Monsellier Law

07/04/2026

When “Proof” Crosses the Line

A restaurant chain overseas recently told staff they had to take a photo of themselves at the medical centre before their sick leave would be accepted — and banned the use of medical certificates issued after telephone or online consultations. The backlash was swift, and the policy was withdrawn.

It’s a good reminder for New Zealand employers: even well‑intentioned HR rules can cross into unlawful territory.

Under NZ employment law:

• You can ask for proof of sickness — but it must be reasonable and lawful

• You can’t demand photos or other privacy‑invasive evidence

• Medical certificates issued after telephone/online consultations are valid

• Policies must be applied in good faith and respect employee privacy

If you want to reduce sick leave misuse, start with culture, not control. Early upfront conversations go further than surveillance ever will!

04/04/2026

Fuel prices are rising again in New Zealand — so should businesses let employees work from home?

As global tensions continue to affect fuel costs, many workers are finding the daily commute more expensive than ever.

There is no automatic legal right to work from home because petrol prices increase. But employees can ask for flexible working arrangements, and employers must consider those requests properly.

For businesses, this is not always a simple yes or no. Some roles can be done from home. Others cannot. In some cases, hybrid work may be the fairest middle ground.

What do you think?
Should businesses allow employees to work from home due to rising fuel prices?

Vote: YES or NO
And share your thoughts with us in the comments.

MonsellierLa

03/04/2026

We’re Hiring | Employment Relations / HR Professional | Monsellier Law

Are you ready for a change? Looking for a new challenge that will help you grow both personally and professionally?

This could be the opportunity for you.

Monsellier Law has been operating since 2017 and is continuing to expand. We are looking for an experienced and motivated professional with 2 to 5 years’ experience in Employment Relations and/or Human Resources to join our growing team.

This opportunity would suit someone who has experience in areas such as:

Employment relations

HR advisory

Performance management

Disciplinary processes

Workplace investigations

Restructuring and change processes

General people and culture support

We are looking for someone who is:

Professional and confident in their communication

Practical and solutions-focused

Commercially aware

Eager to grow and take on new challenges

Passionate about helping employers navigate people matters with confidence

At Monsellier Law, we work closely with employers across New Zealand, providing pragmatic Employment Law and HR support. As we continue to grow, we are looking for the right person to grow with us and be part of our journey.

To apply, please send your CV and a short introduction to [email protected]

01/04/2026

5,000 Women, One Message: Close the Pay Gap

More than 5,000 women have now emailed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon — each sending an invoice for the wages they’ve lost because of the gender pay gap.

An advocacy group says the message is simple: women are tired of waiting for action on pay transparency, and the cost of inaction is landing squarely on their shoulders.

Women earning the median wage lose $25.36 every week, wāhine Māori $58.40, and Pacific women $76.40 — all because NZ still has no mandatory gender pay gap reporting.

The campaign is making the financial impact impossible to ignore.

The question now: Will the Government act?

26/03/2026

Do you have to pay staff if your store must close on Easter Sunday?

Easter Sunday creates confusion for many New Zealand employers.

Although it is not a public holiday, it is a restricted trading day for most shops. So, while many stores may have to close, that does not automatically mean staff are treated the same way as a public holiday.

If an employee would normally have worked that Sunday, the payment position will often depend on:

• their employment agreement
• whether Sunday is a normal working day
• guaranteed hours
• roster arrangements
• any agreed alternative arrangements
In other words, it is not as simple as “store closed = no pay.”

This is where many employers get caught out - if an employee normally works on Sunday(s), then subject to their legal right to refuse to work Easter Sunday, employees who are ready, willing, and able to work, should be paid even if the store cannot trade.

Still unsure, just ask Emma for help [email protected]

24/03/2025

🚀 Lunch & Learn is Back – Elevate Your HR Knowledge Over Lunch! 🍽️📚

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Join our exclusive 4-part Lunch & Learn series, led by Emma Monsellier, a leading expert in Employment Law and HR, where we break down critical HR and Employment Law topics into actionable strategies for your business.

📅 Starting Wednesday, 7th May 2025 | Every two weeks | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
📍 Where: 1D/331 Rosedale Road, Albany
________________________________________
🔥 Topics & Dates – Secure Your Spot Now! 🔥

✅ TOPIC 1: Understanding the Employment Relationship
📅 Wednesday, 7th May 2025 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
✅ TOPIC 2: Documenting and Record-Keeping
📅 Wednesday, 21st May 2025 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
✅ TOPIC 3: Managing the Issues
📅 Wednesday, 4th June 2025 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
✅ TOPIC 4: Ending the Employment
📅 Wednesday, 18th June 2025 | 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
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🚀 Why Attend?

🔹 Led by Emma Monsellier – A Trusted Expert in Employment Law & HR
🔹 Interactive Learning – Real-life case studies, group discussions & practical Q&A
🔹 Network & Engage – Connect with business leaders, HR professionals & decision-makers
🔹 Delicious Lunch Included
🔹 Takeaway Materials
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An 8-week programme (4 seminars plus interactive learning)

17/01/2025

Workplace Wire – What is "Passion Tax"?
Stay tuned for more insights and updates on Workplace Wire!
What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

16/01/2025

Workplace Wire – Can an employer force an employee back to the office?

Stay tuned for more insights and updates on Workplace Wire!

What do you think? Share your thoughts below!

15/01/2025

Workplace Wire – When can an employer access personal information? Stay tuned for more insights and updates on Workplace Wire!