Every day, New Zealand workers clock longer hours than their peers in most developed nations, yet produce far less value per hour worked. This productivity paradox has haunted our economy for decades, condemning workers to lower wages and longer working days.

Now, Parliament has a chance to help change this cycle. Select committee submissions closed last month on the Government’s Employment Relations Amendment Bill 2025. The bill tackles several employment law issues. But two reforms stand out: removing unjustified dismissal protections for high earners and creating a “gateway test” for independent contractors. One offers direct productivity benefits; the other provides long-overdue certainty.

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