Your Basic Rights
Every employee in New Zealand is entitled to:- A written employment agreement — Your employer must provide this before you start work
- At least the minimum wage — This applies to all employees aged 16 and over
- Holiday and leave entitlements — Including annual leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and public holidays
- A safe workplace — Your employer must take steps to keep you safe at work
- Freedom from discrimination — You cannot be treated unfairly because of your gender, age, ethnicity, disability, or other protected characteristics
- Fair treatment — Including good-faith obligations from both employer and employee
Types of Employment
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Permanent (full-time or part-time) | Ongoing employment with regular hours |
| Fixed-term | Employment for a specific period or project with a genuine reason |
| Casual | No guaranteed hours; work is offered and accepted on an as-needed basis |
| Contractor | Self-employed; different rights and obligations apply |
Key Resources
- Employment New Zealand — The government’s official resource for employment rights and obligations
- Community Law — Free legal information and advice for people in New Zealand
- Citizens Advice Bureau — Free, confidential advice on employment and other matters
- Human Rights Commission — Information about discrimination and your rights
Getting Help
If you believe your employment rights have been violated:- Talk to your employer first — many issues can be resolved through open communication
- Contact Employment New Zealand for guidance
- Seek free legal advice from Community Law
- If needed, you can raise a personal grievance within 90 days
Employment rights will be covered in detail during Session 3 (May 20, 2026) of the HER WAKA programme.