Employer Bulletin | 3 November
European Union Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič and Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay have adopted a joint declaration to focus on reducing costs and boosting bilateral trade, during the inaugural NZ-EU Trade Committee meeting hosted by New Zealand in Queenstown.
Commissioner Šefčovič has completed his first visit to New Zealand to join Minister McClay at a NZ-EU Business Summit attended by 500 New Zealand and European businesses.
“The EU is one of New Zealand’s most important and trusted partners. We have agreed to reduce non-tariff barriers between New Zealand and the 27 member countries of the European Union,” Mr McClay says.
Two-way goods and services trade between New Zealand and the EU was worth NZ$21.58 billion in the year to June 2025, with New Zealand exports having increased by $2 billion since the FTA entered into force last year.
In today’s Bulletin:
- Employee sues after being fired for racism
- Pre-emptive resignation over abusive phone call is not constructive dismissal
- Interim reinstatement rejected for unsalvageable employment relationship
- Failure to provide notice of termination invalidates use of trial period
- Early promises of apprenticeship prove costly
- Eight news updates of interest for employers including: EU Commissioner and Trade Minister agree to boost cooperation and reduce costs on businesses; Deep geothermal project experts announced; Work accelerates on ambitious land transport reforms; Driving growth through tax work programme; Employment indicators: September 2025; New Zealand business demography statistics: At February 2025; Universities Minister to promote NZ education in China; Major investments announced on Malaysia visit.
- Three 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.
