Employer Bulletin | 22 June 2026

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

This week’s GDP figures confirm the economy had real momentum at the beginning of this year, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says. Stats NZ figures put GDP growth for the March 2026 quarter at 0.8 percent.

“New Zealand’s economy grew almost three times faster than Australia’s in the March 2026 quarter and around twice as fast as that of the United States.

“This positive movement reflects the hard work of New Zealanders - the farmers, tradies, exporters, entrepreneurs and workers - who have kept going through really challenging economic conditions.

“This result builds on the growth of the previous two quarters. Over the nine months to March, the economy grew 2.1 percent. Growth in the first quarter is more than twice what Treasury forecast at Budget 2026.

“Encouragingly, GDP per capita rose 0.5 percent in the quarter and real purchasing power rose 0.4 percent.

“However, we also have to be realistic. While this result reflects an economy that was recovering strongly at the start of the year, the conflict in the Middle East has created significant uncertainty and we expect that to weigh on growth in the second quarter.”

In today’s Bulletin:

• Long serving journalist unfairly made redundant

• Employee told to leave employment in abrupt meeting

• Personal grievance raised out of time, but wage arrears are still due

• Retail assistant blindsided by dismissal

• Authority declined application for case to be heard in overseas jurisdiction

• Six news updates of interest for employers including:

  • GDP shows underlying economic strength

  • Fixing the basics with a statutory spring clean

  • New Zealand welcomes progress towards Iran peace deal

  • Driving visitor growth and business events

  • International visitor numbers continue to climb

  • New parents to receive increased support

• Eight 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 22 June 2026.pdf

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