The two biggest payroll changes of the year land on the same day!

In this episode, join Sanam as she breaks down exactly what changes are coming up on 1 April 2026, what you need to do before your first April pay run, and the questions that are front of mind for employers.

Sanam covers:

• The change to KiwiSaver default rates
• The pay date rule that trips people up when a pay period crosses 1 April
• What to do when an employee says they can't afford the increase
• The employer contribution trap when a temporary rate reduction expires
• Employer KiwiSaver contributions for 16 and 17-year-olds
• The minimum wage increase

Tune in and have those burning KiwiSaver questions answered by Sanam. Whether you have two employees or two hundred, these changes apply to you.

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Other Minimum Wage Episodes:

• Minimum Wage is Increasing! Here's Your Quick 2025 Checklist
• Preparing for the Minimum Wage Increase on 1 April 2024

Resources:

• Minimum wage set for 2026 - MBIE
• KiwiSaver changes - IRD

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Guess who’s back… and newly married!

After a couple months away for a big, bold, beautiful and very chaotic wedding, Sanam is back behind the mic! And she is ready to dive into the latest shake up in New Zealand employment law.

The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 has officially passed.

That means new rules, new thresholds, and plenty of questions for employers.

What does the contractor gateway test actually mean in practice? Does the $200k unjustified dismissal threshold change the game? And do businesses need to do now?

This episode is a quick catch up and an open invitation to the Law Lenz community.

Send through your questions and Sanam will tackle them in next week’s deep dive.

Send your questions:

• On LinkedIn HERE
• By email - asklawlenz@gmail.com
• Or drop them down below!

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Engaging a contractor usually starts with good intentions. Sometimes it can end with you realising you have an employee on your hands instead.

This bite sized breakdown gives you a practical look at why contractor arrangements often fall apart when you move from paper to practice. In this episode, join me, Sanam, as I unpack what a true contractor actually looks like in the real world. Not in theory. Not in templates. In practice.

Using everyday examples like plumbers, cleaners, writers and gig workers, this episode explores how contractors should operate day to day. It covers the exact factors the Employment Relations Authority and the Courts focus on when deciding whether someone is genuinely independent or actually an employee. Think control, independence, risk, tools, and how integrated they really are.

You will also hear why the legal test does not suddenly change just because the work is modern, digital, or part of the gig economy. Plus a quick update on the contractor law reforms that may be coming later this year, and what still applies right now in New Zealand.

Perfect for a coffee break listen.

Don't miss our updates and legal insights! Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Follow me on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and I will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

• Employee or Contractor - MBIE

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.