Employer Bulletin | 27 July 2026

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

The Research and Development Tax Incentive (RDTI) has now supported more than $10 billion invested by businesses in research and development (R&D) activity, Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Penny Simmonds says.

“Reaching $10 billion in supported research and development is a significant landmark and demonstrates the growing confidence New Zealand businesses have in innovation and their capability to grow.

“This milestone reflects the speed with which Kiwi businesses are using the scheme. It took around three years for the scheme to support its first $1 billion of R&D activity, and fewer than four more years to reach $10 billion.

“That growth shows the increasingly important role RDTI is playing in supporting business investment in R&D.

“The latest application round shows that momentum continuing. Following the 30 June application deadline, initial results show record rates of application. More new businesses have enrolled for the scheme this year than for any year since 2021. Crucially, the majority of those new enrolees have been small businesses. The recent transition of services from Callaghan Innovation to MBIE has allowed an intensification of small business outreach across the country.

In today’s Bulletin:

• Employees working illegally can still experience unjustified dismissal

• Employee is reinstated on interim basis

• Genuine redundancy still unjustified without consultation

• Documentation proves employee willingly moved to contract arrangement

• Exceptional circumstances allow personal grievance raised out of time

• Seven news updates of interest for employers including:

  • Guide to support staff experiencing stalking

  • CPI reported monthly from 2027

  • Fiscal discipline critical during global volatility

  • Women’s governance pipeline grows through BoardConnector

  • $10 billion milestone highlights growing investment in New Zealand innovation

  • World first New Zealand-Singapore essential supplies agreement now in force

  • FIT members commit to smoother trade

• Seven 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 27 July 2026.pdf

Download PDF • 400KB