Employment Relations Act 2000, ss 4B, 130, 142G; 235B; 235E
All employees in New Zealand have minimum employment rights that can’t be taken away. These rights apply even if they aren’t mentioned in your employment agreement, or if your employer asks you to agree to less rights.
The law around your minimum rights at work is strictly enforced. Your employer can be penalised if your minimum rights are breached – for example, if you aren’t given minimum wages, holidays, breaks, and/or breastfeeding facilities. If your employer is an individual, the penalty can be up to $50,000. If your employer is a company, the penalty could be more than $100,000.
Your employer has to keep a copy of your records, including your employment agreement and the hours you’ve worked. If they don’t keep these records, they could be fined $1,000.