Stay ahead in the fast-changing employment law landscape with this five-part webinar series, covering the most pressing developments and emerging trends shaping workplace practice in New Zealand. From the evolving world of workplace investigations, the latest significant case law, and the rise of mental wellbeing claims, to proposed reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act and key amendments to the Employment Relations Act, each session delivers targeted insights from leading experts. Gain practical strategies, stay compliant, and ensure your workplace advice is informed by the most up-to-date legal and procedural changes. Attend individual sessions or the full series to earn up to 5 CPD hours.
Description
Attend the complete series and earn 5 CPD hours
If you register for the full series as a live online product after the date of an individual session, you will be sent the recording for the sessions that have passed. Alternatively, you can register for individual sessions by following the links below.
Recent Developments and Trends in Workplace Investigations
Wednesday, 15 October 2025
Workplace investigations continue to evolve in both complexity and scope. Explore the latest developments shaping investigative practice. Topics include the growing role of AI in investigations, both as a tool for investigators and as a means for bad actors to deceive them, the integration of tikanga into investigation processes and how to navigate this emerging area, and recent case law impacting how investigations should be conducted.
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Chair:
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
1.00pm to 2.00pm Recent Developments and Trends in Workplace Investigations
- Using AI in investigations: by investigators to make life easier….and by nefarious parties who seek to fool investigators
- Tikanga in investigations and how to navigate this developing area
- Recent case law: what’s new.
Presented by Andrew Scott-Howman, Barrister and Workplace Investigator, Port Nicholson Chambers
Learning Objectives:
- Gain insights into the use (and misuse) of AI in workplace investigations
- Understand how to ensure compliance with tikanga in investigation processes
- Stay up-to-date with recent case law and its implications for investigative work
Presenters
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson LloydJohn Farrow is a Partner co-leading Anderson Lloyd's national employment team. He specialises in Employment and Health & Safety law. John's expertise covers the full range of employment matters, including those which involve criminal and civil aspects. John has represented employees, senior executives, small to medium businesses, councils, local authorities, and corporates. He is a LEADR-accredited Mediator, Member of the Institute of Directors and is an 'Association of Workplace Investigators' Certificate-holder. John is named in the 'Best Lawyers in New Zealand' publication, Labour and Employment Law category, and as a 'next generation partner' in the Legal 500.
Andrew Scott-Howman, Barrister and Workplace Investigator, Port Nicholson Chambers
Andrew Scott-Howman is a Wellington based barrister specialising in workplace investigations. He is a graduate of the Association of Workplace Investigator's Training Institute and a member of that specialist interest organisation. He is also a co-author of the Thomson Reuters text "Workplace Bullying in New Zealand". He acts as investigator in both the public and private sectors, and has wide experience in investigating bullying, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct claims.
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Significant Recent Employment Law Cases
Wednesday, 29 October 2025
Stay up to date with the latest developments in employment law. Examine key recent decisions that are shaping the employment landscape and hear timely insights into the practical implications of recent judgments.
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
1.00pm to 2.00pm Significant Recent Employment Law Cases
Hear an update on significant cases, including:
- Claims under the Privacy Act 2020 in the employment context: Cumings v KAM Transport Limited [2025] NZHRRT 8 – where the employer was required to pay $30,000
- Application for interim reinstatement - Vegepod NZ Ltd v Lowe [2025] NZEMpC 76
- Issue as to whether the employer was a New Zealand or Singaporean company - Youtap Ltd v Johnston [2025] NZEmpC 92
- Do split shifts constituted two work periods - NZ Tramways & Public Passenger Transport Employees Union Wellington Incorporated v Tranzurban Hutt Valley Limited, [2025] NZSC 69 – leave declined from Court of Appeal
- Validity of a 90 day trial period - Randon-Warren v Maka8ka Ltd [2025] NZERA 331
Presented by Julia MacGibbon, Senior Associate, DLA Piper
Learning Objectives:
- Gain awareness of recent significant employment law cases
- Understand the practical implications of these decisions
Presenters
Julia MacGibbon, Senior Associate, DLA PiperJulia has acted on a range of matters, including personal grievances, health and safety, Holidays Act audits, restructuring, redundancies and immigration. Julia has appeared in the Employment Relations Authority, District Court and High Court.
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Mental Health and Wellbeing Obligations at Work
Wednesday, 5 November 2025
Explore the growing area of mental wellbeing claims in the workplace, including the legal frameworks, risks, and practical steps for employers and practitioners to navigate these complex matters effectively
Learning Objective:
- Navigate with better understanding mental wellbeing claims that are based in workplace law
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Chair:
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
1.00pm to 2.00pm Mental Health and Wellbeing Obligations at Work
- Mental health at work obligations
- What practical steps should be taken to support mental health at work
- Recent case law updates
- How to manage employees during this time, including support that can be offered
- Practical tips on how to manage conflict in the workplace where bullying allegations have arisen and what the obligations are
Presented by Myriam Mitchell, Partner, Copeland Ashcroft Law
Presenters
Myriam Mitchell, Partner, Copeland Ashcroft LawMyriam has worked in employment, health and safety, insurance law, and dispute resolution since 2007. Myriam graduated with honours from the University of Auckland. In addition to her law degree, she also holds a commerce degree (majoring in management and employment relations). Her significant litigation experience means she has strong advocacy and negotiation skills and has guided many clients to a negotiated settlement where avoiding a hearing was in their best interest. Myriam has appeared in the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, District and High Courts. Myriam has been appointed to The Law Association Health and Safety Law Committee and regularly delivers training and seminars on topical employment and health and safety issues. She is based in Hawke’s Bay and travels throughout New Zealand.
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
John Farrow is a Partner co-leading Anderson Lloyd's national employment team. He specialises in Employment and Health & Safety law. John's expertise covers the full range of employment matters, including those which involve criminal and civil aspects. John has represented employees, senior executives, small to medium businesses, councils, local authorities, and corporates. He is a LEADR-accredited Mediator, Member of the Institute of Directors and is an 'Association of Workplace Investigators' Certificate-holder. John is named in the 'Best Lawyers in New Zealand' publication, Labour and Employment Law category, and as a 'next generation partner' in the Legal 500.
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Implications of the Proposed Health and Safety at Work Act Reforms
Wednesday, 19 November 2025
Get up to speed on the Government’s proposed reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act. Explore key changes under consideration, including exemptions for small, low-risk businesses, clearer directors’ duties, industry-led ACOPs, and reduced notification requirements. Unpack the proposed shifts in WorkSafe’s role, changes to landowner liability, and efforts to streamline overlapping regulatory systems. Attendance is essential to understand what these changes could mean in practice.
1.00pm to 2.00pm Implications of the Proposed Health and Safety at Work Act Reforms
- Exemptions for small, low risk businesses (SLRs)
- Clarification of directors’ duties
- Industry-led Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs)
- Reduced notification requirements
- Landowner liability for other PCBUs’ recreational activities
- Shifting WorkSafe’s focus from enforcement to education
- Removing overlap between HSWA and other regulatory systems
Presented by Tim Clarke, Barrister, Richmond Chambers; Leading barrister in Employment and Industrial Relations, Doyle's Guide 2025
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the Government’s proposed reforms to the Health and Safety at Work Act.
- Unpack the key proposed changes
Presenters
Tim Clarke, Barrister, Richmond ChambersTim Clarke is an experienced litigator with a specialist focus on employment and workplace safety law. His practice spans advocacy in the courts of general jurisdiction (including appellate courts), the Employment Court and Employment Relations Authority, Human Rights Review Tribunal, mediation, and workplace investigations. Tim accepts instructions to act as counsel, mediator in relation to employment disputes, or to conduct independent workplace investigations. Tim is an Associate Member of the Arbitrators’ and Mediators’ Institute of New Zealand (AMINZ) and the Resolution Institute. He is also a member of the Association of Workplace Investigators (AWI). He has been a member of the Health and Safety Committee of The Law Association (formerly ADLS) from 2016 to the present and is a member of the Employment Law and Privacy Committee of the New Zealand Bar Association.
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Legislative Amendments to Employment Relations Act and their Implications for Parties and Practitioners
Wednesday, 26 November 2025
Examine the latest proposed legislative developments to the Employment Relations Act and explore their practical implications for workplace participants and legal practitioners alike. Hear an in-depth overview of the key Employment Relations Amendment Bill, expected to pass by year’s end, as well as the imminent Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill and the Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Mutual Agreement) Amendment Bill, currently before select committee. End with a discussion of any further reforms signaled by the government. Join us for expert insights into how these changes may affect employment contracts, workplace dynamics, compliance obligations, and dispute resolution strategies.
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Chair:
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
1.00pm to 2.00pm Legislative Amendments to Employment Relations Act and Their Implications for Parties and Practitioners
- The main Employment Relations Amendment Bill (Govt wants passed by the end of the year)
- The Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill (expected to pass in a matter of weeks)
- The Employment Relations (Termination of Employment by Mutual Agreement) Amendment Bill (before a select committee – no timeframe as yet)
- Any other potential legislative changes to be signalled.
Presented by Daniel Church, Senior Staff Barrister, Catherine Stewart
Learning Objectives:
- Be across the proposed amendments to the Employment Relations Act
- Understand the implications for parties and practitioners of these proposed changes
Presenters
Daniel Church, Senior Staff Barrister, Catherine StewartDaniel Church is a Senior Staff Barrister in Catherine's team. He graduated with a Bachelor of Laws degree with First Class Honours and a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2015, and joined Catherine's practice in early 2017 to further his passion for practising in employment law. Daniel regularly appears as counsel in the Employment Relations Authority and as second counsel to Catherine in the Employment Court. He has also appeared as counsel before the Teachers Disciplinary Tribunal defending charges brought by the Complaints Assessment Committee. Daniel regularly assists clients with investigations in the Employment Relations Authority, mediations, reviewing and amending employment agreements and policies to ensure compliance with current legislation, personal grievances, redundancies and negotiated exits. He has assisted companies with major restructurings and represented them in union negotiations, as well as representing both employers and employees in disciplinary and performance management processes. Daniel also has conflict resolution experience and is able to assist with mediating disputes between employees. He presents seminars at conferences on employment and education law matters which are topical and of particular interest to school leaders.
John Farrow, Partner, Anderson Lloyd
John Farrow is a Partner co-leading Anderson Lloyd's national employment team. He specialises in Employment and Health & Safety law. John's expertise covers the full range of employment matters, including those which involve criminal and civil aspects. John has represented employees, senior executives, small to medium businesses, councils, local authorities, and corporates. He is a LEADR-accredited Mediator, Member of the Institute of Directors and is an 'Association of Workplace Investigators' Certificate-holder. John is named in the 'Best Lawyers in New Zealand' publication, Labour and Employment Law category, and as a 'next generation partner' in the Legal 500.
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