Add Your Heading Text Here
10 - 11 March 2025 | JW Marriott, Auckland
+ virtual option available
Industrial & Employment Relations Summit
Exploring the evolving landscape of industrial and employment relations through
critical discussions and legislative updates.
Attend virtually or in-person
Join us for the 39th Annual Industrial & Employment Relations (IER) Summit where industry leaders, and legal experts will converge to explore the latest developments in employment relations in New Zealand. This two-day event features insightful discussions, case law analysis, and practical workshops on critical topics such as employment law updates, workplace safety, employee rights, and the evolving role of technology in the workplace. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and network with fellow professionals in the field.
Hottest topics at IER
Contractor vs Employee
Understand the gateway test for businesses to utilise when deciding whether a person is an employee or a contractor.
Updating the Holidays Act 2003
Round up what is known about the pending changes and their impact on HR, IR and Payroll functions.
Managing the investigation process and serious misconduct
Develop a robust procedure
Preparing for mediation
Outline expectations, evaluations and effective communication
Restructuring and redeployments
Delve into the baseline for a lawful restructuring and legal positions and practicalities for redeployment
Social media boundaries
Navigate professional conduct and employer expectations
Why should you attend?
- Understand the current legislative landscape on hot topics including workplace health and safety, contractor arrangements, restructures and redeployments, and more
- Uncover the developments from the latest case law and what this means for employee relations in Aotearoa New Zealand
- Develop and deepen your understanding of the future and current industrial and employment landscape
- Network with HR and ER professionals and practitioners, build connections and foster ideas
Who should attend?
- Chief People Officers
- Chief People Officers
- HR Partners
- HR Managers
- Industrial and Employment Relations Leads
- Employee Relations Managers
- Employee Relations Specialists
+ anyone who is interested in understanding the scope of the legislative landscape and how it relates to New Zealand business
Take your knowledge to the next level – Practical application
3 separately bookable workshops
Conducting successful investigations
12 March 2025 | 9.00 AM – 12.30 PM
Navigating disciplinary actions: Best practices, key considerations and your obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2020
12 March 2025 | 1.00 PM – 4.30 PM
AI implications in an ER environment
12 March 2025 | 9.00 AM – 4.00 PM
Venue
The location and how you can get there
Address
JW Marriott Auckland
22-26 Albert Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010
Agenda
Work In Progress…. We’re currently working on our 2025 agenda
Download the 2024 brochure to get a sneak peak of what might await you next year!
8:50 | Registration and Coffee |
9:00 | Welcoming remarks from from the Chair |
9:10 | Ministerial Address: Examining the direction of Employment Relations in New Zealand Ministerial address is under invitation |
9:40 | An overview of the employment law (and adjacent legislative) landscape in New Zealand
Anthony Drake, Partner, Wynn Williams |
10:30 | Morning break |
11:00 | Contractor vs Employee – examining status dispute legislation and case law The government has announced amendments to the Employment Relations Act which includes a gateway test for businesses to utilise when deciding whether a person is an employee or a contractor. This session will delve into this legislation as well as what this means for businesses.
|
11:40 | Return to the office vs Working from Home – The legalities and obligations of employers under the Employment Relations Act 2000
Jim Roberts, Partner, Hesketh Henry |
12:20 | Lunch |
13.10 | Updating the Holidays Act 2003 An update of the Holidays Act 2003 has been pending for many years, however targeted reform will be examined in the last few months of 2024 and into 2025. This session will round up what we know about the pending changes as well as how these will impact HR, IR and Payroll functions across the motu. At the time of this agenda’s release limited information is available therefore this agenda item will be updated in due course. |
13:40 | Health and Safety legislative round up
Sanja Marin, Senior Associate, Duncan Cotterill |
14:10 | The Duty of “Good Faith” turns 25 years old – does it still reflect modern business relationships? The ‘good faith’ principle between employers and employees underpins and pervades all legislation and relationships. In the past 12 months the definition of ‘good faith’ has been tested by case law in the employment court. This session will be examining:
Gillian Service, Partner, MinterEllisonRuddWatts |
14:40 | Recognising and addressing workplace intimidation, harassment, and bullying
Jennifer Mills, Director – Head of Practice, Jennifer Mills & Associates |
15:10 | Afternoon break |
15:30 | Developing robust procedures to manage the investigation process and serious misconduct
Alastair Espie, Partner, Duncan Cotterill Erin Drew, Associate, Duncan Cotterill |
16:00 | Preparing for mediation – expectations, evaluations and effective communication
Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave |
16:30 | Evaluating medical incapacity and medical leave in employment relationships
Melissa Johnston, Partner, BE Employment Law |
17:00 | Your ACC obligations – are you set?
Andrew Shaw, Managing Partner, Lane Neave |
17:15 | Summary remarks from the Chair & IER Networking Drinks |
09:00 | Welcome back from the Chair |
9:05 | The life of an Employment Relations Authority file Nicola Craig, Member, Employment Relations Authority Te Ratonga Ahumana Taimahi |
9:45 | Examining the data from the Employment Courts and Employment Relations Authority
Michael Witt, Special Counsel, McVeagh Fleming |
10:30 | Morning break |
11:00 | Restructuring and redeployments Organisations are increasingly facing pressures to streamline business units. This session examines the intricacies of restructuring and redeployment proposals
Kylie Dunn, Partner, Smith Dunn |
11:30 | Your obligations as an Employer under The Protected Disclosures Act 2022 The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 has been in force for over two years now and its purpose has been to facilitate the disclosure of serious wrong-doing by an organisation and to protect the employees disclosing the information.
Blair Scotland, Partner, Dundas Street Employment Lawyers |
12:10 | Lunch |
13:10 | Drugs and alcohol – policies, processes and the law
|
13:40 | Navigating social media boundaries: Professional conduct and employer expectations
|
14:00 | Restraints of trade: Are they worth it? Recent outcomes from the Employment Authority
Liz Coats, Partner, Bell Gully |
14:30 | Strikes and their role in the Employment Law framework
Peter Kiely ONZM, Partner, Kiely Thompson Caisley |
15:00 | Afternoon break |
15:30 | Current trends in collective bargaining
Rosemary Wooders, Partner, Bell Gully |
16:00 | AI and Employment Relations – the intersection of efficiency and technology In New Zealand we currently lack specific AI legislation – therefore the onus is on employers to ensure appropriate use and to avoid breaches of the Privacy Act 2020 and other relevant legislation.
Tess von Dadelszen, Partner, JB Morrison Lawyers |
16:30 | Closing remarks from the Chair and end of Summit |
Speakers
Nicola Craig
Read bio
Peter Kiely ONZM
Read bio
Liz Coats
Read bio
Tess von Dadelszen
Read bio
Andrew Shaw
Read bio
Rosemary Wooders
Read bio
Blair Scotland
Read bio
Kylie Dunn
Read bio
Michael Witt
Read bio
Melissa Johnston
Read bio
Fiona McMillan
Read bio
Erin Drew
Read bio
Alastair Espie
Read bio
Jennifer Mills
Read bio
Gillian Service
Read bio
Separately Bookable Workshops
In this half day workshop you will cover:
- What needs to be investigated under The Protected Disclosures (Protection of Whistleblowers) Act 2022 and what can be covered by a traditional investigation process
- The definition of “independent” – what constitutes and independent investigator and what this can mean for due process
- When to deploy external investigators – what to consider when an allegation or uncovering of misconduct has occurred
- The principles for investigations and the key elements of a fair investigation
- The steps and processes around investigations under current legislation
- The types of investigations and the nuances you need to know
- Collecting the data – sources and methods to collate investigative materials and the role of delegated authorities
- Current case law and its implication on cases brought before the Employment Relations Authority
- Interplay between H&S investigation and an employment investigation – its impact on the discipline process including legal privilege and the right to silence
Joseph Williams
Senior Associate
Duncan Cotterill
This half day masterclass will cover topics such as:
- Discussing what policies and interventions can be implemented to prevent the need for disciplinary proceedings
- What are the key considerations and legal requirements when managing disciplinary proceedings?
- Examining when disciplinary processes and action needs to be taken
- Understanding the process in relation to ‘work-from-home’ and hybrid working arrangements
- Understanding what information needs to be communicated to the employee and your obligations under the duty of good faith
- Discussing the errors made by other employers in disciplinary proceedings
- Embedding Tikanga into disciplinary actions and what you need to keep in mind
Joseph Harrop
Senior Associate
Lane Neave
AI implications in an ER environment
The rise and acceptance of AI in working environments leads to a number of opportunities for Employment Relations specialists to streamline tasks. However, this rise also leads to a number of challenges to overcome and be aware of.
In this full day workshop you will examine the following:
- Communicating about AI and its impact on your workforce
- Building AI skills in the workforce – creating talent pipelines to fit future requirements
- AI and monitoring – ensuring trust and privacy if AI is used for performance monitoring
- Removing bias from the algorithm – avoiding perpetuating and exacerbating biases in in hiring, promotions, and performance evaluations
- Debates and considerations around the ethical use of AI in the workplace
- Can AI be used in traditionally sensitive areas including performance management and disciplinary matters?
- Using AI to draft employment contracts and other HR and ER related documents
- Navigating the legal landscape and remaining on the right side of the Employment Relations Act
Tess von Dadelszen
Partner
JB Morrison Lawyers
Sponsorship
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost
Live B2B events are your chance to shine. Showcase your thought leadership, solidify your market position, and forge valuable connections with potential customers – all at once.
This exclusive event puts you in front of a highly skilled audience hungry for insights. Get ready for meaningful engagement that drives results.
Plus, we have some unique opportunities to put your company, products, and services in the spotlight.
Ready to take your brand to the next level? Contact us today to learn more or secure your spot at this leading event.
Individual tickets
Pre-Sale
-
Available until 15 November 2024 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 15 November 2024.
Super Saver
-
Available until 20 December 2024 OR until 40 tickets sold, whichever occurs first. For valid ticket, payment by 20 December 2024.
Virtual tickets
Multi Buy - 2+ tickets
Multi Buy 2+ tickets
-
Must be from the same organisation and book at the same time. For valid ticket, payment by 5 March 2025.
Post Conference Workshops
Half day Workshop:
Conducting successful investigations
-
For valid ticket, payment by 11 March 2025.
Half day Workshop:
Navigating disciplinary
actions
-
For valid ticket, payment by 11 March 2025.
Full day Workshop:
AI implications in an ER environment
-
For valid ticket, payment by 11 March 2025.
Registration Conditions
Ticket Terms
All prices are in New Zealand dollars ($NZD)
A surcharge of 2.5% + GST applies to credit card payments on top of the total amount.
To remain valid, Super Saver and Early Bird tickets must be paid by date quoted.
Group ticket options are valid for registrations from the same organisation, booked at the same time.
By selecting any special pricing offer for classes of organisation, sector, or individuals or using any promotion code, you are asserting to the organiser your right to claim any such pricing offer, and acknowledge the organiser’s right to audit such claim and, if in the opinion of the organiser using its sole discretion the conditions for special pricing are not met, reject any registration.
For full terms & conditions, please visit
https://www.brightstar.co.nz/terms-and-conditions
Safe events: our live events are run in line with industry best practice and government guidelines
Make an enquiry
Let us know if you have any questions