Employer Bulletin | 5 October 2026
Here's what is leading the news for employers this week:
The Planning Act and Natural Environment Act have received Royal assent and are now law, marking the beginning of New Zealand’s transition to a new and fundamentally different planning system, RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Parliamentary Under-Secretary Simon Court say.
“The replacement of the Resource Management Act 1991 represents a significant shift in fixing the basics of how New Zealand manages its land and environment and plans for future development, unlocking economic growth,” Bishop says.
“With Royal assent, the two Acts now provide the legal foundation for a planning system that will make it easier to build new homes and infrastructure, develop renewable energy and produce the food and fibre the country needs, while providing more effective environmental management and greater certainty for communities, councils, businesses and investors.”
Court says a fundamental change under the new system is that more of the big decisions will be made upfront.
In today’s Bulletin:
Fed-up employer justified to terminate employment
Penalties stack up against employer who breached standards
Employee suddenly dismissed by text
Text message dismissal leaves cafe operator with a costly bill
Employer successfully defends management of performance concern
Six news updates of interest for employers including:
New planning laws receive Royal assent
New ACOPs clarify health and safety responsibilities on farms
Funding boost to cut food waste and emissions
New explorer seeks second petroleum permit
New era begins for Auckland’s transport system
Work-related health newsletter – October 2026
Six Bills open for submission
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