Information contained in this publication is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or opinion, nor is it a substitute for the professional judgment of an attorney.
Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.
Download full Q2 2020 Global Guide Quarterly
Compliance Requirements under New Privacy Act
New Legislation Enacted
Author: Naomi Seddon, Shareholder – Littler United States
On June 30, 2020, the New Zealand Parliament approved the Privacy Bill that amends the Privacy Act 1993. The amendments take effect on December 1, 2020 and introduce significant changes. Concerning mandatory data breach reporting, any organization that suffers a data breach that has caused or is likely to cause serious harm to affected individuals will be required to notify the Privacy Commissioner and the relevant individuals. Additionally, the changes introduce restrictions on overseas disclosure of personal information. Unless the relevant individual has authorized disclosure outside New Zealand, the disclosing party will need to ensure that the information will be protected by safeguards comparable to New Zealand’s privacy laws before transferring it offshore. Further, the new laws will apply to any actions taken by an overseas organization in the course of carrying on business in New Zealand, regardless of where the information was collected or held and where the person to whom the information relates is located. Companies will need to update their privacy policies and employment practices ahead of the December 1 start date.
Paid Parental Leave Extended to 26 Weeks from 1 July
New Regulation or Official Guidance
Author: Naomi Seddon, Shareholder – Littler United States
Effective July 1, 2020, the paid parental leave scheme in New Zealand has been extended from 22 weeks to 26 weeks for parents with children due on or after July 1. Weekly parental leave payments increased from $564.38 per week to $585.80 per week before tax. The parental leave (previously known as “maternity leave”) is available for working parents or other primary caregivers who stop working to care for their newborn baby or a child under the age of six who is now in their care.
