# Early resolution Official source: https://www.employment.govt.nz/resolving-problems/how-to-resolve-problems/early-resolution Scanned: 2026-06-07T03:31:31.402Z Use this as a current official guidance reference, not as a substitute for legal advice. ## Page Text Home Resolving problems How to resolve problems Early resolution How to resolve problems Resolving problems Problems in the workplace Misconduct Bullying, harassment and discrimination Illness and injury Migrant exploitation Work relationship problems How to resolve problems Steps to resolve problems Resolving issues yourselves Talking to your employer Early resolution Mediation Personal grievances Disciplinary action Records of settlement Labour Inspectorate complaints Escalating unresolved issues Protected disclosure Employment during and after disasters Addressing Holidays Act non-compliance Everyone Early resolution Early resolution is a free, impartial phone-based service that helps employers and employees resolve a workplace issue quickly and informally. Delays with early resolution help We are experiencing high demand for our service so it’s taking longer for our team to get in touch with applicants. We apologise for any inconvenience and are working through the requests as quickly as we can. What is early resolution? If you want to resolve a workplace issue before it becomes serious or needs a formal process, we offer a free, informal and impartial phone-based service for both employees Any person, whatever their age, who is employed by an employer to do any work for hire or reward under a ‘contract of service’ (commonly called an ‘employment agreement’). and employers An individual or organisation that hires 1 or more employees and contracts them to work in exchange for wages or salary under a ‘contract of service’ (commonly called an ‘employment agreement’). . Early resolution A free, phone-based service provided by Employment New Zealand, which works with employees and employers to help them resolve a problem quickly and informally before it gets more difficult to sort out. assistance may involve: speaking confidentially with you and the other party to understand what has happened and what is important for each of you ensuring everyone is fully informed with relevant information arranging a discussion to explore the possibility of reaching a resolution helping to negotiate an agreed outcome referring you to a more suitable agency if required. If you’ve got an employment-related issue you can’t solve yourself, and want help talking to the other party, you can contact us for help through our Early Resolution Service. It’s a service where you can get free and independent support to resolve a workplace issue before it becomes too serious or needs a more formal process. We offer help on a range of issues, from disputes over pay, to dismissals. [text] Early resolution assistance may also involve: • Speaking confidentially with you and the other party to understand what has happened and what is important for each of you. • Ensuring everyone is fully informed with relevant information • Arranging a discussion to explore the possibility of reaching a resolution • Helping to negotiate an agreed outcome • Referring you to a more suitable agency if required. If you want to find out more about how we can help you solve employment problems early and informally, check out our Early Resolution service on employment.govt.nz. When early resolution can help Early resolution can help with the following situations. You feel you have a relationship problem at work that could be resolved quickly with a little help from an independent facilitator. You feel you have been treated unfairly or are being bullied. Your working arrangements, hours, pay or leave have changed without you being consulted. You have health and safety concerns. Your employment has ended or may be ending through restructuring Making changes that could affect employees’ jobs. Generally, a restructure occurs when an employer sells, transfers, or contracts out part of, or all its business. Employees in specified sectors (like cleaning or security) have extra rights in a restructure. , redundancy When an employee’s employment is terminated because their position has become surplus to the requirements of the business. Employers must follow a proper and fair process and consider redeployment options before making any positions redundant. , or dismissal When an employer removes an employee from their job, for example, as a result of misconduct or redundancy. . You have concerns about your employee’s performance. Early resolution may not be suitable in some circumstances for example: if the same issue has been, or is being, dealt with by a mediator A confidential and safe way for employers and employees to work through their issues and develop solutions with the help of an independent mediator. Mediation is usually voluntary, but in some cases can be directed by the Employment Relations Authority. or labour inspector A warranted employee of MBIE who ensures employment standards are met in the workplace. They can take enforcement action for non-compliance with employment standards. if you are reporting migrant exploitation Behaviour that causes, or increases the risk of, material harm to the economic, social, physical or emotional wellbeing of a worker. This can include breaches of employment standards. if your case has been through the Employment Relations Authority The tribunal established under the Employment Relations Act to resolve employment relationship problems. or Employment Court. The court that hears and determines cases relating to employment disputes. It also hears challenges to determinations of the Employment Relations Authority and questions of interpretation of law. It has initial jurisdiction over matters like strikes and lockouts. Migrant exploitation Employment Relations Authority (external link) Employment Court of New Zealand (external link) Apply for early resolution help To tell us about your problem, complete our online form. The more details you can give us, the better. We will be in touch with you as soon as we can. Early resolution form (external link) Note: If you want to raise a personal grievance you must raise it with your employer within 90 days of the issue arising or coming to your attention. Personal grievances Your privacy with early resolution support The information you provide will be used by Employment New Zealand to help you resolve your issue. This could mean referring it to the Labour Inspectorate for potential breaches of minimum employment standards. We will not share your information outside Employment New Zealand, unless permitted by law. The information you provide will be treated as confidential, and in accordance with our statutory obligations including the Official Information Act and the Privacy Act. We will usually consult with you before releasing any of your information under these Acts. For further information, read our Privacy Policy. Privacy policy Published: 11 March 2024 Last modified: 11 March 2026 Written for: Everyone Share this page: Print this page: