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11 - 12 March 2026 | Grand Millennium, Auckland & Virtual

Exploring the evolving landscape of industrial and employment relations through critical discussions and legislative updates.

Industrial & Employment Relations Summit

Attend virtually or in-person

The 40th Annual Industrial & Employment Relations (IER) Summit is 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

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

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

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2026

Our 2026 key lineup brings together thought leaders, counsel and experts in HR. Check out more today.

Jennifer Mills

Director- Head of Practice Organisation

Jeniffer Mills & Associates

Jessie Lapthrone

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

Gillian Service

Partner | Kaiurungi

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Address

Grand Millennium Auckland
71 Mayoral Drive,Cnr Vincent Street,
Auckland 1010

Agenda

Agenda to be announced

8:45	Registration and coffee
9:00	Welcome remarks from the Chair
9:10	Ministerial address: Setting the legislative direction for employment relations in New Zealand Signaled and impending changes to the Employment Relations Act and strengthening employer confidence Insights into how proposed changes will affect employers, employees, and unions Highlighting the Government’s approach to balancing workplace fairness with business productivity Opportunities for collaboration between policymakers, employers, and the workforce
9:30	Employment law reforms 2025: What’s in force and what’s ahead Examining the major 2025 employment law amendments, their changes and their commencement timelines Considering implications for dispute resolution processes and employer obligations Reviewing early developments and case law influencing how the reforms are being interpreted and applied Identifying emerging themes and anticipated future amendments on the Government’s legislative horizon – especially with an election on the horizon Hamish Kynaston, Partner, Buddle Findlay
10:10	Employment Court update: Key decisions and emerging trends Reviewing recent landmark Employment Court decisions shaping current practice Identifying emerging themes in redundancy, personal grievances, and discrimination cases Assessing the Court’s approach to remedies, compensation, and reinstatement Translating case law insights into practical guidance for employers and practitioners Anticipating issues likely to dominate the Court’s agenda in the year ahead
10:50	Morning break
11:20	The future of the Holidays Act 2003: The reforms, their impact on NZ businesses and ensuring you’re future proofing your employment agreements now Overview of announced changes and what they mean for employer – employee relations Annual leave calculations: How the amendments will influence entitlements, accrual, and pay rates Breakdown of amendments based on leave type – examining updates to Sick Leave, Bereavement Leave, and other forms of leave as provisioned under the law Practical impacts for payroll and HR systems: ensuring accurate record-keeping, payroll integration, and compliance Discussing the steps organisations should take now to be ready for the new framework Gillian Service, Partner\|Kaiurungi, MinterEllisonRuddWatts
11:50	Q&A on the Holidays Act 2003 Amendments
12:10	Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 – Examining updates to health and safety legislation and regulatory frameworks Understanding the proposed amendments and how they will be rolled out across sectors Emerging compliance trends: identifying the key focus areas for regulators, including high-risk industries and new workplace hazards What does the case law say: Discussing lessons from recent prosecutions and rulings including ongoing influence of Whakaari litigation What are the trends around sanctions? Understanding how liability under the current HSWA is being applied Sanja Marin, Senior Associate, Duncan Cotterill
12:40	Psychosocial safety in the workplace Discussing recent changes to the policy Obligations under the HSWA have enshrined the need for workplaces to take into account psychosocial safety issues as compliance risks with consequences under New Zealand legislation The role of “Good Faith” in legislative action under the HSWA and psychosocial safety What “psychosocial hazards” mean under New Zealand law, and what’s expected of PCBUs and officers in 2025 and beyond Identifying and mitigating psychosocial hazards before they escalate Steph Dyhrberg, Barrister, Steph Dyhrberg Barrister
13:00	Lunch Break
13:50	Workplace bullying and harassment: Legal duties, risks, and effective resolution strategies Understanding how bullying, harassment and victimisation are defined under New Zealand Clarifying employer obligations to provide a safe and respectful workplace Reviewing recent case law and ERA decisions shaping best practice Considering alternative approaches such as mediation and restorative processes
14:20	A practical roadmap for fair and effective investigations Legal framework for managing employee performance during and after trial periods Common procedural missteps that lead to unjustified dismissal claims Tests for justification applied by the Employment Relations Authority and courts Case law examples highlighting fair vs. flawed processes Practical guidance for documenting performance issues and managing risk Balancing employer obligations with employee rights to fair treatment Fiona McMillan, Partner, Lane Neave
14:50	Performance management, trial periods, and unjustified dismissals: Legal tests and practical pitfalls Legal framework for managing employee performance during and after trial periods Common procedural missteps that lead to unjustified dismissal claims Tests for justification applied by the Employment Relations Authority and courts Case law examples highlighting fair vs. flawed processes Practical guidance for documenting performance issues and managing risk Balancing employer obligations with employee rights to fair treatment Jessie Lapthrone, Partner, Duncan Cotterill
15:20	Afternoon Break
15:50	Remedies in Personal Grievance cases: Where are we headed? Overview of current remedies available under the personal grievance framework Shifts in compensation levels and reinstatement orders from recent cases include case laws here Emerging limits on remedies in cases of serious misconduct
16:30	Panel Discussion: Employment Relations at Crossroads: The economic and societal forces reshaping workplaces Analysing how economic conditions are influencing employer decisions, wage expectations, and bargaining dynamics Discussing practical strategies for maintaining constructive employment relations and avoiding costly disputes in a volatile economy Considering how both unions and employers are adapting to balance financial constraints with fairness and retention Reflecting on what the current political and business climate signals for the future of work and employment relations in Aotearoa Elizabeth Coats, Partner, Bell Gully
17:10	Summary remarks from the Chair & networking drinks
17:20	IER Networking Function

8:45	Registration and coffee
9:00	Welcome back remarks from the Chair
9:10	Industrial action on the rise: The new era of union influence and collective bargaining Reviewing the current trends and movements for strike activity and collective bargaining in New Zealand and are there any sector specific trends? Exploring shifts in collective bargaining, union engagement, and industrial relations dynamics Outlining recent and pending legislative changes affecting collective bargaining, strike notice requirements, and good faith bargaining obligations Discussing best practices for maintaining good-faith engagement, managing industrial risk, and sustaining workforce trust during disputes Highlighting lessons learned from high-profile collective bargaining rounds and their wider implications for industrial relations Alastair Espie, Partner, Duncan Cotterill
9:50	Case law insights: Redundancy, restructuring, and redeployment obligations Recent case law clarifying the legal standards for redundancy and restructuring Judicial expectations on consultation, transparency, and fair process Redeployment obligations and when employers must offer alternative roles Lessons from cases where redundancies were found to be unjustified Key themes emerging from Employment Court and ERA decisions Practical guidance for employers navigating organisational change
10:30	Morning break
11:00	Mixed motive dismissals: Practical approaches for legally complex dismissal cases What constitutes a mixed motive dismissal and how are they allowed for under current legislation frameworks? Key factors courts consider when multiple reasons influence dismissal – how are they assessed, documented and outcomes from case law Risks for employers when performance, conduct, and other factors overlap Practical strategies to ensure dismissal decisions withstand scrutiny Rosemary Wooders, Partner, Belly Gully
11:30	Discrimination and belief in the workplace: Legal boundaries and emerging challenges Examining current trends in belief-related discrimination claims and workplace tensions Understanding the legal framework under the Human Rights Act and Employment Relations Act for managing belief and expression in employment settings Reviewing recent case law and legal principles guiding the balance between freedom of expression, employee rights, and employer obligations Identifying practical risks and responsibilities for employers in handling value-based conflicts or complaints Highlighting proactive policies and workplace culture initiatives that promote respect, inclusion, and lawful conduct Jennifer Mills, Director- Head of Practice, Jeniffer Mills & Associates
12:00	Medical incapacity and return to work programmes Understanding the legal definition and thresholds for medical incapacity. Employer obligations under the Employment Relations Act, Human Rights Act, and Health and Safety at Work Act Managing medical evidence, independent assessments, and consultation requirements Determining when it is reasonable to end employment on medical grounds Developing lawful and practical return-to-work programmes aligned with medical advice Avoiding unjustified dismissal, discrimination, and procedural flaws Reviewing key case law and recent Authority decisions for guidance and compliance Melissa Johnston, Partner, BE Employment Law
12:30	Lunch Break
13:20	Immigration Law update: What the changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa and Specific Work Purpose Visa systems mean for employment, employers and migrant workers Reviewing recent updates to New Zealand’s immigration framework and work visa policies Examining compliance obligations for employers hiring migrant workers Identifying common risks and penalties in employment- immigration overlaps Considering case law and regulatory enforcement trends in migrant employment
13:50	Employee fraud and misconduct: Employer remedies and freezing orders Defining employee fraud and serious misconduct in the employment context Legal remedies available to employers when fraud is discovered The use of freezing orders to prevent dissipation of assets Case law examples illustrating successful and unsuccessful claims Balancing disciplinary action with potential criminal proceedings Practical steps for investigation, evidence gathering, and risk management Greg Cain , Partner, Dentons
14:20	Quick-fire: Television New Zealand Ltd v Talley's Group Ltd The defamation trial between Television NZ and Talley’s Group is ongoing in the High Court in and has significant potential impact on case law in New Zealand. This quick update session will examine the impacts on our understanding of the Protected Disclosures Act, the HSWA and the Employment Relations Act and how it is related to this landmark defamation case
14:40	Afternoon Break
15:00	Generative AI in HR and employment Law: Risks, opportunities, and the problem of “AI hallucinations” in claims Understanding how generative AI is being used in HR processes such as recruitment, performance management, and workplace investigations Legal risks from bias, discrimination, and privacy breaches when AI is deployed in decision-making Opportunities for efficiency, consistency, and data-driven insights in employment relations The problem of “AI hallucinations” and when AI creates false or fabricated information in claims or evidence Case examples of how AI-generated content is already appearing in employment disputes Employer responsibilities for oversight, transparency, and accountability when AI tools are used Future directions for regulation and governance of AI in the employment law space
15:30	AI, Monitoring, and Privacy: Employment law challenges in the digital age Outlining employer obligations and employee rights under the Employment Relations Act, Privacy Act, and common law principles of fairness and trust Examining how automated systems affect hiring, performance reviews, and dismissal decisions and where legal risks or bias claims can arise Reviewing case law on workplace monitoring, consent, and reasonable expectation of privacy; clarifying what is legally acceptable and what crosses the line Exploring how employers can monitor compliance, safety, and productivity while respecting confidentiality and individual rights Analysing recent Employment Court and Privacy Commissioner decisions that shape how technology is used in employment contexts
16:00	Summary remarks from the Chair & end of Summit

Speakers

Speakers to be announced

Hamish Kynaston

Partner

Buddle Findlay

Read bio

Greg Cain

Partner

Dentons

Read bio

Steph Dyhrberg

Barrister

Steph Dyhrberg Barrister

Read bio

Elizabeth Coats

Partner

Bell Gully

Read bio

Jennifer Mills

Director- Head of Practice Organisation

Jeniffer Mills & Associates

Read bio

Jennifer is highly regarded as one of New Zealand’s leading employment and health and safety lawyers, with a wealth of experience in employment litigation, industrial relations, health and safety, complex restructures, large scale Holidays Act issues, executive remuneration and regulation, executive exits and immigration law. She regularly advises on novel and complex legal issues and is passionate about providing her clients with effective tailored solutions. She has recently been listed as a ‘Leading Partner’ in The Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025, and is rated one of the leading employment lawyers in the world, by Chambers Global. Jennifer is regularly featured in the media presenting commentary on employment law issues of the day. She frequently writes articles and contributes to media reports in the press, radio and television. You will also find Jennifer speaking at many distinguished conferences, seminars and meetings that are attended by professionals from all over New Zealand, giving tips and advice related to employment law, and Health and Safety.

Jessie Lapthrone

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

Read bio

Rosemary Wooders

Partner

Belly Gully

Read bio

Rosemary is a highly experienced employment and workplace health and safety lawyer, trusted by clients across diverse industries. She advises employers and senior executives on a wide range of matters, including disputes, collective bargaining, restraints of trade, redundancies, and privacy issues. An experienced negotiator, she represents clients at mediation and before the Employment Relations Authority, Employment Court, and Coroner’s Court. Rosemary is particularly interested in the intersection of technology, privacy, and employment law, and frequently provides expert commentary through media, seminars, and publications in New Zealand and abroad.

Gillian Service

Partner | Kaiurungi

MinterEllisonRuddWatts

Read bio

Leading MinterEllisonRuddWatts’ Auckland Employment team, Gillian is an internationally recognised employment law specialist with a pragmatic approach that is highly valued by clients. Gillian is regularly sought out as a thought leader on the future of work and complex pieces of legislation such as the Holidays Act, advising boards and businesses on compliance, remediation, and risk. Passionate about the future of work and the challenges organisations face both locally and globally, Gillian helps organisations navigate complex legislation and workforce challenges, including Pay Equity and Health and Safety.

Melissa Johnston

Partner

BE Employment Law

Read bio

Melissa joined BE Employment Law as a partner in 2024 from the partnership of a national full-service firm, where she led the employment team. Melissa is both New Zealand and UK qualified, having spent nine years practising in the UK, before returning to New Zealand to carry on her career in employment law.

Fiona McMillan

Partner

Lane Neave

Read bio

Fiona is the Auckland Partner of the Employment Law team and commenced her career with Lane Neave in 2007. Fiona and her team act for both employees and employers in matters involving employment relations, health and safety, human rights, privacy and ACC. Fiona advises on all aspects of termination including performance management, misconduct, serious misconduct, medical incapacity, restructurings and redundancies and negotiated exits. She also specialises in collective bargaining, human rights commission matters and independent external investigations. In 2019, Fiona undertook the certification from the Association of Workplace Investigators in Vail, Colorado, USA.

Alastair Espie

Partner

Duncan Cotterill

Read bio

Alastair is a specialist employment lawyer who excels in delivering solution-focused advice that gets results. He is regularly engaged to undertake independent investigations into workplace complaints in both the public and private sector. Alastair also routinely advises employers on the setting up of investigations and engagement of external investigators, and also has extensive experience assisting complainants and respondents as they work through investigation processes.

Sanja Marin

Senior Associate

Duncan Cotterill

Read bio

Workshops

Workshops to be announced

Separately Bookable Workshops

Conducting successful investigations

12 March 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

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

Navigating disciplinary actions: Best practices, key considerations and your obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2020

12 March 2025 | 1.00pm - 4.30pm

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

12 March 2025 | 9.00am - 4.00pm

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

Sponsors to be announced

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.

$ 1750 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 31 October, 2025.

$ 1600 per person +gst

For valid tickets, payment by 11 March, 2026.

$ 1600 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 11 March, 2026.

$ 1500 per person +gst

Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 11 March, 2026.

$2450

$ 1950 per person +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 23 January, 2026.

$2450

$ 2250 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 13 February, 2026.

$ 2450 +gst

Must be from same organisation and book at the same time. For valid tickets, payment by 11 March, 2026.

$ 1299 per person +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 13 March, 2026.

$ 799 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 13 March, 2026.

$ 799 +gst

For valid ticket, payment by 13 March, 2026.

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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.
Pre-Sale Tickets are valid only for the specific event for which they were purchased and cannot be transferred to other events. 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

Make an enquiry

Let us know if you have any questions

General Contact

Tagged 40th ier, Industrial and Employment Relations Summit

Add Your Heading Text Here

11 - 12 March 2026 | Grand Millennium, Auckland & Virtual

Exploring the evolving landscape of industrial and employment relations through critical discussions and legislative updates.

Industrial & Employment Relations Summit

Attend virtually or in-person

Hottest topics at IER

Contractor vs Employee​

Updating the Holidays Act 2003

Managing the investigation process and serious misconduct

Preparing for mediation

Restructuring and redeployments

Social media boundaries

Take your knowledge to the next level – Practical application

3 separately bookable workshops

Conducting successful investigations

Navigating disciplinary actions: Best practices, key considerations and your obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2020

AI implications in an ER environment

Why should you attend?

Who should attend?

KEY SPEAKERS FOR 2026

Jennifer Mills

Jessie Lapthrone

Gillian Service

Venue

The location and how you can get there

Agenda

Speakers

Hamish Kynaston

Greg Cain

Steph Dyhrberg

Elizabeth Coats

Jennifer Mills

Jessie Lapthrone

Rosemary Wooders

Gillian Service

Melissa Johnston

Fiona McMillan

Alastair Espie

Sanja Marin

Workshops

Separately Bookable Workshops

Conducting successful investigations

12 March 2025 | 9.00am - 12.30pm

Navigating disciplinary actions: Best practices, key considerations and your obligations under the Employment Relations Act 2020

12 March 2025 | 1.00pm - 4.30pm

AI implications in an ER environment

12 March 2025 | 9.00am - 4.00pm

Sponsorship

Don't miss out on the connections and credibility boost

PRE SALE

DOUBLE PASS

VIRTUAL TICKET

GROUP OF 5+

SUPER SAVER

EARLY BIRD

FULL PRICE

WORKSHOP(FULL DAY)

WORKSHOP (HALF DAY MORNING)

WORKSHOP (HALF DAY AFTERNOON)

Registration Conditions

Make an enquiry

General Contact

Brightstar Spring Sale Promotion Terms & Conditions

Contractor vs Employee

WORKSHOP
(FULL DAY)