Law Lenz: Employment Law Done Right

 An employee stops you mid-process and says they can't continue because of their mental health. Do you stop everything? Keep going? And what does the law actually require you to do?

Most employers freeze. And that is exactly where things go wrong.

This episode breaks down three cases that answer this question for good, including the same employer and the same employee, four years apart, one loss and one win. The facts between those two cases were just as serious. What changed was what the employer did next.

You will hear what the Employment Court actually found in FGH v RST, why the employer lost in 2018 and won in 2022 with the same employee. Also why a recent 2026 ERA determination involving the University of Waikato confirms the same principles when an employee raised mental health during a disciplinary meeting. 

Join Sanam as she covers the two questions that decide it every time and why an employee raising a concern is not automatically enough to require you to stop. Plus the exact steps you need to take to protect your process when mental health comes up are all covered in this episode.

If you are an employer, HR professional, or people leader who has ever thought "the employee has raised something but I am not sure whether I need to pause", this is the episode that gives you the answer. Because getting this wrong does not just cost you the process. It can cost you with a personal grievance.

Need training that's different, but sticks?

The situations covered in this episode, the grey areas, the judgement calls, the moments where you are not sure whether to push on or pause, are exactly what On The Front Foot is built for. It is a workshop for managers and people leaders who need to know what to say and what not to say before they are in the room. Out Of The Grey covers the same territory for HR teams already dealing with the curlier end of employment law. More info at lawlenz.co.nz.

Cases and legislation mentioned:

Further reading:

Check out the Law Lenz website lawlenz.co.nz

Want to book a workshop? Book a Clarity Call HERE!

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

Very few employers walk into a disciplinary meeting having prepared questions. Host Sanam recently sat in on a disciplinary meeting from the other side of the table, supporting someone close to her rather than the employer. Accusatory language. No structure. Stacked allegations. This could've all been avoided if the employer knew how to run and handle the meeting...properly!

There is plenty out there on how to prepare for a disciplinary meeting. There is almost nothing on how to actually run one once you are in the room. That is what this episode is for.

In this episode Sanam covers:

The line to take away. The quality of your questions is the quality of your defence.

Mentioned in this episode:

We do employment law differently at Law Lenz!

How? Through unique workshops and hands-on training. On The Front Foot is open for booking now. It is built for managers and leaders who need to know what they can say and what they cannot before they are in the room. Out Of The Grey is for the HR teams already dealing with the curlier situations. Both at lawlenz.co.nz

Check out the Law Lenz website lawlenz.co.nz

Want to book a workshop? Book a Clarity Call HERE!

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

An employee derails a disciplinary process. Or maybe they stole from you and you can prove it. But what if you missed a step in the process? Under the old law, one missed step could still have cost you the case anyway. 

This is Part 3 of our three part series on the Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERAA). Since 21 February 2026, the same reforms that reshaped contractor law have also rewritten what an employee gets awarded when their own conduct helped cause the grievance.

Join host Sanam as she breaks down the new two-tier contribution structure. From what changes when an employee's conduct contributed to their own dismissal, to what the cases are already showing us, all the way through to the questions you sent through for us to answer.

In this episode we cover:

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Law Lenz website lawlenz.co.nz

Want to book a workshop? Book a Clarity Call HERE!

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

A contractor gets hurt on a job. He claims he was actually an employee. A single missing document decides the approach in 2026.

This is Part 2 of our three part series on the Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERAA). On 21 February 2026, the biggest shake up to contractor law in 25 years came into force. 

Join host Sanam as she breaks down the new gateway test. From what's changed, to what the cases are already showing us, all the way through to the questions you sent through for us to answer.

In this episode Sanam covers:

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Law Lenz website lawlenz.co.nz

Want to book a workshop? Send your inquiry through HERE!

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

It has been four months since the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 became official. So we put the call out to our Law Lenz listeners. Ask our host Sanam anything. And you did.

This episode kicks off a three-part series on the legislation. What it changed, what cases we have seen so far, and the questions you sent through over the last couple of months.

In Part 1, Sanam digs into the $200,000 dismissal threshold and the quieter 90 day trial period change that slipped past most people. In this episode we cover:

Mentioned in this episode:

Check out the Law Lenz website lawlenz.co.nz

Want to book a workshop? Send your inquiry through HERE

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

After a couple of months heads down building, Law Lenz officially has a proper home! And Sanam is way too excited about it.

In this episode she breaks down what she's been building, what Law Lenz now offers, and why she started it in the first place. Spoiler: too many good employers are getting employment law wrong not because they don't care, but because nobody ever gave them the tools and showed them how. That's the gap Law Lenz exists to fill.

Sanam also shares one practical thing you can do on Monday morning that could save you from a personal grievance. Hint: it starts with unclear expectations and it's more preventable than you'd think.

Plus a sneak peek at what's dropping next week. A three-part series on the Employment Relations Amendment Act (ERAA) changes, where things actually sit now, and Sanam answering listener ERAA questions.

In this episode we cover:

Go have a look and let us know what you think. The website is lawlenz.co.nz

Sanam would like to extend a massive thank you to the amazing community here on the Employment Law Done Right podcast. This started with an idea and it has grown because of you all. Thank you! 

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE

Want to Book a Clarity Call? Send your inquiry through to Sanam HERE

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Email them to [email protected]

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.

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:

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 [email protected].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Other Minimum Wage Episodes:

Resources:

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?

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:

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 [email protected].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

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.

Restraints of trade are one of the most misunderstood clauses in New Zealand employment agreements. Some employees think they are meaningless. Some employers think they are bulletproof. Both assumptions can land you in trouble.

In this episode, host Sanam unpacks how restraints actually work in practice and why the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) has moved well past the idea that they are “not worth the paper they’re written on”. Drawing on real world examples and ERA cases, this episode focuses on what genuinely makes a restraint enforceable.

You’ll hear why reasonableness is everything, why overreaching is risky, and why evidence matters more than intention.

In this episode, Sanam covers:

If restraints have ever felt confusing, intimidating, or oddly ignored, this episode will bring you clarity and help you adapt them to your business. 

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

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [email protected].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

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.