2026 Off to a Flying Start

As we lament the end of the holidays and ask ourselves where has summer gone?!, we’re also looking ahead to another busy year — particularly given the volume of legislative change expected in 2026 (more on this below). 

We’re pleased to welcome Emma Wasson to the Healthy Practice team, who joined us in January in the newly created role of HR Coordinator-Healthy Practice. Emma will be focused on supporting our HealthyPractice Advisers and strengthening the resources available to you. She’ll also be involved in developing our annual reports, including the staff-ratio and GP remuneration reports, due out early this year. 

Wild weather has also featured over the past month, and we hope those of you in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Tairāwhiti have managed to stay safe and dry. From a wider MAS perspective, we’ve seen an increase in claims across both commercial and private properties. This is a timely reminder to check that appropriate insurance cover is in place, and that your practice has plans and processes to support both staff and patients should an adverse weather event occur. 

What’s on the Legal Horizon? 

2026 is shaping up to be a significant year, with several employment law changes expected - and a general election to close out the year. For health practices, these changes provide a valuable opportunity to pause, review, and consider whether current employment arrangements remain fit for purpose. 

Clearer Rules for Employment Relationships 

Proposed changes to the Employment Relations Act aim to clarify whether someone is an employee or a contractor. This is particularly relevant for practices using contractors, locums, or outsourced services. A proposed high-income threshold (expected to be around $200,000 in total remuneration) may also limit personal grievance claims for some senior or highly paid roles. In addition, the current “30-day rule” linked to collective agreements is expected to be removed. 

More Certainty When Ending Employment by Agreement 

A new, legally protected process is proposed to allow employers and employees to have open, fair conversations about ending employment by mutual agreement. With appropriate safeguards, this could offer a clearer and more respectful pathway to resolve employment issues without escalation. 

A Simpler Approach to Leave 

The Holidays Act is expected to be replaced with a new Employment Leave Act. Under the proposed changes, leave would accrue in hours from day one and be paid at a consistent hourly rate. While designed to simplify leave over time, this reform will require updates to payroll systems, employment agreements, and staff communications - particularly for practices with part-time, shift-based, or variable-hours staff. Rest assured, there will be a transition period provided for businesses to ensure they make the necessary changes to ensure compliance.  

Health and Safety Reforms 

Health and safety reforms are also expected, with a stronger focus on managing serious risks and simpler obligations for smaller, lower-risk workplaces -  a welcome shift for many practices balancing compliance with patient care. 

Minimum Wage Increase 

From 1 April 2026, the adult minimum wage will increase to $23.95 per hour, with likely flow-on impacts for pay structures and wage relativity across practice teams. 

Early planning will help ensure these changes are implemented smoothly and in a way that supports your practice allowing you to stay focused on what matters most. 

At Healthy Practice, we’ll be updating our guidance and templates ahead of these legislative changes and will also be offering free webinars for subscribers later in the year. These sessions will provide practical updates, guidance, and the opportunity to ask your burning questions - so watch this space. 

Finally, as we launch into 2026, we’d welcome your input on the topics you’d like to see covered in our newsletters, webinars and articles throughout the year. 

 
If there are any key questions, practical scenarios, emerging issues, or general topics you’d like to learn more about, please enter them here . We’ll aim to address as many suggestions as possible over the coming months. 

Best wishes from the team, 
Mychaela, Nicole, Bonnie and Emma