Employer Bulletin | 20 April 2026
- Apr 20
- 2 min read
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
The government welcomes new data showing New Zealand’s international visitor numbers continue to rise, with particularly strong growth from people visiting from China over Chinese New Year.
“Our tourism sector continues its strong growth, with over 408,000 overseas visitors choosing to visit New Zealand in February 2026, over 53,000 more than the same time a year ago,” Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
Annual figures show overseas visitor arrivals reached 3.58 million in the year to February 2026, an increase of 229,000 on the previous year. This continues to track towards pre‑COVID levels, now sitting at 92 percent of December 2019 figures.
“It’s great to see continued growth from our largest visitor market, Australia, with 1.54 million arrivals in the year to February, up 123,000 from the year before.
“Changes that allow eligible visitors from China and the Pacific to travel to New Zealand from Australia with a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA), rather than a visa, are also making a difference.
“Chinese visitor arrivals were up 41,700 (increase of 214 per cent) in February 2026 compared with the same month in 2025, as more Chinese visitors chose to take advantage of the NZeTA over Chinese New Year.
“The effects of the fuel crisis are yet to be seen but I will keep working with tourism operators on ensuring New Zealand continues to be seen as an attractive and safe destination to visit,” Ms Upston says.
In today’s Bulletin:
Interim injunctions too punishing for ex-employee who stole clients
Family man’s excessive absences justify dismissal
Employee misreads firm call to action as dismissal
Migrant fails to prove they paid premium for employment
Employee reinstated after attracting complaints on behaviour
Seven news updates of interest for employers including:
New Zealand tourism continuing to rise
New guidelines support safe, earlier return to work after surgery
Auckland population projected to reach two million by 2033
International migration: February 2026
Report shows economic contribution of seniors
Fuel stocks update
Queenstown’s Ayrburn Screen Hub granted Fast-track approval
Eleven 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:
