News

CEO comment 1 July 2020

01 July 2020

The wage subsidy for apprentices that was recently announced will help businesses build a skilled workforce for economic recovery.

Helpful Covid-19 Resources

30 June 2020

This page brings together all official resources to support business relating to Covid-19 (novel coronavirus) which have been made available. This page is updated regularly.

Advocacy update

30 June 2020

OSEA and the BusinessNZ network have been working together to advocate for our business community with Government during the covid-19 pre-lockdown, lockdown, and now...

CEO comment 18 June 2020

18 June 2020

The move to alert level 1 has been welcomed by business.

CEO comment 5 June 2020

05 June 2020

We have been advocating for some time for help for businesses across our region, to resolve disputes over commercial rent issues during covid-19.

Upcoming training programmes

02 June 2020

We have a range of upcoming training programmes starting mid June 2020, including leading through change; work smarter – not harder; positive culture and managing...

CEO comment 25 May 2020

25 May 2020

We are now in our second week of alert level 2 and it is good to be back operating in our offices.

CEO comment 15 May 2020

15 May 2020

We welcome the Governments ‘rebuilding together budget’ with the focus on jobs and infrastructure which is good for the economy.

Alert Level 2

14 May 2020

https://covid19.govt.nz/alert-system/alert-level-2/Moving to Alert Level 2We’ve united against Covid-19 and by continuing to work together we can earn the opportunity to move to Alert Level 2.

CEO comment 7 May 2020

08 May 2020

The Prime Minister has announced the way that we will operate when we move back to Alert Level 2.

CEO comment 1 May 2020

01 May 2020

We are now at Alert Level 3, and there are restrictions in place to do with keeping your staff safe, and interacting with customers.

Personal protective equipment - where is it available and who needs it?

25 April 2020

Retailers of facemasks currently include:

Contact tracing - requirements for business

25 April 2020

Businesses are asked to record the contact details of everyone who enters their workplace (customers, staff, suppliers, visitors, and any others).

CEO comment 17 April 2020

18 April 2020

The Prime Minister outlined guidance yesterday on how businesses could operate under reduced alert levels and what measures need to be taken for them to...

Immigration NZ announce relaxed visa conditions for essential services

16 April 2020

The Government has agreed to relax visa conditions for a short period to allow temporary migrant workers and international students to further assist with our...

CEO comment April 2020

07 April 2020

We are nearly at the end of our second week in lockdown, as the covid-19 situation continues to evolve in this fast-moving environment.

CEO Comment Covid-19

31 March 2020

As we start the Alert Level 4 Lockdown in our homes, we know that working from home will be challenging for us all.

Update to the wage subsidy scheme

27 March 2020

We are pleased to report that the Government has made some changes to the wage subsidy scheme this afternoon.

CEO comment March 2020

19 March 2020

We are now operating in a very different world right now which is changing rapidly.

Helpful resources for Covid-19

18 March 2020

We have a check-list if you need to manage the coronavirus risk in the workplace.

Staff leave payments

17 March 2020

To many people it would seem there isn’t too much that schools, the corrections department, fast food restaurants, and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and...

Business support package (Covid-19)

16 March 2020

We welcome the business continuity package which has been announced by the Government today. This will significantly help businesses to keep operating during this coronavirus outbreak.

Health & Safety Forum 2020

15 March 2020

Dunedin Balmacewen Golf Club: Thursday 14th May 2020 8.30am - 4.30pmInvercargill Ascot Park Hotel: Friday 15th May 2020 8.30am - 4.30pm

Trade barriers and opportunities members' briefing

15 March 2020

Catherine Beard the Executive Director of ExportNZ is visiting Dunedin on Thursday 2 April 11.00 am to 12.30 pm.

CEO comment February 2020

20 February 2020

It was great to see so many of you at the employment relations briefings.

Coronavirus: practical recommendations for employers

14 February 2020

It is clear the Coronavirus presents a concern to the health and welfare of all peoples and nations.

CEO comment January 2020

22 January 2020

Happy new year to you all. We are starting this important election year with our free member ‘employment relations roadshow’ in Dunedin, Invercargill, Queenstown, Cromwell,...

Restraints of trade

21 January 2020

In a period of low unemployment workers are more able to move between employers.

Looking ahead, looking behind

25 December 2019

The New Zealand Law Society recently published a piece, outlining the busy legislative schedule parliament will face on its return after the holidays in 2020.

Christmas closure

19 December 2019

The Otago Southland Employers’ Association office will close at 12.00 noon on Friday, 20 December 2019 and will re-open on Monday, 6 January 2020.We would...

‘Fair pay agreements’ unfair for workers and employers

10 December 2019

This week was the last chance for the public to have their say on a proposal for ‘fair pay agreements’, a system the Government wants...

CEO Comment November 2019

27 November 2019

We have been concerned for some time about Fair Pay Agreements (FPA).

The future of employment records?

26 November 2019

The recent news that McDonald’s Corporation has agreed to pay back thousands of current and former employees up to 10 years’ worth of miscalculated leave...

Immigration changes good for growth

26 November 2019

Immigration changes recently announced by the Government will go some way towards simplifying how businesses can bring in the people and skills they need from overseas.

New training programmes

26 November 2019

We have a range of new training programmes starting in January 2020, including leading through change; work smarter – not harder; positive culture and managing...

NZ's historical 24 hours for trade

26 November 2019

It was great news to see the upgraded Free Trade Agreement with China and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreements both signed recently.This...

Zero Carbon Amendment Bill

26 November 2019

The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Bill has been passed, which is a significant step forward in the Government's plan to reduce our...

2019 Annual General Meeting

30 October 2019

You are invited to join us at our Annual General Meeting on 30 October 2019.

Working Smarter – Not Harder

25 October 2019

There is only so much time in your working day. No one can control time – after all there are only 24 hours in a...

CEO Comment October 2019

16 October 2019

With Christmas fast-approaching, we have an update from our Solicitor Stu Adamson on public holidays and annual leave.

Public holidays and annual leave update

15 October 2019

The number of shopping days before Christmas is dwindling. Summer is wedding season as well. It’s time to get the Christmas leave arrangements in place.

Regional views on business issues

15 October 2019

Regional businesses are finding it hard to get workers and feel uncertain about Government policies, according to the Mood of the Boardroom survey.

2019/20 Board Elections

02 October 2019

Nominations are open for the 2019/20 Board. The Board’s role is to determine the strategic direction of the Otago Southland Employers’ Association.

Hon Grant Robertson Wellbeing Budget Luncheon

01 October 2019

Come along to our event to hear from Minister Grant Robertson on the Wellbeing Budget and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

Enrich - Celebrating Women in Business

19 September 2019

Join us for a day of inspirational women speaking about a diverse range of topics from reinvention,the art of self-love, resilience, leadership, making the impossible...

CEO Comment September 2019

18 September 2019

We invite you to come along to the briefing by the Minister of Finance Grant Robertson on the NZ economy and the wellbeing budget in...

Trade and Export Growth Minister David Parker

29 August 2019

Come along to our free event to hear from the Hon David Parker and Ali Hamilton from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)...

CEO Comment August 2019

16 August 2019

It is hard to see how a centralised single entity for Polytechnics and Institutes of Technology will be better placed to respond to regional or...

Recording meetings - a matter of private record

14 August 2019

It is becoming increasingly common for audio recording devices to be used in meetings between employers and their staff.

Running the ruler over housing policies

14 August 2019

The last election, sharply focused on housing, brought us several new policies to address the housing crisis.

CEO Comment July 2019

23 July 2019

We are concerned with the time it is taking for Immigration NZ to process new work visas, and to renew existing work visas.

The Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Act 2019

22 July 2019

The Employment Relations (Triangular Employment) Amendment Act 2019 passed into law last week.

Increased Government leave payment for new parents

22 July 2019

Paid parental leave payments increased by $20 a week on 1 July 2019 for eligible employees.

Introducing our new Health and Safety Advisor Charlotte Wouda

22 July 2019

We would like to welcome to our team Charlotte Wouda, our new Health & Safety Advisor.

CEO Comment June 2019

27 June 2019

The Employment Relations Authority has recently fixed the provisions of a collective agreement between First Union and Jacks Hardware.

Foreign investment – changing the rules

26 June 2019

Foreign investment is a hot topic.Overseas investment rules are being changed and a recent Overseas Investment Office decision is causing controversy.In New Zealand we often...

Recovering an overpayment

26 June 2019

An overpayment of wages or an overpayment reimbursing expenses to an employee may accidently occur from time to time especially in a busy workplace.

BusinessNZ Update

30 May 2019

Budget 2019 the first of the Coalition Government’s “Well-being” Budgets was delivered against a backdrop of heightened global trade tensions with significant geopolitical uncertainty on...

TechWeek - Learner capability and employability project

22 May 2019

We have a presentation to employers in Dunedin about the capabilities they've told us they want graduates to have on starting employment, and how technology...

CEO comment May 2019

20 May 2019

Several more changes to the Employment Relations Act changes came into effect on the 6th of May 2019.

Techweek NZ: Dunedin business events

20 May 2019

Techweek, New Zealand’s annual festival of innovation, kicks off it's nation-wide week of events starting today, 20 May 2019.

Employment Relations Amendment Act 2018 changes

17 May 2019

On 6 May 2019 further changes in the area of employment relations came into place, of which a number return the Employment Relations Act to...

How much capital is enough?

17 May 2019

The Reserve Bank, an important institution responsible for much of our financial stability, wants changes to New Zealand’s banking rules.

Back to the future with probationary periods - update 2019

16 May 2019

Of the tools available to employers for use when dealing with challenging staff situations none has been as valuable or as effective as the 90...

Health & Safety Forum 2019

09 May 2019

Our 2019 annual Health and Safety Forum in Dunedin and Invercargill has a diverse range of entertaining, straight talking guest speakers who have extensive knowledge...

British Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand members' briefing

30 April 2019

Mrs Helen Smith, British Deputy High Commissioner to New Zealand will brief us in Dunedin on Brexit, and Britain's role post-Brexit along with the New...

Business response supporting people in tragic or unforeseen events

24 April 2019

Following the unprecedented and deeply shocking events, our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

CEO comment April 2019

16 April 2019

The capital gains tax (CGT) debate is one of the most significant tax discussions we have had for some time.

Gaining control of the too hard basket

15 April 2019

For many employers their first experience with employment mediation comes by way of a personal grievance.

Counting the costs of a capital gains tax

15 April 2019

Last week BusinessNZ released estimates of costs for relating to a capital gains tax.

Employment relations changes

15 April 2019

April 1 this year sees some recent employment relations’ changes come into effect, namely:

CEO comment March 2019

20 March 2019

The tragic events in Christchurch a few days ago have shown us all that we are not immune to such unforeseen events.

Mana in Mahi - up-skilling NZ jobseeker

19 March 2019

Mana in Mahi offers employers financial incentives should they be in a position to offer Work and Income eligible job seekers an apprenticeship or agreed...

Wellness in the workplace survey

19 March 2019

The fourth biennial Southern Cross - BusinessNZ Wellness in the Workplace survey will be used to consider the scale of absenteeism in New Zealand,...

Running the ruler over businesses in New Zealand

18 March 2019

Workplaces and working relationships in New Zealand are generally in good shape.

Small Business Council survey

04 March 2019

Do you care about the future of small business in New Zealand? The Small Business Council wants to hear from small business owners and managers...

Immigration and the vocational education review briefing

04 March 2019

Rachel Simpson from BusinessNZ is visiting Invercargill and Queenstown next week to provide a briefing on the immigration (employer-assisted work visas and regional workforce planning),...

CEO comment February 2019

21 February 2019

MBIE is proposing a new approach to employer-assisted work visas and regional workforce planning.

BusinessNZ view on the taxation of capital gains

21 February 2019

A minority view on the Tax Working Group does not favour the Group’s recommendations on capital gains tax.

Business verdict on fair pay agreements

19 February 2019

Business has now seen the detail around proposed changes to our wage bargaining system.

Immigration changes ahead

19 February 2019

Migrant workers play a vital part in our labour market, often undertaking many of the jobs New Zealanders are unskilled, unable or unwilling to do.

New legislative horizons - What else can we expect in the near future?

19 February 2019

While we have been focusing recently on the implementation of the changes to the Employment Relations Act 2000 these changes are only the beginning, with...

CEO comment January 2019

23 January 2019

From everyone at the Otago Southland Employers' Association, we would like to wish you a very happy new year! The Employment Relations Amendment Bill is...

Otago Corrections Facility - open day

22 January 2019

Consultation on employer-assisted work visas

22 January 2019

MBIE are undertaking public consultation on proposed changes announced by the Government to the employer-assisted temporary work visa system.

A year of uncertainty and soothed fears for business

22 January 2019

It has been an interesting year for business in New Zealand.

NZ wage and salary solutions member benefit

22 January 2019

The NZ wage and salary solution provides up-to-date wage and salary information to take the hassle out of pay decisions.

CEO Comment December 2018

12 December 2018

The Employment Relations Amendment Bill has now passed its third reading, with most of the changes coming into effect on 6 May 2019.

Christmas Closure

10 December 2018

The Otago Southland Employers’ Association office will close at 12.00 noon on Friday, 21 December 2018 and will re-open on Monday, 7 January 2019.We...

Performance Management and the Impact of Mental Health Issues

10 December 2018

More and more frequently we are experiencing employees claiming stress as reason for being unable to participate in or complete a performance management process.

Alistair Newbould "Vet of the Year"

10 December 2018

Dr Alistair Newbould, of Humanimals Veterinary Hospital, has been voted “Vet of the Year” in the national Petplan Veterinary Awards 2018.

Bullying at work

10 December 2018

We’re seeing media reports and allegations about bullying in a number of workplaces - a matter of some concern.

The Employment Relations Bill December 2018

05 December 2018

We are pleased to report that the coalition government has moderated some of the concerning aspects of the Employment Relations (Amendment) Bill which is back...

The beauty of being niche

13 November 2018

I was lucky enough to chat with Antipodes founder Elizabeth Barbalich recently, and gleaned some invaluable nuggets of wisdom from her experience building a global...

Trade picture cloudy after midterms

13 November 2018

The US midterm elections were significant for NZ’s trade prospects but the picture has just become more clouded.

Increasing employment compensation payments

13 November 2018

Employees seeking remedies for alleged wrongdoing by action (or inaction) of their Employers are entitled to claim compensation under S123 Employment Relations Act 2000 for...

My SKYCITY Kitchen Rules

13 November 2018

Abbie Reynolds from the Sustainable Business Council provides an example on how diverting food waste from the landill can help companies reduce their GHG emissions.

Invalid Trial Period v Contributing Behaviour

16 October 2018

It’s rare, but every now and then a personal grievance taken to the Employment Relations Authority ends up with a result that restores at least...

Seeking a just transition to a lower-carbon economy

16 October 2018

The climate change report released last week was a real wake up call.

Introducing the NZ Business Number

16 October 2018

Sick of repeating the same information over and over? The New Zealand Business Number is a unique identifier that links to key details about...

BusinessNZ Advocacy Update

16 October 2018

Please click here to view the latest BusinessNZ Advocacy Report which details engagement with stakeholders over July and August.Please use the following details to...

CEO Comment October 2018

16 October 2018

We welcomed Minister Iain Lees-Galloway, who came and talked with our members about employment relations and immigration.

Bullying & Harassment – a health & safety update

19 September 2018

WorkSafe New Zealand recently published an article regarding workplace bullying that included some alarming statistics on the rate of bullying in New Zealand workplaces.

Business leadership on climate change matters

19 September 2018

One notable Otago-Southland business that has signed the Statement is SBC member Silver Fern Farms. They provide information and guidance for their farmers on...

Holidays Act Review

04 September 2018

The Holidays Act Taskforce is seeking your feedback on an Issues Paper.

Shaking and stirring up global glasses

15 August 2018

Six Barrel Soda Co owners Joe Slater (left) and Mike Stewart (right).During his years managing cocktail bars around the world, Joe Slater – now Managing...

Faster process for overseas construction workers a timely move

18 July 2018

A faster way of hiring overseas construction workers is a welcome, timely and pragmatic decision.The Government is consulting on a plan to allow construction companies...

Changes to parental leave

18 July 2018

The changes signal the Government's desire to match up against other OECD countries by extending the duration of paid parental leave from 18 weeks to...

Project Management - a Specialised Role or Essential Job Skill?

16 July 2018

Is knowledge of project management a worthwhile skill set to have? We are in an environment where roles, jobs and expectations are changing – what...

Good cop, bad cop

14 June 2018

A recent Employment Relations Authority case highlights the important relationship between serious misconduct in the workplace and circumstances involving an employee that could attract the...

Workplaces at risk

14 June 2018

An important piece of legislation is currently being deliberated on at Parliament.

Building trust in business

17 May 2018

The media has a made a lot of the 2018 Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer, which reported on the low levels of the public’s trust in...

Vulnerable Children's Act - what you need to know

17 May 2018

The Vulnerable Children Act 2014 was introduced to provide greater protection for children, requiring specified employers, who are funded by government, to conduct safety checks...

Get Flexi for Productivity

10 May 2018

Do you want to able to work from home? Would you like to choose the hours that you are at work? Prefer to climb the...

So long, farewell, goodbye: rethinking notice provisions

19 April 2018

It is not unheard of that an employee may want to wrap up their employment early and move on to another job as quickly as...

Managing sick leave

14 March 2018

Do you have employees on rosters in say, a hospitality, retail or residential care setting? A recurring issue especially among new employees in these sectors...

How to avoid a personal grievance this Easter

14 February 2018

An amendment to the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 along with the qualified support of the Dunedin City Council means Dunedin retailers can open for...

Climate Change: The biggest disruption and opportunity in our lifetime

14 February 2018

The Sustainable Business Council has publicly released its submission to the Productivity Commission on the transition to a low emissions economy.

Hazardous Substances

14 December 2017

The new Health and Safety at Work (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 2017 are now in effect and businesses are expected to be compliant.

Avoiding Issues at your Workplace Functions This Silly Season

14 December 2017

If the recent weather is anything to go by summer is certainly here and so is the silly season when many of us will gather...

Barking Mad

17 November 2017

Who would have thought that a natural product used centuries ago by indigenous people is now being used as a powerful ingredient in ‘functional food’,...

Missed This Change? Certification of Employee Sickness

17 November 2017

A surprising change to the Holidays Act will allow employees to obtain proof of sickness from a range of health professionals, not just doctors, from...

Workplace Bullying - Who's dimming the lights?

26 October 2017

We are becoming increasingly aware of the psychosocial risks in the work place such as bullying and the significant impact it has on businesses and...

Growing competitiveness

26 October 2017

For people in business, the environment for enterprise matters a lot.

Trial Periods - probably for the last time?

26 October 2017

With Labour/Greens/NZ First having worked out a deal then most likely the ‘fire at will’ trial provisions will be replaced next year with what the...

A manifesto for sustainable business

20 September 2017

With the election only days away, it is a great time to look at the top sustainability priorities for business over the next three years.

To deduct or not to deduct; that is the question

20 September 2017

I have had a few queries of late regarding wage deductions and given there has been amendments to the Wages Protection Act 1983 it is...

Managing change

22 August 2017

There may be many reasons for change occurring in a business, such as growth, new workers, new equipment, new workplace, change in compliance, this list...

Pay equity the problematic next step

22 August 2017

On 8 August 2017 the long awaited government Employment (Pay Equity and Equal Pay) Bill was aired for the first time in the House.

Mental Health Day or Can't Handle the Jandal

26 July 2017

For all the very recent media interest in staff taking a mental health day a cursory Google search indicates the idea has been around for...

Homemade or modified plant and equipment in the workplace

26 July 2017

It never ceases to amaze me in the creative ways people overcome issues in the workplace by designing and making tools or plant, or modifying...

Very Able Bagels

26 July 2017

ABLE’S Bagel Bakery GM Wade Gillooly says international success is all about going deep into markets, rather than simply exporting to them.

Health and Safety Improvement Performance Toolkit

26 May 2017

Dear Southern Employers

2017 Health and Safety Forum - 'Hot Topics'

24 May 2017

Registrations are now open for the 2017 Health and Safety Forum - 'Hot Topics'

Job Description Critical for Work Visa and Residency Applications

24 May 2017

A common mistake made by many employers or employees is not having the right job description for their overseas employee.