Newsletter

Welcome to the November edition of our newsletter.

Summer’s just around the corner, and November is a great time to recognise the people who keep our workplaces running. With World Kindness Day (13 November) and White Ribbon Day (19 November) on the calendar, it’s a timely reminder that respect and care at work matter every day. And for those in Marlborough and Canterbury, enjoy your regional anniversaries and a well-earned long weekend.

Welcome to the October edition of our newsletter.

Spring is well and truly here, with daylight saving already giving us lighter evenings and a reminder that the busy months are just around the corner. We know the current climate is tough, and we want to acknowledge the effort and resilience our members continue to show in keeping people employed and businesses moving forward.

Spring has arrived — even if the weather is still playing catch-up. September is full of reasons to celebrate: Random Acts of Kindness Day on the 1st, Father’s Day on the 7th, and the richness of Papua New Guinea Language Week, Tuvalu Language Week, and Te Wiki o te Reo Māori (14–20 September). With daylight saving beginning on the 28th, longer evenings are just around the corner.

Let’s make the most of the season by sharing kindness, embracing our cultures, and looking forward to brighter days — whatever the skies may bring. And to all our Dads, and bonus Dads, thank you for everything you do.

After a turbulent July marked by severe weather across many parts of the country, we hope you and your teams are safe, dry, and finding moments of calm amid the clean-up. While winter hasn’t quite loosened its grip, there’s a sense of spring slowly approaching—bringing with it renewed energy and the promise of new beginnings.

As we welcome the rising of Matariki (28 June), July is a time for reflection, renewal, and connection. For many, it's a chance to gather with whānau, remember those who’ve passed, and set intentions for the year ahead. That spirit was very much alive at the recent NZEE Conference, where we came together to share ideas, challenges, and momentum for change.

Thank you to all who attended—your energy and insights shaped a meaningful and forward-looking event. Key messages from the conference included the importance of strengthening pastoral care, elevating worker voice, and embedding ethical practices in everyday operations. We were also very excited to launch our Forced Labour and Responsible Recruitment E-Learning Modules.

This month’s newsletter brings a mix of updates, practical resources, and stories that we hope offer both support and encouragement as you navigate the changing seasons—literally and figuratively. We also take a look at diversity and inclusion in our human rights framework, the new tools available to keep our women safe online, and Work Safes new manual handling guidance.

For many in our sector, stormy weather brings not just mud underfoot, but a reminder of the resilience it takes to keep things moving—on the land, in business, and within our teams.

 This month’s newsletter brings a mix of updates, practical resources, and stories that we hope offer both support and encouragement as you navigate the changing seasons—literally and figuratively. We also take a look at why community matters in our human rights framework and celebrate pink shirt day.

As we move into autumn, there’s a quiet shift in the air—mornings are a little crisper, evenings come a little sooner, and there’s a natural pause that invites reflection. For many of us, this season brings a welcome moment to catch our breath after the rush of summer, to look at what’s working well, and to refocus on the months ahead.

In this month’s newsletter, you’ll find updates, resources, and stories to support you and your teams as we settle into the rhythm of autumn. Whether you're out in the field or behind the scenes, we hope this season brings a sense of steadiness and purpose to your work.

Welcome to our March edition for 2025!

Six years ago this month, the Christchurch terrorist attack shook our nation, marking the worst mass shooting in New Zealand's modern history. Five years ago, we faced the uncertainty of NZ’s first confirmed case of COVID-19. Two years ago, Cyclone Gabrielle brought extreme weather, flooding, and landslides, leaving a lasting impact on the North Island.

These events remind us of the enormous consecutive shocks our country, communities, and businesses have faced. Yet, through each challenge, we’ve seen incredible resilience, solidarity, and adaptability. As we reflect on how far we’ve come, we also look forward with optimism and determination.

As we step into 2025, the horizon is filled with both opportunities and uncertainties. We’ll continue to support you through these transitions with resources, guidance, and forums for discussion.

Let’s make 2025 a year of innovation, growth, and strengthening our shared commitment to ethical employment practices.

This month, we look into the NZEE Workplace Standards for Grievance Mechanisms, Employment and privacy obligations, when to make a call on abandonment of employment and what’s top of mind for business leaders in the coming year.