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Workplace Rights in NZ

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Workplace Rights in NZ

Explore basic rights and responsibilities at work in Aotearoa New Zealand. Match key terms, analyse workplace situations and suggest practical next steps. Employment entitlements can depend on a worker’s circumstances and current law; use reliable, up-to-date guidance when needed.

A. Key workplace terms

Match each term to its meaning.

1.Match each workplace term with the most accurate meaning.

Minimum wage
Annual holidays
Employment agreement
Health and safety
Harassment
Rest and meal breaks
Sick leave
Notice period

The period of notice required to end employment, as set by the agreement or otherwise applicable rules.
The shared work of identifying and managing risks so far as is reasonably practicable.
Paid leave for eligible employees who cannot work because they are sick or injured, or because a dependant is sick or injured.
Breaks during work that employees are generally entitled to, with timing and duration governed by law.
A written agreement setting out the terms and conditions of a job.
The lowest hourly rate an eligible employee can legally be paid, subject to the applicable rate and rules.
Unwanted behaviour that may harm or offend a person; some forms are unlawful and should be addressed.
Paid time away from work; eligible employees generally become entitled to at least four weeks after 12 months of continuous employment.

B. Workplace situations

For each situation, identify the issue, name a relevant right or protection, and suggest a sensible next step. Give reasons for your suggestions.

2.Finn works a seven-hour shift at a bakery. Her manager schedules the shift without any rest or meal break. Finn is unsure whether this is allowed. What is the concern, what workplace entitlement may apply, and what could Finn do next?

3.Ari starts a warehouse job. The employer has not provided a written employment agreement, so Ari does not know the agreed pay rate, hours or other terms. What is the problem, what should Ari be able to access, and what is a practical first step?

4.Leilani is repeatedly mocked by a co-worker about her accent. She has asked them to stop, but it continues and she feels uncomfortable at work. Identify the concern, name a possible workplace protection, and suggest two reasonable actions Leilani could consider.

5.Freya notices that a heavy load is stacked unstably in a walkway at work. A colleague says to ignore it and keep working. Explain the safety issue and give two steps Freya could take to reduce the risk.

C. Compare possible responses

Choose one situation from section B. Suggest two possible actions and explain which you think is the better first step and why. There can be more than one reasonable answer; use evidence from the situation.

6.For one situation in section B, describe two different actions the worker could take. Choose the better first step and explain why it is appropriate. Include who they might contact or what information they could check.