Are you ready if a Labour Inspector knocks on your door? In 2026, the cleaning industry in New Zealand is checked very carefully. New laws make the rules much stricter. Paying workers correctly and keeping good records is now very important. The old idea of “it will be okay” can now get you into serious trouble.
This guide is written in very simple English. It helps cleaning business owners understand the main rules for inspections in 2026. Follow these steps to keep your business safe.
2026 Wage & Entitlement Enforcement (The “Anti-Wage Theft” Era)
A new law called the Crimes (Theft by Employer) Amendment Act 2025 changed everything. If you choose not to pay wages or leave pay on purpose, it is now a crime. Before this law, it was only a small civil problem. Now directors or owners can face criminal charges.
In 2026, inspectors watch cleaning companies very closely because many workers are casual and earn low wages.
The 2026 Minimum Wage & Leave Standards
From April 1, 2026, these are the new pay rates you must follow:
- Adult Minimum Wage: $23.95 per hour
- Starting-out Rate (for some young workers): $19.16 per hour (this is 80% of adult rate)
For casual cleaners, you must now pay 12.5% extra on top of their normal pay. This 12.5% covers both annual leave and sick leave. The old way of paying only 8% is no longer allowed.
A new law (Employment Leave Act 2026) says leave starts building up in hours from the very first day of work. If you still give leave as a lump sum after six months, you are breaking the rules.
Quick Tip: Check your payroll system today. Make sure it uses the new $23.95 rate from April 1, 2026. Keep clear records of every hour worked and every payment made. A small mistake is okay if you fix it quickly. But doing it on purpose or many times can be seen as stealing wages.
Also Read: Germany Warehouse Jobs: Employer Inspection and Compliance Laws in 2026
Health, Safety & Lone Worker Protection
Cleaning work can be dangerous. Many cleaners work alone at night in offices, schools, or shops. Because of this, WorkSafe and inspectors pay special attention to safety.
- Lone Worker Security You must protect workers who clean alone. Use a mobile app for check-ins or give them a panic button. If night cleaners have no good safety system, you can get a fine.
- Chemical Safety Cleaning products can be harmful. All chemicals must have correct 2026 labels. Train your team how to use them safely. In food areas, use special tests (like ATP tests) to make sure everything is really clean.
- Fatigue Management Workers must get proper rest and meal breaks. Inspectors may check GPS records from your vehicles and compare them with time sheets. This proves if workers really took their breaks. Follow these rules carefully to stay out of trouble.
Good safety rules protect your workers and save your business from big fines.
Immigration & Migrant Worker Protections
Many people working in cleaning come from other countries. A large number are Asian and work on Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV). Because of this, immigration rules are checked very strictly. One mistake can bring many government agencies to check your business.
- The B2 English Barrier & AEWV Audits From January 8, 2026, some jobs need workers to speak and understand English at B2 level. Supervisors must explain safety rules clearly in English. Inspectors will check this.
- Record Keeping Keep good digital files for every worker. Include their visa details, pay records, and leave records. Show that you pay at least the normal wage for that job.
- Passport Safety Never keep a worker’s passport. If you do, the government takes fast action. The worker can get a special protection visa, and you can lose your right to hire migrants.
Always treat migrant workers fairly. It keeps your business legal and helps you keep good workers.
AI & Digital Oversight (The “Smart Cleaning” Audit)
Many cleaning companies use apps to track workers and plan jobs. In 2026, the government (MBIE) checks these digital systems carefully.
Geo-Tracking Transparency
If you use GPS to see where workers are, you must tell them clearly. Follow the Privacy Act 2020 rules. Write a notice that explains what you track and why.
Itemized Pay Statements
You cannot give a simple payslip anymore. Every payslip must show:
- hours worked
- pay rate
- how much leave is building up in hours
Digital Bias
If you use computer programs (AI) to plan shifts, inspectors check for fairness. Make sure migrant workers do not always get the worst shifts or night hours without a good reason.
Use technology to help your business, but follow the rules about privacy and fairness.
Penalty Structures: What’s at Stake?
The government can now give much bigger fines in 2026.
- For a person (director/owner): Up to $50,000 if you break rules on purpose
- For the company: Up to $100,000 for big or repeated problems
- For bad records: $1,000 fine for each worker if timesheets are missing
These fines can hurt your business very badly. Good records and correct pay are the best way to stay safe.
Next Step for Your Business
Check your business today:
- Update pay rates for April 2026
- Train your team on safety
- Keep all records safe and correct
Disclaimer: This guide is only for information. Always check the latest rules on the official websites of Employment New Zealand (MBIE) or WorkSafe NZ before you make changes.