Performance Management · New Zealand

Manage underperformance with confidence.

Structured processes to manage underperforming staff with reduced risk of disputes — fair, documented, and aligned with current NZ employment law.

Manager and employee discussing a performance improvement plan
Fair, defensible processes
Reduce the risk of a personal grievance while giving staff a real chance to improve.
#1
Unjustified dismissal is the most common reason NZ employers end up at the ERA
s.103A
The Employment Relations Act test every dismissal must satisfy to be justified
Written
In the eyes of the ERA, if it wasn't documented, it didn't happen

Under section 103A of the Employment Relations Act, a dismissal isn't judged only on whether you had good reason to act. It's judged on whether a "fair and reasonable employer" would have followed the same process — properly investigating the issue, raising concerns with the employee, and giving them a genuine opportunity to respond before any decision is made.

What we help with

Performance management that is fair and documented.

Performance improvement plans (PIPs)

Built to be legally robust, with clear SMART goals, real support, and regular documented feedback.

Structured, documented performance reviews

A clear record of expectations, progress, and conversations through every stage.

SMART performance expectations from day one

Set goals that are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.

Underperformance conversations and meetings

Practical guidance for the discussions no manager looks forward to having.

Documentation and record-keeping

Because in the eyes of the Employment Relations Authority, if it wasn't written down, it didn't happen.

Deciding when performance management ends

Know when a process moves to formal discipline, restructuring, or a managed exit — and how to do it fairly.

How we help

Support through the whole process.

Clear, practical advice

Guidance aligned with current NZ legislation, including the section 103A test of justification.

Documentation that protects you

Proper records for every meeting and milestone, so your process can stand up to scrutiny.

Hands-on support

From the first conversation through to the outcome — we do the work with you.

Fast response

Act quickly before a performance issue drifts into a personal grievance.

Flexible support

Support for a single PIP or an ongoing performance management framework.

FAQ

Common performance management questions.

A PIP must be entered into in good faith, with clear SMART goals, real support such as training or mentoring, and regular documented feedback — not just a final 'fail' at the end of the month. The employee must understand the concerns, have time to improve, and be given a genuine opportunity to respond.
Managing an underperformance issue right now?

A rushed or undocumented process is the easiest way to turn a fixable issue into a personal grievance.

Book a free HR & H&S audit, or talk to us before you start the conversation.