The Law Association Of New Zealand Hosts Inaugural Employment Law Conference

With employment issues and the effects of Generative AI firmly on the agenda in New Zealand, politicians, judges and employment specialists will arrive in Auckland next month for the Burning Issues in Employment Law conference.

The inaugural event hosted by The Law Association of New Zealand (TLANZ), will be at the city’s Park Hyatt and will bring together the Chief Judge of the Employment Court, the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety, leading barristers and international experts.

Topics on the agenda on Thursday 9 October include the Employment Relations Act, now in its 25th year, proposed reforms, AI in the workplace, migrant exploitation, privacy law and dismissal rights for high-income employees.

Conference Chair Catherine Stewart said, “this event is designed to move past theory and into practice. Delegates will hear frank discussion on the toughest challenges in employment law, along with practical insights they can apply immediately in their own work.”

The conference will examine the future of work and law and will see the unpacking of the latest legislative developments in employment law including a delve into key topics such as the proposed gateway test, high-income threshold and the 30-day rule.

“Employment law touches every worker and every business. Whether it is reforms to the Employment Relations Act, the treatment of high-income employees, or the evolving force of AI, the conference will provide clarity on what’s coming and how best to respond.” Catherine Stewart said.

There will be an update from Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Hon Brooke van Velden on her ministerial priorities and the progress made so far, as well as insights into what we can expect in the future.

There’ll also be a spotlight session on employment issues involving migrant workers, with employees facing deportation and employers looking at potentially criminal as well as civil liability, it’s one not to miss.

To finish the day off, the subject on many in the legal profession’s minds, generative AI and how it is affecting employment law. A panel discussion will explore the accuracy and use of AI tools, as well as broader issues of responsibility and regulation. Court guidance and emerging case law in relation to AI is likely to make for a fascinating session.

Welcoming the summit, Tony Herring, President of TLANZ said “the issues on the agenda from AI and migrant exploitation to the future of dismissal rights are not just legal debates. They go to the heart of fairness, productivity and trust in the employment relationship, which makes it vital that we confront them directly.”

© Scoop Media