The New Employment Leave Act 2025 - What to Expect - 20 November 2025 (On Demand)

Prepare for the biggest overhaul of NZ’s leave system in 20 years—join our webinar to learn how the new Employment Leave Act will simplify entitlements, reset leave rules, and reduce compliance costs

Get prepared for the most significant overhaul of New Zealand’s leave system in 20 years.

The Holidays Act 2003 is set to be repealed and replaced by the new Employment Leave Act. This legislation will reset how leave is accrued, taken, and paid.

The reform aims to simplify leave entitlements, reduce compliance costs, and make entitlements clearer.

In this one-hour webinar, employment lawyer Julia Shallcrass will guide you through the key changes, including:

• Annual and sick leave accruing in hours from day one.
• All leave paid at an hourly leave pay rate
• 12.5% leave compensation for extra hours and casual employees.
• Day-one entitlement to bereavement and family violence leave.
• A clearer test for determining an “otherwise working day” (OWD).
• Changes to payment for annual holidays following parental leave entitlements.
• New pay statement obligations and payroll considerations.
• Case examples on new leave entitlements and calculations.

You’ll also gain practical tips on how to:

• Update employment agreements to prepare for the changes.
• Engage with payroll providers to ensure systems are ready.
• Stay compliant throughout the 24-month implementation period.

ORIGINAL BROADCAST DATE

20 November 2025

LEARNING OUTCOMES

By the end of this webinar, attendees will be able to:

• Identify the key changes under the Employment Leave Act compared to the Holidays Act 2003.
• Apply new rules for accruing and paying annual and sick leave.
• Manage compliance around public holidays, bereavement, and family violence leave.
• Prepare employment agreements and payroll systems for transition.
• Understand practical steps to ensure compliance during the 24-month implementation period.

SUITED TO

This webinar is ideal for professional advisors, HR, business owners, and payroll professionals who need to advise on or apply the new leave legislation.

PRESENTER

Julia Shallcrass, Director, KiwiBoss

Julia is an employment and privacy lawyer with over 17 years of experience in legal education. As founder of KiwiBoss, she helps HR professionals, managers, and leaders navigate workplace challenges while ensuring compliance with employment laws. Known for her practical and engaging training style, Julia delivers in-house and public courses both virtually and across New Zealand. KiwiBoss training helps participants develop clear, actionable strategies for improving productivity. She’s also an employment columnist for the NZ Herald and was named one of NZ Lawyer’s Elite Women in 2024 for her contributions to the profession. To explore KiwiBoss training opportunities and stay updated on upcoming courses and webinars, visit kiwiboss.co.nz.