2026 Payroll Reset

That’s right - 2026 is the year to prepare for some big changes

• A new Employment Leave Bill is on the way. Public submissions open early 2026.

• Minimum wage and KiwiSaver contribution rates are changing too.

• A new rule has been added to the Privacy Act which will change the way personal information is handled.

Are you ready?

Not later - prioritise getting your house in order in 2026

• If your payroll hasn’t had a proper check in years - this is your sign.

• Clean the decks. Get your Holidays Act compliance done and dusted, before the Employment Leave changes arrive.

• Get ahead of the changes, do yourself and your team a favour and set a clear path for the future.

Let's clean it up.

Every NZ employer who pays staff needs to take action in 2026 - it’s a non-negotiable

If you don’t know where to start, I can help:

• identifiy and fix Holidays Act issues.

• guide you through the Employment Leave submission process.

• help review and map your organisation data collection processes ahead of the Privacy Act changes.

• get your business ready for what’s next.

Book me in.

Let’s sort it, together.

Your 7-step checklist to prepare for the new leave law

1. Awareness - Do we know what’s changing and why it matters?
2. Readiness Scan - Are we exposed under the current Holidays Act?
3. Foundations - Are standard hours, base rates and allowances clearly defined?
4. Governance Understanding - Do leaders and executives understand the payroll risk and cost impact?
5. Consultation Participation - Have we had our say on the draft legislation?
6. System & Process Readiness - Can our payroll system actually deliver what the new law requires?
7. Confident Transition - We move into the new Act without legacy issues or surprises.

A simple place to start

If you’re unsure how prepared your organisation is for the changes ahead, a short Payroll Readiness Scan can help you understand what matters most right now.

This is a practical, low-pressure way to identify:

• Areas of higher risk
• Immediate priorities
• What can wait until later

Remember, looking after payroll is part of looking after your people. If you don't know where to start, start with a Payroll Readiness Scan today.

If in doubt, reach out. I'm here to help.