With a bevy of employment law reform behind you, now it is time to delve into the implications plus strategies to work with proposed reforms, highlighting the compliance risks, operational challenges and strategic considerations for employers, HR professionals and employment advisers. Gain the insights you need to confidently navigate change, update workplace practices and prepare for what lies ahead.
Tuesday, 17 November 2026
Learning Objectives:
- Identify and explain recent and proposed legislative developments affecting employment and workplace relations in New Zealand.
- Assess the impact of legislative changes on employer obligations, workplace policies, and employment practices.
- Apply practical strategies to manage compliance risks arising from new employment and health and safety requirements.
- Evaluate upcoming reforms and prepare organisations for anticipated changes to the employment law landscape.
Description
Attend and earn 1 CPD hour
Chair:
Steph Dyhrberg, Barrister, Steph Dyhrberg Barrister; Doyle's Guide Leading Junior Counsel Employment Law, New Zealand, 2026 and 2018 Wellingtonian of the Year
12.00pm to 1.00pm Legislative Update
- Stay up to date with the latest employment law and workplace relations reforms
- Examine recent and proposed legislative changes affecting employment agreements, flexible work, personal grievances, holidays and leave entitlements
- Understand the practical implications of regulatory developments and what organisations should be doing now to ensure compliance
- Gain strategic insight into upcoming employment law changes and emerging trends likely to shape workplace management over the next 12 months.
Presented by Daniel Erickson, Partner, Tompkins Wake; Doyle's Guide Leading Employment & Health and Safety Lawyer, New Zealand, 2026; The Legal 500 Asia Pacific – Recommended Lawyer, Labour & Employment, 2023–2026
Presenters
Steph Dyhrberg, Barrister, Steph Dyhrberg BarristerSteph started her legal career working for 7 years at a large law firm, Russell McVeagh in Wellington. After developing her litigation skills and a special interest in employment law, she worked as a Crown Counsel at the Crown Law Office and for a boutique Human Resources company. For 18 years she worked in private practice, first on her own and then as one of the founding partners of Dyhrberg Drayton Employment Law. Since 1 June 2023, she has worked as a barrister (an independent lawyer). Steph specialises in investigations, mediation and facilitation, and resolving complicated situations, including addressing sexual harassment and bullying.
Daniel Erickson, Partner, Tomkins Wake
Daniel is an employment law specialist with a reputation for providing pragmatic, timely and easy-to-understand advice. Daniel represents employers of all sizes in a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, freight and logistics and retail. He has also assisted a number of senior executives and CEOs in negotiating the start or the ending of their employment. Clients appreciate Daniel's collaborative and concise approach to solving their employment law problems. If disputes cannot be resolved by negotiation or mediation, Daniel is a skilled litigator. He regularly appears on behalf of his clients in the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court. With deep expertise and experience in health and safety, Daniel assists clients in relation to complying with their legislative obligations. He also works with clients following health and safety incidents during WorkSafe New Zealand investigations and has appeared in the District Court in relation to health and safety prosecutions. Daniel is regularly instructed by employers to undertake external workplace investigations. His recent work includes investigating allegations of bullying, harassment and breaches of the duty of fidelity. Daniel is acknowledged as a Recommended Lawyer in The Legal 500 rankings for Asia Pacific.
