Employer Bulletin | 13 October
New Zealand businesses will have a better shot at winning government contracts as a result of changes to government procurement rules, Economic Growth Minister Nicola Willis says.
“The new rules agreed to by Cabinet will take effect on 1 December.
“More than 900 submissions were received during consultation on the new rules earlier this year,” Ms Willis says.
“Businesses shared that the lack of weighting for New Zealand’s interests in the evaluation criteria was holding them back. That’s why we’re introducing a new economic benefit to New Zealand test that will apply to every procurement to ensure we are creating value and jobs for Kiwis.
“We want to see taxpayer money supporting Kiwi businesses to grow, hire, and thrive.
"We also heard loud and clear that the paperwork, time and complexity were making it hard for small to medium-sized businesses to apply for government contracts. We’ve listened and these updated, simpler rules will make it easier for businesses to follow and apply the rules.”
In today’s Bulletin:
- Broken promises of training inflict disadvantage
- Constructive dismissal arises due to a breach of PAYE obligations
- Employer’s procedural failures lead to successful unjustified dismissal and disadvantage claims
- Authority grants employee leave to raise personal grievance out of time
- Employee owed nearly $40,000 in wage arrears
- Eight news updates of interest for employers including: More overseas investment, faster, means jobs and growth; Procurement reboot helps Kiwi businesses; More relief for families and businesses; Frontline partnerships deliver job seeker support; Household labour force survey estimated working-age population: September 2025 quarter; Whangārei hospitality businesses in Labour Inspectorate spotlight; Minister for Small Business to attend G20 meeting, and Securing a future for our young people
- Four bills open for submission
If you have any questions, about this case or other employment relation matters, call the Advice Line team on 0800 800 362.
