It is unlawful in New Zealand to discriminate against anyone, on the grounds of their religious beliefs, races, ethnic or national origins or other specific grounds. Everyone in NZ is entitled to the same basic employment rights.
Your minimum employment rights include the right to:
- a safe workplace that is free from discrimination and bullying
- a written employment agreement
- correct pay and holiday records
- be paid at least the minimum wage for the hours you work (currently $23.15/hour, if you are 16 years or older)
- not have money taken from your wages (except for tax and student loan payments), unless you have agreed in writing
- have meal and rest breaks (for example, if you work an 8-hour day, you can have two 10-min breaks (paid), and one 30-minute lunch break (unpaid)
- at least four weeks of paid holidays each year (after you have worked for more than one year for your employer)
- 12 days of paid public holidays (if the holidays are days you would normally work), and if you are asked to work on a public holiday, you must be paid 1.5 times your normal pay plus have another day off (or be paid for another day)
- at least 10 days of paid sick leave (after you have worked for your employer for 6 months)
- parental leave (you do not have to be a citizen or a permanent resident of New Zealand to take parental leave, and your rights depend on your circumstances, see: Parental leave | Employment New Zealand and Guide for employees | Employment New Zealand)
- at least three days of bereavement leave if a close family member dies.
You can find more information on your minimum employment rights in this Quick Guide and this longer guide from Employment New Zealand.
The Quick Guide is also available in other languages here.
