A New Era of Pay Transparency in NZ Workplaces

Change is on the way for how pay is discussed in New Zealand workplaces. On 20 August 2025, Parliament passed the Employment Relations (Employee Remuneration Disclosure) Amendment Bill. It isn’t law just yet — we’re waiting on Royal Assent — but once that happens, it will take effect the very next day.

And when it does, pay secrecy clauses will no longer be enforceable. Employees will finally be able to talk openly about their pay without fear of any backlash.

For years, “don’t talk about your salary” was the quiet rule in many workplaces. That silence helped keep pay gaps hidden, especially for women and ethnic minorities. This Bill changes that, creating space for more open, equitable conversations.

Preparing for the shift

Of course, change always comes with mixed feelings. Some employers welcome the transparency; others worry it could spark comparison or resentment. The reality? It’ll depend on how you handle it. This shift isn’t just about legal compliance, it’s about building a culture of clarity and trust.

Now’s the time to prepare. Review your employment agreements and remove pay secrecy clauses. Check that your pay structures are fair and justifiable. Equip leaders to explain pay decisions with confidence, and plan how you’ll communicate changes to your team.

When people start asking questions — and they will — it’s better to be ready with honest answers than caught off guard. Done right, pay transparency can be a real opportunity: a chance to build trust, fairness, and stronger engagement across your workplace.