New Zealand Laws

New Zealand Labour Laws

New Zealand has in place a set of labour laws intended to prevent employers from treating their employees unfairly.  Each industry has a set award rate, which is the bare minimum an employer is allowed to pay you.  This rate is the same for men and women. 

Employers must ensure that your safety is not compromised when you are working for them, and are not allowed to discriminate based on your gender, age, race or sexual orientation.  Additionally, your employer should provide you with easy access to information about these labour laws.

Some employers offer cash in hand work. This sort of work is illegal, as the employer can easily take advantage of their employee. Cash in hand work means that you will not receive the benefits to which you are legally entitled under New Zealand law, such as superannuation, and can lead to employees being underpaid.  Finally, the consequences can be severe if the Inland Revenue Department finds out.  As a general rule, if your employer uses your IRD number, you are legally employed.