Ask Law Lenz: Can I Hire Them As A Casual Employee?

In this Ask Law Lenz episode, we tackle one of the most common and misunderstood questions in New Zealand workplaces: “Can I just hire them as a casual?”

While it might be easy to label someone a casual employee, ensuring they actually are casual in the eyes of the law is a whole different story.

Join host Sanam as she unpacks what legally defines a casual employee under New Zealand employment law, busts common myths, and highlights red flags that could mean your so-called “casual” is really a permanent employee in disguise.

In this episode, Sanam covers:

• The legal definition of casual employment in New Zealand
• How casual, "part-time", and permanent roles differ
• Common mistakes employers make when classifying workers
• Best practices for managing casual employment the right way
• Real case examples where casual missteps led to big consequences
• A step-by-step guide to help you confidently classify your workers (HERE)

Whether you’re in HR, managing a small business, or an employer trying to stay compliant, this episode is packed with practical information to help you navigate casual employment.

Tune in to find out: is your employee really a casual, or just labelled one?

Need help figuring it out? Download the ‘Who’s Your Worker?’ guide HERE - this is a FREE resource packed with top tips, FAQs, quizzes + more to help you classify with confidence.

Craving more insights? Sign up to the Law Lenz Newsletter! CLICK HERE!

Check out Lisa Young’s HRHQ Membership HERE! Feel supported with tailored guidance, content and access to a massive HR community.

Follow Sanam on LinkedIn for key employment law updates.

Got questions? Send them our way, and Sanam will feature them in the next episode. Email your queries to [e-mail].

Check out the Law Lenz website HERE.

Resources:

• Casual employment - MBIE

Disclaimer: The content presented in this episode is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as legal advice. The host does not assume any liability for actions taken based on the content of this podcast. While the host is a lawyer, they are not your lawyer and the information provided is based on general legal information. This podcast does not create a solicitor-client relationship.While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date as at the date of each episode, laws and regulations may change, and the content of this podcast may not reflect the most current legal standards or interpretations. Listeners are encouraged to consult with a qualified New Zealand legal professional for advice tailored to their specific situation.