McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers

30/09/2026

Earlier this year our office runners put the challenge to the rest of the team: why not give the Whangamatā Half Marathon a go?

Running isn't everyone's thing, but everyone said yes, and last Saturday we lined up for a mix of distances, from the 5km right through to the half marathon.

We think this says a lot about our team. We back each other, we're happy to step out of our comfort zones, and we're always up for a challenge.

Thanks to Event Day and the Lions Club of Whangamatā for a fantastic day.

05/08/2026

We're pleased to welcome Casey as a Solicitor at McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers.

Casey brings valuable litigation experience and a strategic, pragmatic approach to employment law, helping clients work through workplace issues with clear, practical advice.

Nau mai, haere mai, Casey.

09/06/2026

Last week Karina and Josh were in Wellington at the Employment Law Conference 2026, staying across the latest developments including the much-discussed Holidays Act reform. Meanwhile, Fiona was busy doing exactly what the Holidays Act is designed for... taking a well-earned break in Hawaii.

We'd say that's work-life balance covered from both angles.

25/05/2026

Last weekend, Fiona and Josh along with a group from their BNI chapter attended the Bucket List Banquet supporting Hospice Waikato, and what a night it was.

Great company, amazing auction items, raffles, entertainment, generosity and some really moving speakers, including a family sharing their experience of receiving care through Rainbow Place – a specialist Hospice service for children and youth.

The stat that stuck with us: one in three people who die in New Zealand are supported by Hospice in some way. An incredible organisation doing vital mahi within our community.

If you're looking for a cause worth supporting, Hospice Waikato is a great place to start.

09/05/2026

McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers is hiring! We're looking for a junior to intermediate lawyer to join us. Flexible hours, real variety, and a great team to work alongside.

2-6 years' PQE in employment law (or transferable experience). Full details here: https://nz.seek.com/job/91987662

05/05/2026

We are pleased to welcome Sarah, our new Law Clerk, to the MDL team.

Sarah is in her final year at the University of Waikato, studying toward a conjoint Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources. With a keen interest in the intersection of legal compliance and people management, she is a great addition to our team.

Haere mai, Sarah!

20/04/2026

Another employment law change that came into effect on 21 February 2026 is worth knowing about if you hire new staff.

The 30-day rule has been removed. Previously, new employees in roles covered by a union agreement had to be employed on collective terms for their first 30 days, even if they were not a union member.

Now, new employees can choose from day one whether to go individual or collective. Employers have more flexibility to negotiate tailored terms right from the start of a working relationship.

The change applies to new employees only and does not affect existing staff or existing agreements.

Our latest article covers what this means in practice for both employers and employees.

Read it here: https://www.mdlawyers.co.nz/blog/post/162664/the-30-day-rule-is-gone-what-it-means-for-your-workplace--mdlawyers/

Any questions? Get in touch with the team at McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers.

13/04/2026

If your business engages contractors, this change matters.

From 21 February 2026, New Zealand has a new legal test for determining whether a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.

It is called the gateway test, and every single criterion must be met for a worker to be classified as a contractor. If even one is not satisfied, the worker may still be able to claim employee status and access employee rights.

Simply calling someone a contractor or using an old template is not enough.

Our latest article explains how the test works, what employers need to check, and what contractors should know before signing any new agreement.

Read it here: https://www.mdlawyers.co.nz/blog/post/162786/the-new-contractor-gateway-test-what-it-means-for-your-business-mdlawyers/

Any questions? Get in touch with the team at McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers.

07/04/2026

New employment law changes are now in effect for high earners.

From 21 February 2026, employees earning $200,000 or more per year can no longer bring a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal in most situations. And the threshold is broader than many people expect. It includes bonuses, commissions, paid leave, and equity compensation, not just base salary.

If you are an employer with senior staff, or an employee at or near this level, our latest article breaks down exactly what this means, what the transition period looks like, and what steps are worth taking now.

Read it here: https://bit.ly/4twWwGs

Any questions? Get in touch with the team at McLuskie Dalziel Lawyers.

From 21 February 2026, employees earning $200,000 or more can no longer bring a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal in most cases. Here's what employers and employees need to know.