2026: A Year of Change, Challenge and Opportunity
As 2026 draws to a close, it’s a good opportunity to reflect on another busy year for New Zealand businesses.
Economic pressures, workforce challenges and changing employment legislation have continued to keep employers on their toes. At Network HR, we’ve supported businesses through everything from recruitment and employment relations to workplace culture, leadership development, payroll and health and safety.
One thing remains clear: good people practices aren’t just about compliance, they’re essential to business success.
Legislative Changes: What Employers Need to Know
2026 has brought some significant changes, with more on the horizon.
Employment Relations: Changes effective from 21 February 2026 introduced clearer rules for independent contractors, changes to personal grievance remedies, new dismissal provisions for employees earning $200,000 or more, and greater flexibility around collective employment agreements.
Health and Safety: The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Act 2026 takes effect on 1 April 2027. The reforms place greater emphasis on managing critical workplace risks and clarifying health and safety responsibilities.
Payroll and Leave: The Employment Leave Act 2026 will replace the Holidays Act from 6 August 2028. While there’s time to prepare, employers should start considering the implications for their payroll systems, employment agreements and leave processes. Existing Holidays Act requirements continue to apply until then.
KiwiSaver: Default employee and employer contribution rates increased to 3.5% from 1 April 2026, with a further increase to 4% scheduled for 1 April 2028.
Looking Ahead to 2027
Beyond legislative change, we’ve seen businesses place increasing importance on workplace culture, employee engagement and leadership capability.
As we head into 2027, it’s worth asking: Are your employment agreements and policies current? Are your managers confident handling people matters? Are your payroll and health and safety systems meeting their obligations?
Sometimes small improvements like clearer processes, better communication and more effective leadership can make the biggest difference.
Our advice for 2027? Be proactive rather than reactive. A little preparation now can save considerable time, cost and frustration later.
Thank You from Network HR
To our clients, colleagues and business partners, thank you for your continued trust and support throughout 2026.
It’s been a privilege working alongside businesses as they’ve navigated challenges, embraced change and invested in their people.
We look forward to continuing to support you in 2027, helping build confident managers, engaged teams and successful workplaces.
Here’s to a positive and productive year ahead!
From the team at Network HR