june-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [Summary Of ERA Determinations: Week of 25–31 May 2026](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/summary-of-era-determinations-week-of-25-31-may-2026/): Each week the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) publishes its determinations. Below is a summary of the cases determined this week, with key points for New Zealand business owners and employers.
- [ERA Finds Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) Breached Good Faith and Consultation Obligations in Major Restructure](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/era-finds-fire-and-emergency-new-zealand-breached-good-faith-and-consultation-obligations-in-major-restructure/): A determination released on 18 March 2026 by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has found that Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) breached both its collective agreement consultation obligations and its statutory duty of good faith in connection with a sweeping organisational restructure proposed in November 2025. The decision in New Zealand Public Service Association Inc Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi and New Zealand Professional Firefighters' Union Inc v Fire and Emergency New Zealand  NZERA 161 provides a significant reminder to all employers about what genuine consultation requires — and what happens when it falls short.
- [The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026: What It Means for Employers and Workers in New Zealand](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/the-employment-relations-amendment-act-2026-what-it-means-for-employers-and-workers-in-new-zealand/): The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 received Royal Assent on 20 February 2026 and came into force the following day, representing the most significant overhaul of New Zealand's employment law framework since the 2018 amendments. The Act amends the Employment Relations Act 2000 across several key areas, including contractor classification, personal grievance remedies, dismissal protections for high-income earners, and the removal of the 30-day rule for new employees.
- [ERA confirms dismissal justified for misuse of staff discount despite long service](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/era-confirms-dismissal-justified-for-misuse-of-staff-discount-despite-long-service/): A decision handed down on the 21st January 20026 between DLH and The Farmers Trading Company Limited at the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) provides helpful guidance for employers on the management of staff discount schemes and the limits of leniency for long-serving employees. The Authority confirmed that dismissal was justified where an employee deliberately misused her staff discount to benefit third parties, in breach of a clear workplace policy.
- [Porn-addicted Law Firm Boss Suspended — Ordered to Pay $5,000 to 2 Employees](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/porn-addicted-law-firm-boss-suspended-ordered-to-pay-5000-to-2-employees/): A recent decision by the New Zealand Lawyers and Conveyancers Disciplinary Tribunal highlights the serious consequences employers face when they expose workers to unsafe or inappropriate conduct. An Auckland sole-practitioner lawyer (whose name is suppressed) has been suspended after repeatedly displaying pornography in view of staff.
- [Exploitation of Migrant Workers: Southland Dairy Farm Pays $215,000 in Penalties](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/exploitation-of-migrant-workers-southland-dairy-farm-pays-215000-in-penalties/): In a significant ruling by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA), the Southland dairy business Rural Practice Ltd (RPL) and its owner, Reza Abdul‑Jabbar, have been ordered to pay a total of NZ$215,000 in penalties for multiple deliberate breaches of employment law relating to three Indonesian migrant workers.
- [Unjustified Dismissal Of An Employee After 17 Months Of Sick Leave](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/shop-workers-awarded-590k-over-exploitation-and-unjustified-dismissal-2/): A recent decision of the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) NZERA 646 3064332 highlights the serious consequences for employers who exploit vulnerable workers or fail to properly honour employment agreements. The case involved a Turkish national employed at a Dunedin café who successfully recovered more than $43,000 in unpaid wages, after years of systematic underpayment and unfair bargaining linked to his immigration status.
- [Shop Workers Awarded $590k Over Exploitation and Unjustified Dismissal](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/shop-workers-awarded-590k-over-exploitation-and-unjustified-dismissal/): A recent determination by the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has found that Fiji Food Distributors NZ Limited (FFDL) and its directors seriously breached New Zealand’s employment laws, including employee exploitation and unjustified dismissal.
- [NZ 2025 Employment Law Rulings on Unjustified Dismissal](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/nz-2025-employment-law-rulings-on-unjustified-dismissal/): Recent Employment Relations Authority (ERA) and Employment Court decisions have shed light on how personal grievance claims are being handled in workplaces across Aotearoa. From trial-period dismissals to Covid-19 vaccination disputes, these rulings remind both employers and employees that fair process and good faith remain at the heart of New Zealand employment law.
- [The Sad Case of Mr Thomas Pona — When a Flawed Investigation Led To Unjustified Dismissal](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/when-a-flawed-employment-investigation-led-to-injustice/): The story of Mr Thomas Pona is a reminder that even well-meaning employers can make serious mistakes if they don’t follow a fair and impartial process when investigating misconduct.
- [A Great Goodbye – How to Pull Off a Professional Resignation](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/a-great-goodbye-how-to-pull-off-a-professional-resignation/): Why Leaving Well Matters, Resigning from your job can be one of life’s big turning points. Whether you’re chasing a new challenge, moving cities, or simply need a fresh start, the way you say goodbye can shape your reputation and future references. In employment law, how you resign can be just as important as why you resign.
- [Why Sexual Harassment Complaints Are So Hard — and What Employers Must Do](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/why-sexual-harassment-complaints-are-so-hard-and-what-employers-must-do/): Sexual harassment is any unwelcome or offensive behaviour of a sexual nature that a reasonable person would find intimidating, humiliating or distressing. It includes (but is not limited to) unwanted touching, sexual jokes or remarks, intrusive questions about private life, repeated requests for dates, suggestive gestures, or comments about appearance. It may also include coercive or threatening behaviour, or misuse of power to pressure someone sexually.
- [Sweat Equity in New Zealand: Understanding Rights and Realities](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/sweat-equity-in-new-zealand-understanding-rights-and-realities/): “Sweat equity” refers to contributing labour, time, or expertise to a new or early-stage business instead of being paid a wage immediately. The “sweat” is the work done now, and the “equity” is the promise of a future ownership stake or shareholding.
- [Trial Shifts & Pre Training: When NZ Employment Trial Periods Are Invalid](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/trial-shifts-pre-training-when-nz-employment-trial-periods-are-invalid/): The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has consistently held that a 90-day trial period will not protect an employer if employment starts before the agreement is signed. This includes situations where a new hire begins induction, shadowing, or training under the employer’s direction before the employment agreement is executed. In such cases, the trial period is considered invalid because employment has already commenced. The legal foundation for this principle is found in the Employment Relations Act 2000, which requires that trial provisions be agreed to in writing before work begins.
- [Employment Dispute Lawyers Which One Is Best for You](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employment-dispute-lawyers-which-one-is-best-for-you/): Whether you're an employer handling difficulties at work or an employee suffering unjust treatment, navigating employment disputes can be a difficult process. Finding the best legal counsel is essential to reaching a fair and efficient resolution. This article will help you in selecting the best employment dispute lawyer for your needs.
- [Duties and responsibilities of Employers and employees](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/duties-and-responsibilities-of-employers-and-employees/): New Zealand has strict employment laws for both employers and employees. Both of the parties need to follow these to ensure a mutually beneficial relationship. By mandating businesses to grant you certain employment rights, the law protects you and your rights. These consist of sick leave and four weeks of annual vacation, and a discrimination-free environment. You also have responsibilities as an employee, like showing up for work on time and ensuring the safety of both you and other employees. 
- [Redundancy in New Zealand: Your Essential Employer’s Guide](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/redundancy-in-new-zealand-your-essential-employers-guide/): Redundancy, Your Step By Step Guide For New Zealand Employers. 
- [Dismissal from Work: What’s the Next Step?](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/dismissal-from-work-whats-the-next-step/): Dismissal from Work: What’s the Next Step?
- [How do I make an employee redundant in NZ?](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/how-do-i-make-an-employee-redundant-in-nz/): Saying goodbye to an employee can be tough, especially if it's because your business needs are changing. In New Zealand, that situation is called a legal redundancy, and there are certain rules you gotta follow under employment law redundancy to make sure things are fair and legal for everyone involved. This guide will walk you through the steps of making someone redundant nice and clear.
- [Navigating the Trial Period: A Guide for New Zealand Employers and Employees](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/navigating-the-trial-period-a-guide-for-new-zealand-employers-and-employees/): Navigating the Trial Period: A Guide for New Zealand Employers and Employees
- [What do you do if you are bullied at work?](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/what-do-you-do-if-you-are-bullied-at-work/): Bullying is NEVER, EVER acceptable in any circumstances. What do you do if you are bullied at work? 
- [Bullying behaviour at work](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/bullying-behaviour-at-work/): When you are bullied at work, some people find it hard to accept it is happening.
- [How to ask your boss for a mental health day](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/how-to-ask-your-boss-for-a-mental-health-day/): There is no shame in requesting a mental health day. 
- [How does Resolve Legal work with their clients? ](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/how-does-resolve-legal-works-with-clients/): Unless you have a lawyer  in the family, most people’s  view of one is either 
- [Support for employees in a crisis](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/support-for-employees-in-a-crisis/): There is support for employees in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle.
- [How do lawyers work with their clients?](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/how-to-work-with-employment-lawyers/): .
- [5 way to beat the back to work blues](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/beat-those-back-to-work-blues/): It is natural to feel blue at the end of a holiday. Let's help banish those blues with 5 ways to help you get back to a work routine. 
- [7 Soft Skills to help you shine in your workplace](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/7-soft-skills-to-help-you-shine-in-your-workplace-resolve-legal/): Soft skills are essential in your workplace.
- [Workplace Issues](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/workplace-issues/): People spend over a third of their adult lives at work, and stress issues, related to the job are common for many. It is difficult to create a workplace where everyone gets along well and there is no friction between their positions, expectations, and personalities. As a result, some job problems may result in undesirable psychological symptoms. In this blog, we discuss common workplace issues and how to resolve them.

## Pages
- [Free Employment Law Clinic](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/free-employment-law-clinic/): BOOK YOUR FREE SESSION
- [Terms and Conditions](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/): These terms and conditions regulate the business relationship between you and us. When you  buy from us, you agree to be bound by them.
- [Privacy Policy](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/privacy-policy/): A.         INTRODUCTION
- [Redeployment Guide](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/redeployment-guide/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Good Faith & Fair Treatment](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/good-faith-fair-treatment/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Employer Lawyers](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/): First Consult Free
- [Employee Lawyers](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/): First Consult Free
- [Racial Harassment](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/racial-harassment/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Racial Harassment](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/racial-harassment/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Legal Terms Glossary](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/legal-terms-glossary/): Ensure every employment agreement with a 90-day trial clause is signed by the employee before they step foot on the premises to start work.
- [Defending Unfair Dismissal Claims](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/defending-unfair-dismissal-claims/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Sexual Harassment](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/sexual-harassment/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Redundancy Guide](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/redundancy-guide/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Defending Personal Grievance Claims](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/defending-personal-grievance-claims/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Disciplinary Procedures](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/disciplinary-procedures/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Bullying](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/bullying/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [About](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/about/): I’ve wanted to be lawyer since I was 12. But I let childhood gremlins stop me pursuing that dream and  became a registered nurse, kiwifruit orchardist, furniture and interior design retailer, TV Producer, Marketer & Restauranteur instead. At 53, with those gremlins firmly kicked into touch, I enrolled at Waikato University Law School and graduated with honours 3 years later. In 2010, I opened my own law firm, Viv d’Or Law, in Petone, which continues to serve the greater Wellington area. We now have clients around New Zealand; Auckland, Nelson, Christchurch, Invercargill. We  have now rebranded to Resolve Legal which better describes our new direction.  I feel deeply privileged I’m able to help our  clients resolve their legal issues. I’ve never been so happy and contented in my life.
- [Contractor](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/contractor/): SPEAK TO AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Free Consult](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employment-law-consult/): 350 Jackson Street, Petone, Wellington 5012 info@employmentlaw.co.nz +64 21 242 3200 Mon - Fri Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5:00pm
- [Articles](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/articles/): Employment Law Articles & Insight Posted on Google John Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I found Resolve a great service to go to for support. I had to unfortunately gain support for some work related troubles and they were able to support me despite being full of unknowns and in a low place in my life. They were able to provide the right support i needed at the right time and would recommend them to other people, and also have done. They also have a cat which is an added bonus Posted on Google Alan Borthwick Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We have used Viv at Resolve Legal a few times, for hiring new staff and dealing with employment issues. Great advice each time, timely and available and leading to a positive result. Posted on Google Max Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent service Posted on Google Megan Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent professional service Posted on Google cheryl gulley Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful, listened to everything I had to say, would highly recommend Viv Posted on Google Mel Hart Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Viv is a wonderful employment lawyer Posted on Google Jonathan Braniff Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. By far the best employment lawyer in the Hutt Valley
- [Sexual Harassment](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/sexual-harassment/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Disciplinary](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/disciplinary/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Redundancy](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/redundancy/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Personal Grievance](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/personal-grievance/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Unjustified Dismissal](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employee-lawyers/unjustified-dismissal/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Contact Us](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/contact-us/): 350 Jackson Street, Petone, Wellington 5012 info@employmentlaw.co.nz +64 21 242 3200 Mon - Fri Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5:00pm
- [Bullying Complaints](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/employer-lawyers/bullying-complaints/): SPEAK TO A NZ EMPLOYMENT LAWYER
- [Home](https://employmentlaw.co.nz/): First Consult Free