New Employer Wage Laws 2025: Criminal Penalties for Withholding Pay
The Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 introduces criminal penalties for employers who intentionally withhold wages or entitlements from their employees. This means wage disputes can now lead to prosecution, fines, or even imprisonment. While the law targets deliberate underpayment, employers must be cautious with payroll accuracy, deductions, and compliance with the Wages Protection Act 1983. Genuine mistakes won’t attract criminal liability, but poor recordkeeping or ignorance of entitlements may not offer protection. Now more than ever, robust payroll systems and legal compliance are essential.
Incorporated Societies
Incorporated Societies Re-Registration
Act Now to Meet the April 2026 Deadline
Community
Beyond Rainbow Washing: Pride Month & Corporate Allyship
To help strengthen our connection with rainbow communities, we’ve appointed Sam French as our firm’s Pride Champion.
Commercial
From the City to the Country: John Steel's New Chapter in the Wairarapa
The Wairarapa has finally won him over! Seasoned property lawyer John Steel has officially joined Gibson Sheat’s Masterton office.
Road Transport
On your bike: NZTA’s Industry Alert
Craig Tatley, a solicitor in the Litigation team at Gibson Sheat, has a unique perspective as he regularly drives as an Urban Bus Driver in Wellington.
Employment
Andrew Little Joins Gibson Sheat Lawyers
Former Leader of the Opposition and Cabinet Minister Andrew Little has transitioned from the halls of Parliament to the world of legal consultancy.
Relationship Property
Beyond Chores: Why Contracting Out Agreements Can Be a Gift of Love
Valentine's Day is usually associated with chocolates, flowers, and romantic dinners. But let's be honest, sometimes the true battles in relationships are fought over less glamorous things, like who takes out the trash or whose turn it is to mow the lawn. This year, why not give your loved one the gift of peace and clarity with a "Happily Ever After, Except for Chores" Contracting Out Agreement?
Employment
Closedown periods, annual leave and working on a public holiday
What you need to know before this holiday season
Health & Safety
Sports Clubs: Your Health and Safety Obligations
Is your sport or recreation organisation aware that the health and safety obligations apply to you regardless of whether your activity is for profit and even if you are mostly volunteer?
Property
The Subdivision Process
Are you considering undertaking a subdivision or land development?
Employment
Understanding The New Rules on Personal Grievance and Sexual Harassment
The Employment Relations Amendment Act 2023 extends the time for personal grievance claims to be raised which involve allegations of sexual harassment from 90 days to 12 months.
Commercial
Are you Riverlink-Ready?
Waka Kotahi announced AECOM-Fletcher as the preferred alliance to deliver this much-anticipated project to the Hutt Valley.
Employment
Can employees be stopped from taking on a second job?
In New Zealand, employees have the right to work for other employers, even if they are already employed full-time.
Body Corporate
Why the Need for Body Corporate Operational Rules?
Are you in conflict with other owners or the governing body corporate over what can be done within your unit or common areas?
Commercial
Are Your Assets Secured Against Liquidation?
If you think your company’s assets are secured against the liquidation of another company in your group, think again (and read this!)
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