Agribusiness and Employment Law Essentials 2026

Stay on top of key employment law risks in agribusiness. This practical session covers agreements, working hours, Holidays Act compliance, and the latest legislative updates - giving you clear, actionable guidance to stay compliant

The webinar covers three broad topics that commonly result in issues in agribusiness, as well as providing an update on the employment law landscape:

• Selecting the right type of employment agreement – with the focus being on fixed-term, casual, or hybrid agreements.
• Common issues arising out of setting hours of work including availability, weather disruptions, piece rates, and record keeping obligations.
• Common misconceptions regarding the interpretation of what is an ‘otherwise working day’ under the Holidays Act, and the proposed new test under the Employment leave Bill.
• Update on recent key changes to the Employment Relations Act – specified contractors, remedies for personal grievances, amendment to the test of justification, and high-income earners.

The webinar is aimed at those with an intermediate to advanced level of knowledge of employment law.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Attendees will learn how to:

• Select the right type of employment agreement for the circumstances and identify key clauses in and obligations arising out of each type.
• Identify common issues arising out of setting hours of work and how to address them lawfully.
• Determine what is an “otherwise working day” under the Holidays Act.
• Learn about the key changes to the Employment Relations Act and how to navigate them.

SUITED TO

Lawyers, accountants, human resources managers, business owners, people managers.

PRESENTER

Robbie Bryant, Special Counsel, Todd Walker Law

Robbie is a specialist employment lawyer. He advises on all employment and employment-related issues – contentious and non-contentious.

Robbie primarily works with boards of directors, senior managers and executives, human resource and people managers, and business owners throughout New Zealand and overseas across all industry sectors.

Robbie regularly acts for clients in mediations and the Employment Relations Authority and has appeared on behalf of clients in the Employment Court, Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Human Rights Review Tribunal, and ACC Review Authority.