HR Solutions for New Zealand Businesses
Compare top HR software and services tailored for the New Zealand market. Find the perfect solution to manage your workforce, ensure compliance, and drive growth.
8 providers reviewed | Updated August 2024
Small Business (5-50 employees)
Sage HR, Breathe HR, BambooHR
From $5/employee/month
Medium Business (50-500 employees)
Employment Hero, BambooHR, Deputy
From $6/employee/month
Large Enterprise (500+ employees)
Workday, Employment Hero
From $100+/employee/month
Employment Hero
From $6/employee/month
per employee/month
All-in-one HR platform designed for modern businesses with comprehensive employee management capabilities
Key Features
- Employee self-service portal
- Performance management
- Leave tracking & approvals
- Digital onboarding
+4 more features
Best For
Growing businesses (20-200+ employees) needing comprehensive HR automation
Pros
- • Excellent user interface
- • Strong NZ employment law compliance
- • Mobile app
- • Good integration options
Cons
- • Can be complex for very small teams
- • Some advanced features require higher tiers
BambooHR
From $8/employee/month
per employee/month
User-friendly HR software focused on simplicity and core HR functions for small to medium businesses
Key Features
- Applicant tracking system
- Time-off management
- Employee database
- Performance reviews
+4 more features
Best For
Small to medium businesses (10-500 employees) wanting intuitive HR management
Pros
- • Very intuitive interface
- • Excellent customer support
- • Good mobile experience
- • Strong reporting
Cons
- • Limited customization
- • No built-in payroll for NZ
- • Advanced features cost extra
Workday
Custom pricing (typically $100+/employee/month)
per employee/month
Enterprise-grade HR and finance platform with advanced analytics and global capabilities
Key Features
- Global HR management
- Advanced analytics
- Talent management
- Learning platform
+3 more features
Best For
Large enterprises (500+ employees) needing sophisticated HR and finance integration
Pros
- • Highly configurable
- • Excellent analytics
- • Global compliance
- • Strong security
Cons
- • Very expensive
- • Complex implementation
- • Overkill for smaller businesses
HR Partners
From $150/month for basic support, custom packages available
per employee/month
Full-service HR consultancy providing outsourced HR support and advisory services across New Zealand
Key Features
- HR advisory services
- Policy development
- Employment law compliance
- Training programs
+3 more features
Best For
Businesses (10-100 employees) without dedicated internal HR teams
Pros
- • Local NZ expertise
- • Flexible service packages
- • Strong legal knowledge
- • Personal service
Cons
- • Not a software solution
- • Response times can vary
- • Higher cost for ongoing support
Sage HR
From $5/employee/month
per employee/month
Cloud-based HR software with strong focus on employee experience and core HR functions
Key Features
- Employee records
- Leave management
- Performance tracking
- Shift scheduling
+4 more features
Best For
Small to medium businesses (5-250 employees) wanting affordable HR software
Pros
- • Affordable pricing
- • Easy to use
- • Good mobile app
- • Quick setup
Cons
- • Limited advanced features
- • Basic reporting
- • No NZ payroll integration
Deputy
From $4.50/user/month
per employee/month
Workforce management platform specializing in scheduling, time tracking, and team communication
Key Features
- Employee scheduling
- Time & attendance
- Leave management
- Task management
+4 more features
Best For
Businesses with hourly workers and complex scheduling needs (retail, hospitality)
Pros
- • Excellent for scheduling
- • Strong mobile app
- • Good for hourly workers
- • NZ compliance features
Cons
- • Limited traditional HR features
- • Better for operational than strategic HR
PeopleHR
From $7/employee/month
per employee/month
Comprehensive HR software with strong recruitment and performance management capabilities
Key Features
- Recruitment management
- Performance reviews
- Learning management
- Employee database
+4 more features
Best For
Medium businesses (50-500 employees) with active recruitment and performance focus
Pros
- • Strong recruitment features
- • Good performance management
- • Flexible configuration
- • Decent reporting
Cons
- • Interface can feel dated
- • Limited NZ-specific features
- • Some features require add-ons
Breathe HR
From $5/employee/month (minimum 5 users)
per employee/month
Simple, people-focused HR software designed for small businesses with essential HR features
Key Features
- Employee records
- Holiday tracking
- Sickness monitoring
- Document storage
+4 more features
Best For
Small businesses (5-50 employees) wanting simple, affordable HR management
Pros
- • Very user-friendly
- • Affordable pricing
- • Good customer support
- • Quick implementation
Cons
- • Limited advanced features
- • No NZ-specific compliance
- • Basic integrations
Core HR Management
Employee records, leave management, performance reviews, and basic HR administration.
From $5/employee/month
Talent Management
Recruitment, onboarding, performance management, and learning & development systems.
From $8/employee/month
Compliance & Advisory
Employment law compliance, policy development, and HR consulting services.
From $150/month
Complete Guide to Choosing HR Software in New Zealand
Essential NZ Considerations
- Employment Relations Act Compliance: Ensure your chosen platform handles NZ employment law requirements, including minimum wage calculations, holiday pay, and sick leave entitlements.
- Privacy Act 2020 Compliance: Look for systems with strong data protection measures and clear data governance policies for employee information.
- Local Payroll Integration: Verify compatibility with NZ payroll providers like Xero Payroll, MYOB PayGlobal, or PaySauce.
- Public Holiday Management: Automatic handling of NZ public holidays, including regional variations and Mondayisation rules.
Implementation Timeline
Cost Breakdown
- • Software licensing: $5-100/user/month
- • Implementation: $2,000-20,000 one-time
- • Training: $1,000-5,000
- • Data migration: $1,000-10,000
- • Ongoing support: 15-20% of license cost
Key Questions to Ask
- • What NZ compliance features are included?
- • How does data backup and recovery work?
- • What are the integration capabilities?
- • What support is available in NZ time zones?
- • How is pricing calculated and what's included?
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- • Choosing based on price alone
- • Underestimating implementation time
- • Skipping staff training
- • Ignoring data security requirements
- • Not planning for future growth
Industry-Specific HR Recommendations
Professional Services
Focus on project time tracking, performance management, and client billing integration.
Recommended: Employment Hero, BambooHR
Retail & Hospitality
Emphasis on scheduling, time tracking, and managing hourly staff across multiple locations.
Recommended: Deputy, Employment Hero
Healthcare
Compliance tracking, certification management, and complex scheduling requirements.
Recommended: Employment Hero, Workday
Manufacturing
Safety training tracking, shift management, and skills/competency recording.
Recommended: Employment Hero, PeopleHR
Technology
Agile team management, remote work support, and continuous performance feedback.
Recommended: BambooHR, PeopleHR
Construction
Site-based management, safety compliance, and mobile-first solutions.
Recommended: Deputy, HR Partners
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between HR software and HR services?
HR software provides self-service tools and automation, while HR services offer expert guidance and outsourced support. Many NZ businesses benefit from a combination of both.
How much should I budget for HR software?
Expect $5-15/employee/month for basic systems, $15-50 for comprehensive platforms, and $50+ for enterprise solutions. Factor in implementation costs of $2,000-20,000.
Do I need NZ-specific HR software?
While not mandatory, NZ-focused solutions like Employment Hero and Deputy offer built-in compliance features that can save significant time and reduce legal risk.
How long does HR software implementation take?
Simple systems: 2-4 weeks. Comprehensive platforms: 6-12 weeks. Enterprise solutions: 3-12 months. Factor in data migration, training, and testing phases.
What integrations should I look for?
Essential integrations include payroll systems (Xero, MYOB), accounting software, email platforms, and time tracking tools. API availability is important for future needs.
How do I ensure employee adoption?
Focus on user-friendly interfaces, comprehensive training, clear communication about benefits, and gradual rollout. Employee self-service features often drive adoption.