The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk has ignited global conversations about free speech, politics, and the boundaries of expression. But how does this play out in your workplace? In New Zealand, political expression by employees is a legal minefield. Employers must carefully balance freedom of expression with the duty to protect reputation, maintain trust, and comply with employment law standards.

In this episode, host Sanam breaks down the rules around political conversations at work. Here's what we'll cover:

• When an employee’s political opinions cross the line into misconduct

• How the Employment Relations Authority and Courts assess off-duty social media posts

• The tricky space for public sector employees under the their guidelines and framework

• Why “freedom of expression” is not a free pass in the NZ employment context

Using recent cases and real-world examples, Sanam unpacks what NZ employers need to know about politics in the workplace. Because when global headlines collide with workplace compliance, you need more than opinions. You need to know your rights.

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Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

• Talking politics at work a bad idea - Wmrk Lawyers
• Discrimination at work - NZ Government
• Turner v. Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand, in respect of the former Wairarapa District Health Board [2023] NZEmpC 158 - Employment Court Case
• Pros and cons to political discussions at work: survey - HRD Mag NZ
• Political opinions at work: when is it grounds for dismissal? - HRD Mag NZ

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

Pay secrecy in New Zealand workplaces is on its way out! With the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill moving through Parliament, employers will soon no longer be able to rely on confidentiality clauses to stop staff talking about pay.

This is more than a legal technicality. It’s a cultural shift that will shape workplace transparency, trust, and team dynamics. It's critical to know how the law applies to you, but also what to expect when the change officially comes into place. Employers and HR need to be ready for the questions, the comparisons, and the conversations that will follow.

In this episode, join our host Sanam as she breaks down what the bill is really about, what’s changing, and the new personal grievance risks. She will also share practical steps to prepare now. From auditing pay structures to reviewing employment agreements, building your comms plan, and training managers.

This one is for HR professionals, business owners, and leaders across every industry in New Zealand who want to stay compliant and confident before the law changes hit.

Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

• Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill - Parliament NZ
• New Zealand businesses urged to prepare for pay secrecy law - CFOtech article
• Legislation that lets workers talk about salaries likely to pass into law - RNZ article

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.

The Coldplay kiss cam broke the internet last week and no one expected to see a CEO and CPO (yep, the head of HR!) in the spotlight. But beyond the headlines lies a much juicier compliance dilemma.

We recognise that many employers across New Zealand probably haven't even thought about workplace relationships or where they can go wrong. In this episode, host Sanam pulls apart the legal implications of workplace romances, especially when the power dynamic is off-kilter. She unpacks the real-life case of Raravula v Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd [2025] NZERA 238, where a workplace romance collided with serious employment consequences.

You’ll learn:

• Whether NZ employers can actually "ban" relationships at work

• When disciplinary action could be justified

• How to manage risks without overstepping legal boundaries

• The key lessons from the Raravula case (and what Northern Rescue got right and wrong)

If you’re in HR, lead a team, or just love a good case breakdown with a side of legal tea - this one’s for you.

Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Need help figuring out if you have the right worker on your hands? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify your worker with confidence.

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to asklawlenz@gmail.com.

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

• ERA Determination Raravula v Northern Rescue Helicopter Ltd - Employment Relations Authority

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.