December 2018 Update
15 December 2018
December 2018 update
This is our last newsletter for 2018. Thank you for your ongoing support and for all the calls and emails to ask questions or simply talk things through, we love hearing from you so please continue to be in touch.
Employment Relations Act changes
We have been waiting for detail on changes to the Employment Relations Act introduced by the coalition Government. Last week they passed their third reading in Parliament, most of the changes will come into force on 6 May 2019.
In brief:
- The 90-day trial period will be restricted to employers with fewer than 20 employees.
- Changes to sections relating to the continuity of employment if an employee’s work is affected by restructuring.
- Restoring prescribed rest and meal breaks with a limited exception for workers in essential services.
- Reinstatement will be restored as the primary remedy for unjustified dismissal. (Comes into force the day after royal assent).
Further protection for employees in vulnerable industries. (Comes into force the day after royal assent).
Take time to breathe
Christmas is fast approaching, and we would like to encourage you all to take a deep breath. Love it or hate it, Christmas causes stress. Staff might feel the pressure and place unrealistic expectations on themselves which affects their performance or behaviour. As an employer you may need to be more understanding towards staff and pick your battles. Although it is tempting to try to tidy up all outstanding issues before year end, it may not be realistic. Employers are always judged by their actions and whether these are deemed to be fair and reasonable at the time, so count to ten and give us a call.
Other recent articles
5 February 2026
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.
16 December 2025
Happy Holidays
As we approach the end of the calendar year, we’d like to thank our Subscribers and MAS Members for your continued support of the Healthy Practice service and team. It has certainly been another busy year. Throughout 2025, we’ve seen the matters coming through become increasingly complex and varied, alongside a noticeable increase in change activity across the health and practice sectors. This year has also brought change for us, with the retirement of the much-respected and one-of-a-kind Shaun Phelan and Fiona Mines, as well as broader change across MAS.
31 October 2025
Times they are changing… again!
We’re thrilled to introduce our new manager, Hayden Saunders. Hayden joined MAS in September 2022 and has been a key part of our internal People and Culture team, serving as Head of HR Business Partnering. He brings a deep well of expertise in HR and employment relations, nd is based at our corporate head office in Wellington alongside the rest of the team. Hayden is eager to dive into the diverse range of queries we receive and support the HealthyPractice community.
Join other practices already using HealthyPractice.
Register now