Employer Bulletin | 18 May 2026

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

The Government has simplified the Fuel Response Plan preparing for the unlikely event of a prolonged global fuel shortage, based on feedback from consultation with businesses, industry leaders and other key stakeholders.

There are sufficient levels of fuel in New Zealand, and on the way. However, it is important New Zealand plans and prepare for the unlikely event of a prolonged global fuel shortage.

Phase 3 will focus more heavily on supply levers such as releasing fuel reserves, and demand reduction actions such as working with businesses on voluntary plans to reduce their fuel use. 

Implementing priority users for fuel has been moved to Phase 4 only. A move would occur if there was a genuine likelihood of a severe and prolonged disruption, such as the loss of a large share of fuel supply for many months.

While this remains highly unlikely, the Government would set a fuel reduction target and apply a simplified framework of priority users so fuel goes where it’s needed most. Separate restrictions would be imposed on critical users (which includes emergency services, health, schools, courts, money services and lifeline utilities), food and freight, community and commercial users, and the general public.

While still highly unlikely, it is more likely that diesel would drive a move to Phase 4 than petrol.

In today’s Bulletin:

• Court revises Authority interpretation of discretionary payments

• Tangled cashflow culminates in contribution to own dismissal

• Employer forces work reduction and withholds entitlements on way out

• Mistake in job advertisement not a breach of employment obligations

• Suspension when employees change visa status requires consultation

• Seven news updates of interest for employers including:

  • Changes announced to Fuel Response Plan

  • Major SH1 upgrade completed between Tīrau and Waiouru

  • Laws passed to deliver AML red tape relief

  • Levelling the playing field for food business verification

  • Net migration gain of 24,200

  • Visitor numbers reflect continued tourism growth

  • Tougher penalties for misleading pricing incoming

• Ten 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 18 May 2026.pdf

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