Employer Bulletin | 15 June 2026

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

New Zealand's small businesses are getting a boost of AI-powered support to unlock new growth opportunities with new Government funding announced today, Minister for Small Business and Manufacturing Cameron Brewer says.

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and every one of them has untapped potential to grow. That's why I'm delighted to allocate and announce this funding today," Mr Brewer says.

"This is about giving them the same smart, data-driven insight the big players have always had, without the big-player price tag.

The investment backs two initiatives putting practical, modern tools into the hands of the country's 600,000 small businesses, the firms that make up 97 per cent of all Kiwi companies and employ about 680,000 people.

In today’s Bulletin:

• Employer disparaging ex-employee breaches its settlement

• Work lunches land on the plate of the Authority

• Fixed-term contracts need genuine reason

• Dismissal for alleged assault upheld despite “sloppy” process

• Employee’s behaviour obstructs own interim reinstatement application

• Seven news updates of interest for employers including:

  • Government backs AI support for small business

  • New Science Investment Plan to drive economic growth and prosperity

  • Food and fibre exports set to hit record $64.3 billion

  • More work revealed to keep Kiwis’ money safe

  • Securing Affordable Energy: power companies made responsible for winter back-up

  • Government welcomes new diesel storage

  • Minister to represent New Zealand at key labour conference

• Thirteen 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.

Download the bulletin:

Employer Bulletin 15 June 2026.pdf

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