Statistics and Trends in the Employment Relations Authority

In 2024, an annual report published by the Employment Relations Authority (‘the Authority’) showed a 22% increase in employment relationship problems lodged in the Authority. 

A total of 781 determinations were issued in that year across all offices (Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch). In 2024, 50% of parties were represented by lawyers, 24% were represented by advocates and 19% were self-represented, highlighting the need for employers to engage professional assistance when dealing with employment disputes.  The Authority’s full report can be accessed here. 

According to recent statistics, compiled by Thomson Reuters Westlaw New Zealand, it showed that 65% of personal grievances, which includes personal grievances for unjustified dismissal determined by the Authority, were found in favour of employees. These statistics underscore the need for employers to have access to affordable and competent professional support when dealing with employment disputes. 

The Authority plays a central role in investigating and determining employment relationship problems and workplace disputes. Issues like personal grievance claims, worker status challenges, compliance related issues, wage arrear claims, trial period disputes, etc are frequently determined by the Authority. 

There has been a clear trend in recent years of increased financial awards made against employers following changes in earlier case law precedent, which essentially ruled that it was time for financial remedies to increase. Subsequently, case law outcomes have followed suit to the detriment of employers. Notable recent cases determined by the Authority where significant remedies were awarded to employee litigants include:

• Bowen v Bank of New Zealand [2025] NZERA 380, where just over $500,000 was awarded against the employer.
• Parker v Magnum Hire Limited & Field [2024] NZERA 85, where over $140,000 was awarded against the employer.
• Siddanth Prasad & others v Fiji Food Distributors NZ Limited [2025] NZERA 659, a range of awards combined total of approximately $590,000+ for unpaid wages, holiday entitlements, unlawful premium payments and personal grievance remedies across multiple employees.

The Authority is a key adjudicator in the New Zealand employment law landscape and is designed to resolve relationship problems. For employers, managing the Authority process effectively can make the difference between informed decision making and adverse litigation outcomes.

Employer Pro is ready and well-equipped to help employers with managing proceedings in the Authority and offers a range of competitive representation rates for members.

Employer Pro’s professional consultancy service rates are considerably less than what employers pay for other professional employment representatives in the market and are highly regarded by employers. 

Employer Pro believes employers have had to pay far too much for far too long to access professional assistance and representation when managing employment disputes. Our model responds to this issue effectively by providing an affordable and accessible employer-focused service offering, which is designed exclusively for employers. 

This article is provided for general information only and does not replace professional advice. Employers should seek advice specific to their circumstances from Employer Pro if in doubt on their matters involving the Employment Relations Authority, including managing and defending legal proceedings. Employer Pro has a range of employer focused resources and services available through our competitive Employer Protection Packages.

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