Our second article in our series “The Life Cycle of Employment,” examines the importance of defining the nature of the role and identifying the relevant employment agreement for the role. This step is critical for employers as it guides the recruitment process and provides a framework for expectations over the course of employment. Framing the […]

Our series “The Life Cycle of Employment,” examines the key stages of employment and provides a guide for employers as to what their legal obligations and best practices are during each stage. Our first article provides key considerations of how to successfully design a new role and serves as a useful aid for employers. Designing […]

On 6 May 2025, the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, Brooke van Velden, announced that the Government is amending the Equal Pay Act 1972 (“the Act”) to limit the scope of pay equity claims, setting higher thresholds, and requiring more evidence of inequities.  These changes are being fast-tracked under urgency without the requirement for […]

High-Income Threshold Removes Dismissal Rights: What Could Happen Next? The intended and unintended consequences.  A new law is on the horizon that could change workplace rights for high earners.  Our previous article discusses how under the proposed legislation, anyone making over $180,000 a year will no longer have the automatic right to claim unjustified dismissal. […]

The government is planning a series of employment law changes in 2025, many of which stem from the ACT – National Party of New Zealand Coalition Commitment. One notable change is a proposed income threshold for unjustified dismissal claims. If passed, employees earning over $180,000 per year will no longer have the automatic right to […]

We’re proud to celebrate Black Door Law Founder, Caroline (Caro) Rieger, who has been named one of the 2025 Law Firm Leaders of the Year by NZ Lawyer and Australasian Lawyer! This recognition comes after a rigorous selection process conducted by a 30+ member Intelligence Unit, combining extensive research and industry feedback to identify the […]

E Tū Incorporated v Television New Zealand Ltd Earlier this year, TVNZ announced the surprise cancellation of Sunday, Fair Go, Midday, Tonight news and the disestablishment of 68 roles. In response, E Tū Incorporated raised proceedings (on behalf of impacted employees) on the grounds that TVNZ had breached their obligations under the Employment Relations Act […]

Workplace Banter or workplace Bullying – A fine line In today’s modern workplace, fostering a relaxed, positive, and inclusive environment is more important than ever and humour and wit is a great way many employees and employers do so. However, there can be a fine line between friendly workplace banter and bullying. This article sets […]

As we celebrate Mother’s Day, it is crucial that we recognise the role of all mothers, including those who are having to balance the various demands of motherhood alongside their careers. One area where support is particularly crucial for mothers within the workforce is breastfeeding. For new mothers who wish to breastfeed, returning to work […]

Recently, the Black Door Law team has noticed an increase in the number of articles portraying a negative view of Generation Z workers. One example of this is the Herald’s “Hiring Gen Z is a nightmare” article. On reflection, these articles seem to identify a harmful stereotype that young workers are becoming increasingly lazy and […]