Employers call for employment advocate regulation as dispute costs continue to rise

Three in four employers support regulation of employment advocates, according to new research conducted by Simpson Grierson as part of the Government's review of New Zealand's employment dispute resolution system.

The survey highlights widespread concern about cost, delay and business disruption, while identifying practical reforms employers believe would improve the system. Read our findings in the report: Employment disputes: What employers want to see changed

About the report

The Government is currently consulting on New Zealand's employment dispute resolution system, asking whether it is delivering timely, affordable and fair outcomes for employers and employees. The consultation closes on 31 July 2026.

To inform our submission to MBIE, we surveyed employers across New Zealand about their experience managing employment disputes. We received responses from organisations of varying sizes across sectors including financial services, healthcare, education, transport, technology and telecommunications.

The results reveal consistent concerns about the cost and time involved in resolving disputes, alongside strong support for targeted reforms to improve the system.

Key findings

• 75% of respondents support some form of regulatory framework for employment advocates.

• 71% identified the time taken to resolve disputes as a challenge.

• 69% identified cost as a challenge.

• 91% said management time and business disruption have a significant organisational impact when disputes progress through the Employment Relations Authority or Employment Court.

Many employers reported settling claims they considered weak or unmeritorious because defending them would cost more than settlement.

The survey does not suggest employers want wholesale change. Rather, respondents favoured practical reforms focused on improving efficiency, accountability and confidence in the employment dispute resolution process.

Need assistance?

If you would like to discuss the findings, the proposed reforms, or making a submission on MBIE's consultation, please contact one of our employment law specialists.