News, Views, Musings, Stuff...
Employment, business or any relevant wine news that we think wine people may find of interest
Minimum wage went up on 1 April 2017... Employers, are you paying the right amount?
The minimum wage applies to all paid employees aged 16 and older, although there are different rates if your employee is 16 or 17 and is new to the workforce or if they are completing training.
A note about public holidays to finish the year....
Christmas and New Year Public Holidays 2016/2017 Full details of how to pay your people public holiday pay is online here but briefly...
Sorry I'm late, Sir ...
Another year has passed with all sorts of challenges for employers. Employee absenteeism or lateness is always a problem and can put pressure on a business in a number of areas - meeting deadlines and stress on work colleagues who have to take up the extra workload. Some absenteeism or lateness is unavoidable due to sickness of the employee or family member or other emergencies out of their control.
Safety mistakes costly for employers
Warnings about Warnings ...
Most employers know they can not dismiss an employee without a good reason (Substantive Fairness); however many employers make basic mistakes by not meeting the required procedural requirements before issuing a warning or dismissing an employee (Procedural Fairness).
A win for the employer - Employee v Contractor
A case brought before the Employment Relations Authority (Authority) requested a determination as to whether Mr and Mrs S (Mr/Mrs S) were employees or independent contractors. Their work was terminated, and as they claimed to be employees, they brought a claim for unjustifiable dismissal.
Winner of 2016 Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year announced
Congratulations to Cameron Price from Villa Maria, Hawke’s Bay who is the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year 2016. After a tough final Price was thrilled to receive this prestigious reward on Thursday night at the Bragato Wine Awards. “All that hard work paid off” he said.
The Health of Health and Safety -
Since the new Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 Act came into effect some four months ago, there has been much written and spoken (accurately and inaccurately) about some of the new employer obligations. In particular, around the “Health” part of Health and Safety, which has not necessarily been explained before, but the new Act now expressly provides for mental health issues in an increasingly stressed-out and competitive workplace.
Bayer Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2016 announced
Congratulations to Mark Langlands from Te Kairanga who became the Bayer Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2016 on Thursday 28 July.
Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist 2016
Congratulations to Mike Winter from Amisfield who became the Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2016 on Friday 22 July.
Pay as you go Holiday Pay
A business engaged a new worker on a “fixed term part-time” basis because of the uncertainty and frequency of available work, and decided to use the “pay as you go” holiday pay method of calculation - 8% of gross earnings.
Marlborough Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker 2016 Announced
Congratulations to Jordan Hogg from Seresin for winning Marlborough Young Winemaker 2016. The competition took place on 8 July at MRC in Blenheim where six contestants spent the day battling it out across various activities. Hogg scored very strongly across the board showing a great degree of knowledge and professionalism.
Bayer Hawke's Bay Young Viticulturist of the Year 2016 announced
Hawke's Bay Tonnellerie de Mercurey Young Winemaker 2016 Announced
Time to Ditch Performance Reviews?
Many businesses either have or are ready to let this process go - business structures have changed and there is now a need to be agile. A shortage of skilled talent has turned the focus to coaching, creating employee engagement and continuous development.
First ever Bayer Auckland/Northern Young Viticulturist of the Year announced
How could an employer get it so wrong?
A New Zealand company placed an advertisement on a (Chinese) website seeking to employ a “full time part time Warehouse Worker” in October 2014. As there were no suitable applicants, the company re-advertised in December: “Warehouse Worker… (best if have working experience in a farm) 50 years and below, salary negotiable, 8 hours per day, 6 days per week, if good performance can apply for work permit..”. (Note - it is illegal to employ anyone without the right to work in NZ.)
Employment Law Update - Employment Relations Standards Bill
Zero hour contracts officially history
A law change which outlaws zero hours contracts has passed into law with unanimous support.
The Employment Standards Legislation, which had its third reading this afternoon, also extends paid parental leave to a wider range of workers.
New calculations for PAYE on holiday pay
This article covers the Commissioner’s operational position on calculating PAYE on holiday pay
Employment Laws and update March 2016
New Health and Safety at Work Act and Regulations are out now - you will have some work to do.
Employment Standards Legislation Bill
Minimum Wage to Increase to $15.25
The minimum wage will increase by 50 cents to $15.25 an hour on 1 April 2016, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse announced today.
Oh what a tangled web or Commission omission
Christmas Holidays
Public Holiday entitlements – 2015/2016 Christmas and New Year period
Hit the road Jack ......
Air NZ Wine Awards gold medals announced today
Following 1,407 wines being entered in this year's Air New Zealand Wine Awards, judges have awarded 84 gold medals to wines from around the country.
Chair of Judges and Master of Wine Michael Brajkovich said the most pleasing aspect of this year's awards was the spread of gold medals across a number of varietal styles and regions.
Keep records or face fines - employers warned after recent ERA cases
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment reminded employers today about their obligations to keep accurate employment records and produce them when requested by a Labour Inspector – or face enforcement action and penalties.
Surveillance
I spy ..... over the years it has become more widespread for employers to use video surveillance in the workplace.
Casual v part time employee
An employment message to employers
Be careful how you manage your "casual" employees - it may be that they are, in reality, permanent part-timers. Before contemplating the termination of any employee's employment for any reason, you should seek advice.
Privacy Act sets boundaries for personal data collection
How long has it been since your company's staff and customer privacy policy was reviewed?
April 2015 Grievance raised outside of 90 days
Timing is everything
An interesting recent case from the Employment Relations Authority addresses whether and when a Personal Grievance can be lodged outside of the statutory 90 day time period.
Rules for work success
No more office gossip if you want to get ahead .....
International Success = Happy Customers
Joining forces, learn from each other and have fun - 16 international wine experts in Franconia
Vintage team members from New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and the United States meet the Franconian wine harvest 2015
New Zealand Young Winemaker 2015
Inaugural New Zealand Young Winemaker 2015 crowned.
Bayer Young Viticulturist Of The Year 2015 Announced
Congratulations to Caleb Dennis who became the Bayer Young Viticulturist of the
Year 2015 last night.
Health and Safety Bill passed into Law
Employment Standards Legislation Bill
NZ's Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse released the Employment Standards Legislation Bill today, which will amend various employment-related statutes. The aim of this omnibus Bill is "to promote fairer and more productive workplaces by providing enhanced protections and benefits for both employers and employees". The proposed changes are wide-ranging and affect a number of key pieces of employment legislation.
Health and Safety Reform Bill Changes
Setting Remuneration
- they can lead the market, paying more than average for that industry or role
- they can pay the market average
- or they can lag behind and pay less than the market average.
Minister Woodhouse comments on Health and Safety Reform Bill
Wine industry skills: New Zealand Certificates in Cellar Operations available soon
Wineries across New Zealand are playing a leading role in helping manufacturing industry training organisation Competenz develop New Zealand’s first nationally recognised qualifications for cellar operators in the wine sector. The qualifications will help the industry maintain New Zealand’s reputation as one of the world’s top winemaking countries.
Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015 announced
Congratulations to Mike Winter from Amisfield who has just become the Bayer Central Otago Young Viticulturist of the Year 2015 and now goes through to the National Final. After a challenging day of activities on Friday at the Central Otago Polytechnic, the contestants’ final task was to deliver a speech at the Annual Winemakers Feraud dinner on Saturday night at Northburn.
Gisborne to host New Zealand's first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium
A feast of Gisborne's finest cultural, historical and gastronomical attributes will be on show at New Zealand's first Chardonnay and sparkling wine symposium early next year.
Gisborne is to host Past, Present and Beyond... the Tale of New Zealand Chardonnay and Sparkling from February 4 to 5, following the inaugural International Sauvignon Blanc Celebration in Marlborough (February 1 -3).
New National Coordinator for NZ Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition
New focus for MBIE
Gisborne Regional Wine Show awards (23 May 2015)
New employment standards coming in
MInimum wage rate to increase 1 April 2015
Christmas and New Year Public Holidays 2014/2015
Employment Relations Amendment Act
Employers have just a few months to prepare for the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2014 which will come into force on 6 March 2015.
Health and Safety Reform Bill - delayed
The new Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety Michael Woodhouse has signalled that the Health and Safety Reform Bill is now likely to be enacted around September or October next year, rather than April as was previously planned.
RSE survey results 2014
Some interesting findings here in the survey conducted by Labour Department with those employers who take on seasonal workers via RSE, other sources and WINZ.
Read the full results -
New alcohol levels for drivers, 1 December 2014
Replacement Parts - Keep them safe
A NZ company was recently fined $55,000 and ordered to pay reparation of $50,000 after a worker was seriously injured.
Read the full details: http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/news/releases/2014/keep-it-safe-when-sourcing-replacement-parts
Essentially, the message is that the piece of machinery was bought second-hand and was missing a steel lid which was manufactured and installed by a company employee. Workplace NZ said that the new lid should have been designed and installed to the manufacturer's specifications. The replacement and the latches used to secure it were substandard and contributed to the serious injuries suffered by the victim. Machinery owners need to ensure that appropriately qualified engineers are involved in the maintenance, repair and modification of plant. "It's not good enough to just whip something up and hope it will do the job.," said Workplace NZ chief investigator Keith Stewart. The company also failed to implement a safe operating procedure and its hazard identification process and staff training were also found wanting."
New event for Australian wine market - Australia Trade Tasting & Conference Announced
New Chairman for Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association
Young Vit winner
And the winner is..... Paul Robinson, Villa Maria, Hawkes Bay who will now contest the Young Horticulturist of the Year competition in Auckland later this year. Congrats Paul!
Young Vit Comp update 2014 - Finalists Found!
Marlborough Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition 2014
Young Viticulturist of the Year Competition update 2014
Reminder - law change re giving away wine (competition prizes, etc.)
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012 came into force late last year, bringing into effect significant changes to the rules relating to the promotion of alcohol.
2 really significant changes:
Perhaps the most significant is that alcohol can no longer be advertised off the premises in a way which leads people to believe that the price is 25% or more below the price at which alcohol is ordinarily sold.
and
Providing free wine as a competition prize or as part of a loyalty programme is now illegal.
Offers made outside licensed premises for any goods or services, or the opportunity to win a prize, on the condition that alcohol is bought are now also not permitted. If a business runs a competition where alcohol forms part of the prize, the promotion may not be advertised anywhere people could see or hear it outside of licensed premises. This will include promotions where people subscribe to a newsletter to go into the draw to win a prize, where the competition is a game of skill, and any ‘lucky dip’ competitions. ‘Seen or heard’ from outside licensed premises will include advertising that is conducted via email, print, broadcast, or social media, including Facebook.
Please read the full details - For further information please contact Marija Batistich at Kensington Swan - phone 09 375 1187
NZ Vintage 2014 figures are out - size of vintage supports export growth
Biodiversity in New Zealand vineyards
Interesting little read from NZ Winegrowers, nzwine.com, on nurturing biodiversity in New Zealand vineyards. Click here to access the pdf article.
Best Practice Guidelines from MBIE and WorkSafe NZ - Workplace Bullying (Hazard)
Advice for employers on how to handle the significant hazard of workplace bullying ...
2014 Regional Vintage Report HAWKE'S BAY
2014 Regional Vintage Report MARTINBOROUGH / WAIRARAPA
Martinborough / Wairarapa - Back to back vintages of exceptional quality!
2014 Regional Vintage Report WAIPARA
It has been a harvest of two halves in the Waipara Valley North Canterbury. The season got off to a great start...
Cellar Operations Training Regional Meetings June and July
New wine industry cellar operations qualifications are coming - attend a regional meeting to find out more. Industry support is required to make this fly.
Read the details here and register to attend
Parental Leave increases 1 July 2014
No more wine give-aways
There's more to come on this one, meantime, every NZ wine company involved in discounting or running competitions giving wine away, should read this from the industry's lawyers, Bell Gully. (Liquor Law Act change December 2013)
2014 Regional Vintage Report WAIHEKE
The Waiheke season past was a summer of two halves... Overall a somewhat challenging growing season...
2014 Regional Vintage Report KUMEU
November 2013 gave us beautiful weather that meant the flowering was perfect, and the fruit set very good indeed....
2014 Regional Vintage Report MARLBOROUGH
KiwiSaver information - handy tools
Just found this handy KiwiSaver information - Fund comparisons, fee structures, fund types - worth a look if you're interested in KiwiSaver: http://fundfinder.sorted.org.nz/must-knows-of-kiwisaver/
2014 Regional Vintage Report NELSON
A moderate winter resulted in warmer than average soil temperatures followed by an early bud break. Nelson Vintage 2014 Earlier than Ever...
2014 Regional Vintage Report MATAKANA
Good year all round, as always there will be exceptions to the rule...
More of a focus on Health in new Health and Safety laws?
Sounds like there'll be a greater emphasis on workplace health as well as safety....
http://www.business.govt.nz/worksafe/news/releases/2014/occupational-health-experts-to-advise-worksafe-nz
2014 Regional Vintage Report GISBORNE
2014 Regional Vintage Report NORTHLAND
2014 provided us ideal conditions for a bumper grape harvest in Northland, "I believe the wines will express the positive qualities that the Northland climates and soils have to offer."
International Sauvignon Blanc Day
VinAntics
Over the vintage of 2014 we took a lighthearted view of some of the goings on in some of the industry and ran a photo competition on Facebook - VinAntics. We saw everything from scary health and safety breaches (not showing you those...) to hard work, a little fun and some amazing photography. Why not head on over and see for yourself? (You can Like our Facebook Page while you're there...)
Health & Safety update - changes coming
Costly Error - Redundancy while on Parental Leave
Minimum wage rate increases 1 April
New minimum wage rates take effect from 1 April 2014
Vintage 2014 underway
The 2014 New Zealand grape harvest is underway amid high hopes for a vintage which has started earlier than recent years due to a fantastic growing season.
Holding on to your employees
KiwiSaver reporting
"Do you read your KiwiSaver statements? Really? In the next few weeks the first truly readable personalised KiwiSaver statements will be produced.
How’s Your Work Life Balance?
We’ve all heard the expression “work/life balance” – the concept that allows employees to feel as though they are balancing the time they spend on all the important aspects of their lives. Generation Y expect it, having grown up with the concept, and as some employees age, they realise they should have addressed it sooner. It used to be that those employees who worked more than they played did so at the behest of the employer. These days, however, smartphones, laptops and easy access to communication channels mean employees are choosing to work “after hours”.
Employment Categories and Employment Agreements - Employers still don't get it right!
MÉTHODE MARLBOROUGH SOCIETY LAUNCHED
Support for RSE scheme by NZ Wine employers
All employers who used the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme believe the benefits of it outweigh the costs, a report shows.
Sustainable Winegrowing NZ
Minimum pay rates and KiwiSaver contributions - Landmark Court Case ruling
From the NZ Herald, by OLIVIA WANNAN AND SHANE COWLISHAW
A landmark ruling effectively raising the minimum wage has scaled its latest hurdle.
Is Social Media working for you?
Romeo Bragato Wine Award Results 2013
Media release - What to do after an Earthquake: 20 August 2013
The Civil Defence Emergency Management team have released some advice on what to do after an earthquake - you might be surprised at what they recommend. For one -
Do NOT get outside quickly after an earthquake:
Read their Guide for Workplace Earthquake Plan....
Restructuring and Redundancies
Who owns a business's social media accounts?
Really interesting topic... Do read the story. Reprinted with kind permission from Dionne Lew - CEO of The Social Executive. Blogs at dionnekasianlew.com/blog.
Many smart companies are using social media to generate business outcomes. But who owns these accounts when a person moves on?
1. If the face of your brand builds a Twitter following does it stay or go with them?
2. If you employ someone because of their online Klout what right do you have to their previous relationships?
3. If staff use professional networks like LinkedIn in place of contact management systems to generate leads, who owns that data?
4. Who owns your LinkedIn account?
5. If a former employee with a ‘restraint of trade’ clause updates their LinkedIn profile is this ‘soliciting’ or just the ‘new grapevine’?
6. On the other hand, if you do not update your LinkedIn profile when you move on are you falsely representing yourself as a current employee?
These are just some of the questions that businesses are grappling with in relation to social media and there are no easy answers. ..