Podcasts about employment court

Send us your feedback In this episode of the Election 2026 podcast series, Senior Associate Mark Calderwood is joined by Partner Megan Evans and Special Counsel Daniel Fielding to unpack how political expression on social media is regulated in an election year, and the legal risks that can arise in both the public and private sectors.[01:04] Mark sets the scene for a likely surge in political content online as the election approaches, and why employees and employers alike should be thinking carefully about what is appropriate to post and share.[01:47] Daniel outlines the role of the Human Rights Act and the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act (BORA), including how political opinion is protected and the limits of those protections in practice. Daniel continues by explaining how BORA allows for reasonable limits on rights where those limits are lawful, justified and proportionate, a tension that often arises in the employment context.[04:46] Megan outlines how the Employment Relations Act protects employees from discrimination based on political opinion, and the exceptions that apply where employment is itself political in nature.[06:13] The discussion turns to why political neutrality is a foundational principle of New Zealand's Westminster–style system and how it enables continuity across governments. Public servants retain political rights in their private lives, but must also maintain the trust and confidence of current and future governments, a balance that requires judgment and care.[08:24] Megan highlights key areas where neutrality is especially important, including advertising, engagement with MPs, organisational social media use, and conduct during the election period. While political activity outside work is generally permitted, public servants must avoid representing their agency, misusing confidential information, or creating misleading impressions.[12:09] The panel discusses a Public Service Commission review into an election period advertorial, illustrating the heightened scrutiny applied during the lead up to polling day.[14:34] Daniel explains how political neutrality conventions continue to apply year round, but with greater sensitivity and scrutiny in the pre-election period. Key dos and don'ts are canvassed, including restrictions on campaigning at work, wearing political material in the workplace, and engaging with parties during work hours.[15:20] Daniel notes that while public servants face stricter neutrality obligations, private sector employees may still face consequences if political posts affect trust, reputation or compliance with employer policies. Daniel explains when public servants may be required to take leave if they intend to stand as candidates, including important nomination day timelines.[17:10] Megan discusses how social media has narrowed the distinction between personal conduct and professional obligations, and why “private” posts may not stay private.[23:07] They discuss high profile examples where senior role holders faced consequences for political commentary shared online, even when framed as private views. A recent Employment Court decision is discussed, reinforcing that off–duty social media activity may still justify disciplinary action where it undermines an employer's interests. Information in this podcast is correct as at the date of recording, 18 February 2026 Please contact Mark CalderwoodFor show notes and additional resources visit minterellison.co.nz/podcasts

Two parents who care for their severely disabled adult children have been recognised as homeworkers and are now entitled to receive the minimum wage, along with other associated employment conditions, after a landmark ruling yesterday from the country's highest court. They're now deemed to be employees of disability support services. And the families who battled to be recognised for the work that they do are hopeful the Supreme Court decision paves the way for other carers who are in a similar situation. The case was brought by two parents, Christine Fleming and Peter Humphreys, who each care for their severely disabled adult children. Their physical and intellectual disabilities require constant supervision and around the clock care. Were it not for the care provided by their families, the two adult children would be needing 24/7 care somewhere, and some substandard accommodation, and that would be funded by the taxpayer. The decision to deem the parents to be employees was unanimously reached by the five judges of the Supreme Court, and it comes seven years and seven months after the case was first filed in the Employment Court, and more than two decades after family carers first went to court, complaining they had the right to be paid for the care they provided that the taxpayer would otherwise have to provide. From what I recall of the story over those two decades, it's complicated because there are some family members who believe it is their sacred duty to care for their children, and that by becoming employees it diminishes that bond. So not everybody thinks the same way. You know, you might share similar circumstances, but you look at it in different ways. But it just makes sense, doesn't it? That if you have a child, be they seven months, seven years, 17, 27, however old they are, and it has been deemed that they need 24/7 care, and you are providing that care, you should be reimbursed for it, whether you've got a sacred bond between parent and child or not. Otherwise, we, the taxpayer, would have to fund it some other way. It's similar to a story I covered on Fair Go a trillion years ago. A young man had been left tetraplegic in a car accident. He was legally entitled to 24/7 care, but he only received limited funding to cover that care. So unless his caregivers gave their time voluntarily, and many chose not to, and fear it, they weren't being paid, but he would be left alone and abandoned. He nearly died a couple of times because there was nobody there, despite the fact he was entitled to it, but the money didn't cover 24/7 care. It seems that some government departments rely on the bonds between parents and their children and the kindness of strangers to provide the care that legally, by right, should be afforded our most severely disabled New Zealanders. I can't imagine what it would be like as a parent of a disabled child, knowing that time is ticking by. You try to set your children up so that they will be looked after when you're gone. But it would be terrifying having to try and care for the child in the here and now, while making provision for them in the future. Quite often it falls to other siblings to provide that care. There's a need to try and work to afford the sort of care that the adult child is going to need now and in the future. Like the love you would get from knowing your child, fabulous. But there's also the basic needs you have to provide for. You know, you get a lot out of being with your child, no matter what age. You know, it's a relationship that you have. It is one that is special, unique, but it's also a job, and if you weren't doing it, somebody would have to. So I would love to hear from those families who are in that situation and what that means for you from here on in. Not all family members will want to be workers of disability support services, and I get that, but at least the pay it paves the way for there to be the option for them to be recognised as such. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a rare step, the Employment Court has ordered an employment advocate to personally pay costs after his conduct was found "entirely unacceptable".

Auckland University has been told to pay more than $200,000 to microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles after the Employment Court ruled last year that the university breached its obligations to protect Wiles as harassment intensified during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. Wiles spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

On this week's Thursday Wire, we reflect on our favourite interviews from 2024 as we wrap up our reporting for the year. In May, Wire Host Caeden spoke to Yale University student Andre Fa'aoso and University of Auckland student Layan Khalil about the pro-Palestine protests that swept across United States college campuses and then the world. The protests were part of the movement to divest from Israel due to their ongoing war on Gaza.  And in November, Tuesday Wire host Castor and Caeden went down to Te Whanganui-a-Tara to speak to Hīkoi Mō Te Tiriti protestors who were arriving at Parliament to protest against the Treaty Principles Bill. As part of Caeden and Castor's coverage, producer Sofia spoke to renowned Māori activist Tāme Iti in November about the hīkoi. In April, Sofia spoke to Associate Professor at the University of Auckland Faculty of Law, Carrie Leonetti, about calls to criminalise stalking. And in July, she spoke to the Research Director at the Disinformation Project, Dr Sanjana Hattotuwa, about the Employment Court's judgement on Associate Professor Siouxsie Wiles' case against the University of Auckland.

The legal expert leading the team representing Gloriavale leavers is calling on the Government to act now and protect the victims of the community. BNZ has been given clearance to close Gloriavale's bank accounts after the Employment Court found a number of former members had worked since the age of six - with many subjected to physical punishment. Lawyer Brian Henry says the residents of the community need to be freed from the 'tyranny' of the leaders and given a new start in society. "There are people inside there who need to be freed from the tyranny of what's going on there and re-set up in society where they get a decent education for their children - and they have the opportunity to live life as free people." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Employment Court has ordered Gloriavale's leader to pay six former members more than $274,000 in legal costs. Barrister Brian Henry spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The landmark legal case involving High Performance Sport NZ and a group of the country's top athletes was back before the courts this week. The Employment Court heard the government's agency's appeal of an earlier ruling requiring it to engage in collective bargaining with new athlete union, The Athletes Cooperative. Sports reporter Dana Johannsen spoke to Lisa Owen. 

The Court of Appeal has upheld an Employment Court ruling that Uber drivers are employees rather than contractors. 

Uber drivers are celebrating a legal win, after the multi-billion dollar rideshare company failed in its bid to overturn an Employment Court decision on their status. Uber driver Nureddin Abdurahman spoke to Corin Dann.

On today's episode, the prime minister Christopher Luxon is counting on a raft of new measures to smooth out the country's energy supply issues. Luxon spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss, Uber drivers are celebrating a legal win, after the multi-billion dollar rideshare company failed in its bid to overturn an Employment Court decision on their status, In a rare moment of unity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau and Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter are on the same page about congestion charges for Wellington city, in a rare moment of unity, Transport Minister Simeon Brown, Wellington mayor Tory Whanau and Greater Wellington Regional Council chairperson Daran Ponter are on the same page about congestion charges for Wellington city, and in Australia, questions about the blurring of work and home have led to new "right to disconnect" laws, which took effect on Monday.

The New Zealand Uber drivers have won their case in the Court of Appeal. It agrees with the Employment Court that Uber drivers should be employees, not contractors.  Other courts in other countries have broadly come down on the same lines.  But not in California. The other day, the court there agreed with the people. And the people had voted in a proposition that drivers should be contractors because that's what drivers signed up to.  So you can ask, is democracy right? Or is a court right?  The court here said: the critical point is we think that while a driver is logged into the app, that driver has no opportunity to establish any business goodwill of their own.  I guess that's true, but it makes no sense.  In a pure gig model, you get to choose. You choose to work, or you choose to not work. It's about flexibility. The moment you are an employee, yes you get leave, but you also lose some control. Despite what the court and the four drivers think, some people like flexibility and freedom.  The court said drivers couldn't bargain with Uber. That, of course, is correct. But that's the whole point of a gig deal. It's predicated on the idea that if the deal is so bad no one will work for them. And the counter to the no bargain and all the other lack of overarching rules and regulations, is it's a simple take it or leave it.  If you find it too egregious, don't take it. If you want a union, industrial action, pay agreements, time in lieu, and stop work meetings, be a teacher or nurse.  The tricky part now, apart from the fact Uber will take it to the Supreme Court, which they should, is that the government are reviewing Workplace Relations, and given its driven by ACT, I suspect it will be looking to free things up a bit and this court case and its decision may well be a victim of what eventually gets passed as law.  No, we don't want seven-year-olds going down mines, hence we need protections. But it's not Victorian England, it's New Zealand 2024, and if you choose to be your own person, all power to you, and the courts can stay out of your life. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The PSA has won a case against the Ministry of Education, calling it a victory for the dignity and fair treatment of workers. The union filed proceedings at the Employment Relations Authority, claiming the collective agreement wasn't met relating to the Government's spending cuts - putting hundreds of roles on the line. ZB political editor Jason Walls says the Ministry has 28 days to file an appeal to the Employment Court. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Employment lawyer Barbara Buckett explains why the Employment Court judge ruled that the University of Auckland had breached its contractual obligations to Siouxsie Wiles by not protecting her from harassment and threats.

Auckland University microbiologist Siouxsie Wiles said it's been a long and gruelling few years taking on the University over its failure to protect her against threats and harassment during the pandemic. The Employment Court has found her employer breached its contractual obligations to ensure the microbiologist's safety. Dr Wiles spoke with Ingrid Hipkiss.

E tu Negotiation Specialist, Michael Wood speaks to Lisa Owen about TVNZ losing its appeal to the ERA's ruling over how it handled job losses.

The Employment Court has rejected an appeal by state broadcaster TVNZ, over how it handled staff job cuts.  E tū union alleged the broadcaster hadn't upheld a clause in its collective agreement - which vowed to support staff taking part in changes to workplace practice.  E tū Negotiator Michael Wood told Heather du Plessis-Allan “It's a very significant ruing – it makes it clear TVNZ broke the agreement they had with staff.”  Wood said “It also means staff that were made redundant now have a very strong case to take significant personal grievances.”  LISTEN ABOVE.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Uber drivers and union workers have protested outside the Court of Appeal in Wellington today, as the huge rideshare company again argued that drivers are not employees. In 2022, the Employment Court determined that four Uber drivers were not independent contractors, and were being wrongfully denied employment rights and protections. Pretoria Gordon reports.

Players will be kitted out with new technology as Super Rugby Pacific kicks off tonight. Smart mouthguards will monitor head impact events, so doctors can identify who needs further assessment. And the battle between High Performance Sport NZ and the Mahe Drysdale-led Athletes' Cooperative is headed to the Employment Court. HPSNZ indicated this week it will appeal an ERA decision allowing New Zealand's top rowers and cyclists to engage in collective bargaining.

It's believed more Gloriavale leavers will join a bid for compensation after a lifetime of lost opportunities. Nine leavers found to be employees, not volunteers, in landmark Employment Court cases are jointly seeking $5.2 million. It's for lost wages, entitlement breaches, penalties and compensation. Gloriavale Leavers Support Trust general manager Liz Gregory says she's met with other leavers who want to get on board. "I wouldn't be surprised if there were 50 or 60 people that might actually also file with the Employment Relations Authority."  LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A group of former Gloriavale members have filed a claim for lost wages and compensation at the Employment Relations Authority that is believed to total more than $5 million. The claim follows two Employment Court rulings that the six women and three men were the Christian community's employees. Reporter Jean Edwards spoke to Corin Dann.

Some University of Auckland managers were uncomfortable with Dr Siouxsie Wiles' 'celebrity' status during Covid-19 and gave her the nickname 'Brand Siouxsie', a court heard today. Wiles is taking on the university in Employment Court, on the grounds that they should have done more to protect her from threats directed at her during the pandemic. NZ Herald reporter Isaac Davison says the university's dean of Medical and Health Sciences had voiced concern about Dr Wiles' prominence. "He had raised concerns about the nature of that and whether some of her commentary would bring the university into disrepute." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A pizza shop worker swindled out of tens of thousands of dollars by his former employer says there's nothing left but for the man to go to jail. In October 2022, the Employment Relations Authority ordered Devinder Mann to pay his former employee $98,000, finding he had "exploited a young vulnerable immigrant worker on an ongoing basis". The decision was upheld by the Employment Court, but Mr Mann continues to claim he's the victim and is refusing to comply with the court. Now, the worker and his advocates want to set a precedent for other would-be exploiters, and put Mr Mann behind bars. Tom Taylor reports.

NZ Post's courier drivers are taking action through the Employment Court, seeking to have themselves declared employees and not contractors. The union says the drivers have no rights to paid annual leave, public holidays, paid sick leave or bereavement leave, and they can't earn overtime pay. John Maynard is the Co-National President of the Postal Workers Union. NZ Post declined to come on the programme Monday morning. Maynard spoke to Corin Dann.

Former Gloriavale residents say they're sceptical about government plans to pass a law banning modern slavery, saying nothing has been done to stop the practice over decades at the West Coast Christian community. A proposed law change will require companies making more than $20 million annually to publicly report on how they are minimising exploitation. Last month six former Gloriavale women won a dramatic legal victory they say vindicates their claims of labour exploitation. The Employment Court found that the women were employees at the community, contrary to the arguments from Gloriavale and the findings of the Labour Inspectorate. The judge found that none of the plaintiffs were given a choice about whether they worked in the Gloriavale kitchen or laundry, that the decision was assigned at birth.The judgement also found the work was - quote - "unrelenting, grinding, hard, and physically and psychologically demanding". Gloriavale is appealing the decision. Meanwhile the Christian community's leader Howard Temple has pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual offending against girls over more than 20 years. Kathryn speaks with former Gloriavale resident and one of the plaintiffs in the Employment Court case, Pearl Valour and the group's lawyer Brian Henry.

By Jean Edwards: Raised to be meek and submissive in a world dominated by men, six former Gloriavale women have won an extraordinary legal victory.

Gloriavale School is under review. The Ministry of Education has confirmed the Education Review Office is investigating the school after the Employment Court ruled six women to be employees, not volunteers, during their time in the community. The women's lawyer Brian Henry told Mike Hosking that the situation is tax funded female servitude, and the ERO needs to stand up. Henry says the women were being taught to be kept separate, and to cook, clean, wash, and sew. He says this is entirely unacceptable from any education system. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Relief and vindication for women who, according to their lawyer, were treated like slaves. The Employment Court has ruled six former Gloriavale women were employees who worked extremely hard under punishing conditions for years on end. The chief judge found the women were taught from birth that they were to submit to male leadership in all aspects of their life and primed to work on the Christian community's domestic teams. Their experience at the Christian community has left deep scars. Jean Edwards and cameraman Nathan McKinnon have the story. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6331092978112

Uber drivers have hit a speed bump in their fight for employee rights. The global rideshare company has been given the green light to appeal last year's Employment Court decision that its drivers are employees instead of contractors. But Uber drivers say they're now more determined to fight. Anna Sargent reports.

Uber has been given the go-ahead to appeal last year's Employment Court ruling that its drivers are employees and not contractors. At stake for the drivers are workplace rights as employees, including earning the minimum wage, access to sick leave, holiday pay, Kiwisaver contributions and other benefits. First Union, along with E tū union took the original case on behalf of four Uber drivers. First Union's President Robert Reid spoke to Corin Dann.

The High Court has heard Bank of New Zealand cannot justify terminating its 40 year banking relationship with the Gloriavale Christian community. The bank sought to close Gloriavale's commercial accounts following an Employment Court ruling last year, arguing banking with the community would be inconsistent with its human rights policy. Jean Edwards reports.

Exhausted, working while sick and injured, missing meal breaks and the constant fear of making a fatal mistake. That's the daily reality inside Gisborne Hospital's acute care unit, according to nurses' evidence read out in the Employment Court today. However, health bosses deny there's an immediate safety risk and they've asked the court to make an injunction to stop nurses striking for one hour on Wednesday. Ruth Hill reports.

Gloriavale's Overseeing Shepherd has told the Employment Court he's saddened people have been harmed at the isolated Christian sect and has admitted leaders made mistakes. Howard Temple has been giving evidence in a case brought by six women who claim they lived in servitude and are seeking a ruling they were employees, rather than volunteers. He says much of the criticism directed at Gloriavale is deserved, but has denied ruling like a dictator. Jean Edwards reports from Christchurch.

The Employment Court's chief judge has made an unprecedented visit to Gloriavale as part of a case brought by six former members who claim they were exploited and treated like slaves. Christina Inglis spent two hours touring the isolated Christian commune at remote Lake Haupiri, to help her better understand the evidence presented in court. RNZ reporter Jean Edwards was there and filed this report from Gloriavale.

A court has heard Gloriavale can't afford to pay everyone wages, and employment relationships would destroy the Christian community's way of life. Gloriavale women have been giving evidence in an Employment Court case, where their work has been described as a labour of love, not slave labour. Jean Edwards reports from Greymouth.

A significant number of Gloriavale members are expected to be in the public gallery when the Employment Court sits in Greymouth this week. Six former Gloriavale women are seeking a ruling that they were employees of the West Coast Christian community, not volunteers. Reporter Jean Edwards has been covering the case and spoke to Corin Dann from Greymouth.

Former Gloriavale Christian School principal Faithful Pilgrim is expected to give evidence in the next phase of an Employment Court case resuming today, before a visit to the isolated West Coast community by the chief judge. Six former Gloriavale women are seeking a ruling they were employees, not volunteers, living in slave-like conditions at the commune. Reporter Jean Edwards has been covering the case.  She spoke to Kim Hill.  

An Uber driver says an Employment Court decision ruling he is an employee of the rideshare company, rather than a contractor, will be significant. Bill Rama is one of four drivers who were granted employment status after the case was brought by the FIRST Union and E Tū. Uber plans to appeal the decision. Rama spoke to Corin Dann. Uber declined to come on the programme.

A granddaughter of Gloriavale's Overseeing Shepherd Howard Temple has told a court he is respectful of girls and doesn't have a reputation for inappropriate behaviour. Joanna Courage told the Employment Court she feels safe and has a good life at the Christian commune, as Jean Edwards reports from Christchurch.

A Gloriavale woman has described how her husband got in trouble with the Christian community's leadership for writing and distributing a book without their knowledge. Sarah Standtrue has told an Employment Court hearing she was prepared to leave the commune with him if he was asked to go. Jean Edwards reports from Christchurch. [embed] https://players.brightcove.net/6093072280001/default_default/index.html?videoId=6312951782112

A Gloriavale mother has told a court she does not believe the leadership knew about sexual abuse at the Christian community. Purity Valor has also denied being downtrodden and subjugated, at an Employment Court hearing in Christchurch. Jean Edwards reports.

The Gloriavale School Principal says the Christian community and her way of life are being attacked by those who have chosen to leave. Gloriavale's leaders began their defence today in Employment Court in Christchurch, where six former members are seeking the ruling they were employees, not volunteers while in the community. Niva Chittock is in court.

A former manager of multiple Gloriavale companies has told the Employment Court the religious community generates most of its money through Government benefits. A hearing has resumed today in Christchurch, as six former Gloriavale women seek a ruling they were employees, not volunteers during their time there. Niva Chittock reports.

A former Gloriavale woman has told a court how she hurt her back repeatedly lifting 20kg crates of meat above her head in the so-called Christian community's freezer. Rebekah Kempf says she started work as a little girl and never refused as a teenager because she was terrified of what might happen. Jean Edwards reports from the Employment Court in Christchurch.

A court has heard Gloriavale founder Hopeful Christian told a father who had just buried his daughter that he could take comfort from the fact she wouldn't be molested. Clem Ready says sexual offending was prevalent at the Christian community and its leaders used their power to cover it up. Jean Edwards reports from the Employment Court hearing in Christchurch.

A court has heard there was an ingrained culture of bullying and mocking at Gloriavale, where powerful and controlling leaders punished women. Former member Virginia Courage told the Employment Court she was mocked for the way she looked when she was pregnant, as Jean Edwards reports. 

A former Gloriavale woman says the Christian community's leaders thought they were above the law. The Employment Court has been hearing evidence from leavers who claim they were working in slave-like conditions and exposed to sexual harassment and abuse from a young age. Jean Edwards reports from Christchurch.

Warning: Story contains content that some listeners might find upsetting. A court has heard distressing testimony from a former Gloriavale woman who says her treatment at the secretive Christian community made her suicidal. The Employment Court has also heard evidence girls as young as eight were worried about being groped while serving food. Jean Edwards reports.

A court has been told victim blaming and shaming was standard at Gloriavale, where girls caught in inappropriate relationships with married men were called 'whores'. Six former Gloriavale women want the Employment Court to rule they were employees, not volunteers, during their time at the West Coast community. Jean Edwards reports.

A court has heard a Gloriavale woman sometimes didn't eat or drink while working extremely long hours, and would get in trouble if she stopped. She's one of six former members seeking a ruling from the Employment Court that they were employees, not volunteers, at the Christian community on the South Island's West Coast. Jean Edwards reports from Christchurch.