Redundancy NZ What to Do Next Steps Action Plan
Being made redundant feels overwhelming, but having a clear action plan helps you navigate this transition professionally and protect your interests.
Understanding Your Legal Rights
Under New Zealand employment law, your employer must follow proper consultation process and provide adequate notice. Genuine redundancy occurs when your role is no longer required due to business restructuring or downsizing.
You're entitled to notice pay, any accrued annual leave, and potentially redundancy compensation if specified in your employment agreement. Some employers offer additional support like career counselling or job search assistance.
Source: Employment agreements information
What should you do immediately after redundancy notice?
First, review your employment agreement carefully. Document all communications and ensure you understand your final pay calculation including holiday pay and any redundancy payments.
Contact Work and Income New Zealand immediately to discuss benefit entitlements. The Jobseeker Support payment provides temporary financial assistance while you search for new employment. You may be eligible for support depending on your circumstances.
Source: Business and employment support
Professional Communication Templates
Inform your professional network tactfully. A simple LinkedIn post works: "After three great years at [Company], my role has been made redundant due to restructuring. I'm excited to explore new opportunities in [your field] and would appreciate any connections or insights."
When explaining redundancy to potential employers, be factual: "My previous role was eliminated during company restructuring to reduce operational costs. It was a business decision affecting multiple positions, not performance-related."
Financial Planning During Transition
The average job search takes time in New Zealand's current market, so create a bare-bones budget covering essential expenses like rent, groceries, and utilities.
Consider whether you can access KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal if facing genuine financial difficulty. The criteria are strict, but unemployment lasting more than 26 weeks may qualify you for early access to funds.
Source: KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals
Updating Your Job Search Strategy
Use this transition to reassess your career direction. The AI Job Matching tool at findmeajob.co.nz/match.html can quickly identify roles matching your skills across different industries, potentially opening opportunities you hadn't considered.
Update your CV to reflect recent achievements and responsibilities from your redundant role. Focus on quantifiable results and transferable skills that demonstrate your value to future employers.
Communicating with Colleagues and Clients
Craft professional handover emails for clients and stakeholders. Keep the message brief: "I wanted to inform you that my role at [Company] has been made redundant. [Colleague name] will be your new point of contact. It's been a pleasure working with you."
The Write This Email tool at findmeajob.co.nz/email helps you craft appropriate messages for different situations, ensuring you maintain professional relationships during this transition.
Looking Forward
Redundancy often becomes a catalyst for positive career change. Many New Zealanders report finding better roles or discovering new industries after redundancy. Use this time to upskill, network, and potentially pivot to growing sectors like technology, healthcare, or renewable energy.
Ready to turn this setback into your comeback? Start by getting professional email templates at findmeajob.co.nz/email to handle all your redundancy communications with confidence.
Key takeaways
- Review your employment agreement and document all communications about redundancy
- Apply for Jobseeker Support immediately through Work and Income
- Create professional messages to inform your network and maintain relationships
- Budget carefully and consider KiwiSaver hardship withdrawal if eligible
- Use the transition time to reassess your career direction and upskill