We advocate for your business needs
Since 1886, through our Advocacy, the EMA has put the needs of our Members in front of politicians and powerbrokers to enact meaningful change.
Our advocacy work
(July 2024 - June 2025)
EMA Leaders Series
Raising your voice with the decision makers
Starting in September, EMA’s Leaders Series brings you exclusive access to New Zealand’s most influential political figures through a series of free, Member-only forums.
We are your champion by advocating for:
We’re on the side of business and push for legislation and policies that will have a positive impact on you. Our Advocacy experts liaise directly with Government and key officials to get the employer voice heard and impact outcomes and engage with media to raise awareness.
Employment Relations
We advocate for balanced employment relations that promote growth and productivity in the workforce and simplify regulatory requirements for businesses.
Health and Safety
We advocate for an overhaul of health and safety regulations to ensure they are practical, effective and reduce harm.
Infrastructure
We advocate for policies that boost productivity by encouraging foreign investment, enhancing infrastructure funding, and fast-tracking critical projects.
Education and Skills
We advocate for an education and skills strategy that aligns with industry needs by overhauling the VET system and fostering better engagement between schools and employers.
Immigration
We advocate for immigration policies that attract the right skills to New Zealand to support a more dynamic and diverse workforce.
Manufacturing and export
We advocate for the reduction of harm in manufacturing and the development of bilateral agreements among nations.
Employment Relations
Health and Safety
Infrastructure
Education and Skills
Immigration
Manufacturing and export
How we engage with our Members
Member briefings
Our thrice-yearly in-person briefings provide an expert update on the economy & employment relations legislation and happen regionally.
Policy forums
Our free policy forums connect you with Government ministers and local officials, with exclusive Q&A opportunities.
Member meetings
We hold one-on-one meetings with Member businesses, ensuring we are up to date with the issues they are facing.
Advocacy newsletter
A monthly newsletter to brief you on current legislation and offer upcoming opportunities for consultations or focus groups.
How we engage with the Government
Formal submissions on legislative change:
We outline our stance on proposed legislation, providing business insights & practical implications.
Consultation on non-legislative issues:
Through meetings, surveys & written feedback, to helps shape policies, guidelines & initiatives.
Presenting to the Select Committee:
We frequently get the opportunity to present our submissions to Select Committees.
Discussion with officials and ministers:
Meetings and forums with stakeholders to present specific issues, policies or economic concerns.
Members of industry advisory panels:
Ensuring continuous input from industry experts on policymaking, fostering informed governance.
How we've been advocating for EMA Members
Focus area | What this means for New Zealand businesses | Stage | When this work is likely to occur |
|---|---|---|---|
Immigration: Residence Pathways | The Skilled Migrant Category visa is a pathway to residency for people with a skilled job who have occupational registration, a bachelor's qualification or higher, or earn 1.5 times the median wage. This visa is being launched August 2026. It will support experienced workers and tradespeople and employers to retain the skills and talent needed to grow. | Complete | This visa category is launching in August 2026. |
Employment Relations: ER Amendment Bill | The Bill remains in progress and signals a shift toward more flexible labour markets. Key provisions (contractor gateway test, high-income PG threshold, union changes, contribution to dismissal remedies) aim to reduce compliance burden and increase certainty for employers. EMA will continue advocating to ensure implementation is smooth and practical for members. | Complete | Now in force as the Employment Relations Amendment Act 2026 (commenced 21 February 2026). |
Employment Relations: Employment Leave Bill/ Holidays Act | Significant progress made. The move to hourly accrual will simplify payroll systems and reduce compliance risk. EMA continues to push for expansion to other leave types and minimal complexity at implementation. | In progress: Legislation stage | Select Committee report due in July 2026. Still awaiting the Second Reading, Third Reading and Royal Assent. Legislation expected to pass ahead of the 2026 election with a 2-year transition period before full implementation (approximately 2028). |
Employment Relations: Disputes Resolution Review | The EMA is advocating for a review of the Employment Relations Authority dispute resolution and mediation processes to improve the employment disputes system and ensure it is fit for purpose and working for business and others engaging with the system as it should. | In progress: Consultation stage | Currently under consultation by MBIE. This review closes at the end of July 2026. The EMA will work with the ministry on the recommendations from this consultation. |
Health and Safety: Legislation Review | Focus is shifting to a risk-based, practical approach, supported by better guidance and enforcement. EMA is focused on ensuring changes reduce ambiguity and over-compliance. | In progress: Legislation stage | Bill passed second reading. Bill likely to pass and receive Royal Assent in August, to be enacted in November 2026. |
Health and Safety: Regulations (ACOPs and guidance) | Health and Safety legislation changes will allow for new Approved Codes of Practice to be developed by sectors. | In progress: Regulation and consultation stage | We will be working with industry and officials over the next 12 to 18 months to support the development of guidance and regulation. |
Resource Management Act (RMA) | Full system rewrite progressing. Greater emphasis on property rights, faster consenting, and enabling development, improving certainty for investment and infrastructure delivery. EMA continues to push for business input into spatial planning and consistent national standards. | In progress: Legislation stage | Currently progressing through Parliament (post-submissions stage) with the Select Committee reporting, Second Reading and remaining stages still to go with legislation likely to pass in late 2026. From 2027 onwards, implementation will be phased. |
Tax: Tax Depreciation Review | The EMA is advocating for a review of tax depreciation settings for business. These need to be modernised and simplified to ensure it is easy for businesses to understand, supports business innovation and improved productivity. | In progress: Advocacy stage | This is included in the EMA Policy Directives to progress with Government. |
Other topics | We work with industry and Government to advocate on issues that matter to businesses: • Energy supply and resilience • Infrastructure pipeline • Access to capital • Aging workforce | In progress: Advocacy stage | Before any changes are made at a legislative level, we focus on gathering employer insights, testing practical impacts, and engaging early to drive balanced, workable outcomes. This is included in the EMA Policy Directives to progress with Government. |
Meet the team that takes your voice to the top
Alan McDonald
Alan McDonald
Head of Advocacy
Head of Advocacy
Focus areas: Economy, Infrastructure, RMA, Transport
Contact: alan.mcdonald@ema.co.nz
Lucy Comfort
Lucy Comfort
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead
Advocacy and Stakeholder Engagement Lead
Focus areas: Immigration, Education, Skills, Infrastructure, Research and Development
Contact: lucy.comfort@ema.co.nz
Paul Jarvie
Paul Jarvie
Employment Relations and Safety Advocate
Employment Relations and Safety Advocate
Focus areas: Employment Relations, Health and Safety, ACC, Ageing Workforce
Contact: paul.jarvie@ema.co.nz