Employer Bulletin | 24 August 2026
Updated: Aug 28
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
Electricity network costs are driving most of the increases in New Zealanders’ power bills and the sector needs to help make power more affordable, Energy Minister Simeon Brown and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Cameron Brewer say.
“The Government’s goal is abundant, affordable and reliable power for all New Zealanders with the Government taking a number of actions to achieve this as part of the Government’s Energy Package announced following the Frontier Review,” Mr Brown says.
“With electricity distribution network costs making up about a quarter of household power bills, and responsible for around two thirds of the rise in those bills, distribution companies need to come to the affordability party.
“It is vital that consumers have confidence that investment in their networks represents value for money, and that cost pressures are being actively addressed. Improved efficiency and innovation could help moderate prices and strengthen the economy more broadly,” Mr Brewer says.
“That’s why we are considering whether the Commerce Commission, as economic regulator, needs stronger and more modern tools to help lift efficiency across the sector.”
“Ensuring the legislation is fit for purpose will put downward pressure on power bills and help unlock innovation and productivity across the economy as electricity demand grows.”
In today’s Bulletin:
Employee’s resignation at onset of PIP is not constructive dismissal
Failing to follow own policies enables claim to partly succeed
Snip and sue – barber wins on unjustified dismissal
Uncommunicative performance review causes disadvantage, but resignation is not constructive dismissal
Employee should not have been dismissed for social media use and text messaging
Five news updates of interest for employers including:
Network efficiency needed for more affordable power, Govt says
Agricultural productivity to soar with drone reform
A more practical planning system for food and fibre production
Decisions on Freshwater Farm Plans released
Smarter plan for Auckland's motorways
New template to simplify prequalification process
Five 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.
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