Working hours in New Zealand

Are you considering expanding your business and hiring employees in New Zealand? 

Understanding New Zealand’s working hours and labor laws is essential for employers looking to recruit local talent. These regulations are designed to safeguard employee rights, promote a healthy work-life balance, and ensure compliance across various industries.

By familiarizing yourself with the legal framework surrounding working hours, you can avoid penalties, create a positive workplace environment, and support a productive workforce. 

Let’s explore the details of working hours in New Zealand to help you navigate this important aspect of employment law.

Standard working hours in New Zealand

In New Zealand, the regulations regarding working hours and overtime are primarily governed by the Employment Relations Act and individual employment agreements. 

The standard full-time working week is typically 40 hours, usually spread across five days from Monday to Friday. However, specific working hours can vary depending on the industry and individual employer policies.

For most office workers, the typical workday starts between 8 AM and 9 AM and ends between 5 PM and 6 PM, often including a lunch break of 30 minutes to an hour. In sectors like retail or hospitality, hours may differ, with shifts that can start earlier or later in the day.

Part-time employees generally work fewer than 40 hours per week, with hours agreed upon in their employment contracts. 

Overtime regulations

Overtime is defined as any hours worked beyond the standard 40-hour workweek. Employees are typically entitled to receive at least 1.5 times their regular hourly wage for overtime hours worked.

Employers must obtain consent from employees before requiring them to work overtime, and these arrangements should be discussed and agreed upon in advance. While there is no strict limit on the number of overtime hours an employee can work, employers should ensure that overtime requests are reasonable and do not compromise employee well-being. Employees also have the right to refuse overtime if it is deemed excessive or conflicts with personal commitments.

Flexible working arrangements

In New Zealand, employees have the right to request flexible working arrangements, which are designed to help them better manage their personal and professional lives. Any employee who has been with their employer for at least six months can make a request for changes to their working hours, work patterns, or locations.

This flexibility is particularly important for parents, caregivers, individuals with disabilities, and older employees, as well as those facing unique circumstances such as caring for ill family members or experiencing domestic violence.

Breaks and rest periods

In New Zealand, employees who work more than six hours a day are entitled to at least a 30-minute unpaid meal break. This break should be scheduled during the workday, allowing employees the opportunity to rest and recharge.

Additionally, employees are entitled to adequate rest between shifts, with a minimum requirement of 11 hours of uninterrupted rest. This helps promote their overall well-being and ensures they are well-rested for their next shift.

Employees should also receive at least one full day of rest within a seven-day period, typically observed over the weekend. While these regulations outline minimum standards, employers and employees can discuss and negotiate alternative arrangements that comply with labor laws.

Night work and shift work

While the Employment Relations Act provides a framework for night work, specific compensation rates may also be established through collective agreements. This allows for flexibility, meaning that while there is a legal minimum, employers and employees can negotiate different terms based on their agreements.

Typically, night work is classified as any hours worked between 10 PM and 6 AM. Employees who work during these hours are typically entitled to additional pay, often amounting to an extra 20% of their standard hourly wage, unless otherwise specified in their employment contracts.

For shift work, it is crucial to organize schedules in compliance with regulations on rest periods and maximum working hours. This ensures that employee health and safety are prioritized, allowing for adequate rest and recovery between shifts.

Part-time and minor employment

Part-time employees typically work fewer than 40 hours per week, and their specific arrangements can vary based on the industry and any applicable collective agreements. 

New Zealand has established regulations concerning the employment of minors. The minimum age for employment is 15 years, allowing young individuals aged 15 to 17 to work up to 40 hours per week. However, there are strict limitations on the types of work minors can undertake, especially in hazardous environments.

Minors are not allowed to work during school hours and cannot work more than 8 hours a day. Additionally, employers must ensure that young workers receive adequate protections to promote their health and well-being in the workplace. 

Compliance and penalties

In New Zealand, employers are obligated to maintain accurate records of employee working hours, including overtime, in accordance with the Employment Relations Act. These records must be kept for at least six years and must be available for inspection by labor authorities upon request.

Additionally, employers must ensure compliance with the Holidays Act and other relevant legislation, which governs employee entitlements to rest breaks and time off.

Failure to comply with record-keeping requirements can lead to significant penalties, including fines or other sanctions, depending on the severity of the violation. 

Employers are also required to respect employees’ rights to disconnect from work communications outside of regular working hours. This means employees should not feel compelled to respond to work-related emails, calls, or messages during their personal time, safeguarding their right to privacy and personal time without fear of repercussions.

Cultural considerations

There is a strong emphasis on work-life balance in NZ, with employees generally working up to 40 hours per week. Kiwis highly value flexibility in the workplace, appreciating arrangements that allow for personal commitments and family responsibilities. This reflects the importance placed on family and community within New Zealand culture.

New Zealand’s workforce is diverse, encompassing individuals from various cultural backgrounds and experiences. Each group brings unique perspectives on working hours, breaks, and the significance of time off. Acknowledging these cultural differences and promoting inclusivity can significantly enhance employee satisfaction and engagement, leading to a more harmonious and productive workplace environment.

Get started with Multiplier’s Employer of Record (EOR) services

Partner with Multiplier to run the process of hiring and managing employees in New Zealand. 

With our global Employer of Record (EOR) platform, you can recruit talent in New Zealand without needing to establish a local entity. We take care of all HR responsibilities, including compliant contracts, payroll, labor regulations, and benefits administration.

With Multiplier, you can focus on expanding your business and building your team in New Zealand while ensuring adherence to local labor laws.

Schedule a demo to discover how we can support you in growing your team in New Zealand.