Frequently Asked Questions

Employment Advice You Can Trust

Practical, legally sound guidance grounded in tikanga โ€” helping you navigate employment matters with confidence.

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๐Ÿ’ผ What does an employment consultant do?

An employment consultant provides practical, legally sound advice to help you manage issues with confidence.

Our approach is guided by tika, pono, and mana โ€” doing what is right, with integrity and respect.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Book advice now: Free 30-minute Call


๐Ÿ“‘ Do I need an employment agreement?

ฤ€e (yes) โ€” every employee must have a written agreement.

A strong agreement creates clarity, fairness, and trust.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Book an agreement review: Free 30-minute Call


โš–๏ธ What are the minimum employment rights in NZ?

All kaimahi are entitled to:

  • Minimum wage
  • Annual leave, sick leave, and public holidays
  • Rest and meal breaks
  • A safe workplace

These protections uphold dignity and wellbeing โ€” mana.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Check your compliance: Free 30-minute Call


โš ๏ธ How do I manage performance issues properly?

A fair process includes:

  • Clearly explaining concerns
  • Providing evidence
  • Allowing time to respond (and representation)
  • Making fair, informed decisions

Getting this wrong can lead to grievances.

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๐Ÿค What does good faith mean?

Good faith is a legal obligation and reflects respect in working relationships.

It means:

  • Being open and honest
  • Communicating clearly
  • Acting fairly and reasonably

This aligns with whanaungatanga โ€” strong relationships.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Talk through your situation: Free 30-minute Call


๐Ÿšซ Can I dismiss someone immediately?

No โ€” a fair and reasonable process is required.

Acting too quickly can lead to costly claims or grievances.

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๐Ÿ“ฃ What is a personal grievance?

A personal grievance arises when a kaimahi believes theyโ€™ve been treated unfairly.

Examples include:

  • Unjustified dismissal
  • Discrimination or harassment
  • Unfair treatment

Early action prevents escalation.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Resolve an issue early: Free 30-minute Call


๐Ÿ“… Leave & Holidays โ€” what should I watch?

Common issues include:

  • Incorrect calculations
  • Misunderstood entitlements
  • Poor record-keeping

Payroll mistakes are common โ€” and costly.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Review your payroll or leave setup: Free 30-minute Call


๐Ÿ”„ Restructure or redundancy โ€” whatโ€™s required?

You must:

  • Communicate clearly
  • Consult genuinely
  • Act fairly

A good process protects both your business and your people.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Plan your restructure properly: Free 30-minute Call


๐Ÿงญ Not sure where to start?

Employment issues can escalate quickly if handled incorrectly.

At Ira Consulting, we combine legal expertise with a people-first, tikanga-based approach.

๐Ÿ—“ Book your free 30-minute confidential kลrero: Free 30-minute Call
๐Ÿ“ž Call or text: 021 1178 355 orย โœ‰๏ธย Email us