Employer Bulletin | 2 March 2026

Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:

The government is leveraging public sector energy demand to drive new energy projects and grow our national supply, Energy Minister Simon Watts says.

“As part of the government’s energy package, we are pursuing possible long-term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) across the public service starting with our three largest energy users: Health New Zealand, the New Zealand Defence Force, and the Department of Corrections,” Mr Watts says.

“We are focused on one clear outcome – increasing abundant and affordable energy to put downward pressure on power bills for households and businesses.

“There is a strong pipeline of projects ready to go, from large grid-scale generation to site-specific and smaller repeatable projects across the country. We are backing all technologies that can deliver reliable, affordable power at scale, including onshore and offshore wind, solar, geothermal, biogas, woody biomass, hydrogen and battery storage.

“Solar will also play a practical and immediate role. I have directed officials to complete a rapid feasibility study on establishing a streamlined procurement model to accelerate the rollout commercially viable solar across government properties.”

In today’s Bulletin:

• Final verdict is delivered on whether Uber workers are employees
• Dismissal affirmed when employees “shotgun” alcohol
• Employer delivers successful trial period termination
• Authority comes down hard on migrant exploitation
• Employee sent away when dismissed by text
• Eight news updates of interest for employers including:
  • Driving investment in new energy projects
  • Holiday spending contributes to 0.9% increase in retail sales
  • New data unlocks domestic tourism insights
  • Upcoming changes to employment conditions for open work visa holders
  • Minister attending US Pacific investment summit
  • Boosting manufacturing productivity with digital tools
  • Linked employer-employee data: December 2024 quarter
  • Statement from Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay in respect of US Supreme Court Ruling on ‘Liberation Day’ Tariffs
• 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.