New Zealand Employment Leave Bill advances toward passage

New Zealand's Employment Leave Bill has been returned from the select committee with only minor amendments, keeping the core reforms intact. The legislation introduces an hourly accrual system for holiday and leave entitlements and revises sick‑leave rules to align with hours worked, measures the Employment Ministers’ Association (EMA) says will simplify payroll, reduce back‑pay liabilities and provide clearer rights for part‑time and variable‑hour workers.

The bill now proceeds to its second and third readings in Parliament, with the government signalling its intention to pass the legislation before the November general election. A transition period of up to two years after enactment will give employers time to update payroll systems and employment agreements.