How can I get in touch with you?

You can contact us via any of the following:

• Email Tatua.payroll@tatua.com. A member of our team will then be in touch.
• Call 0800 783 404
• Send a letter to Payroll, Tatua, Private Bag 800, Morrinsville 3340

What caused this problem?

The Holidays Act 2003 has been interpreted differently by a number of New Zealand businesses and government bodies. That has meant incorrectly calculated entitlements for some employees.

In 2017 we approached our payroll provider to gain assurance that the amounts paid when annual leave was taken were correct and compliant with the Holidays Act. At that time, we were assured that we were calculating leave correctly.

When did you become aware of this problem?

We recently changed to a new payroll system called Zambion. This prompted us to once again audit our payroll data and to reconcile the transition of data from the old system to the new.

In late April 2019 we asked an external consultancy – Integrity1 – to undertake an audit of the information we had transferred from our old payroll provider into Zambion.

Integrity1 submitted their report on 10 May 2019. That report confirmed to us:

1. The holiday information transferred from our old payroll provider was incorrect.
2. The holiday pay calculation was being applied correctly in Zambion.
3. Incorrect information combined with correct calculation still results in an incorrect payment.

How do I know if this has affected my pay?

Those impacted are past and present employees who worked for Tatua between 2006 and 2020. Not all Tatua employees from this period are affected. We are contacting everyone (past and present) to advise them whether they are owed or not owed any money.

We have worked extensively to identify former employees who have been impacted, and we are using the last known address – and in some cases, email address – to contact them. If you have any questions about the process and whether you are potentially impacted, you can contact us as above.

Why has it taken so long to organise these payments?

We have committed time to make sure we get this right. We needed to do everything we could to make sure our calculations are as accurate as possible, and that meant querying over 100,000 payslips from 2006 to 2020.

The issues are complex and affect about 400 people (past and present employees). It has taken this long because we have done everything in our power to ensure we both get this right for you now as well as in the future.

Can I see the calculation you used to determine the amount I am owed?

Because the calculations are long and complex, we are not automatically providing them to you. But you can ask for yours, and we will provide it. We have worked with an independent company to ensure calculation used is correct.

How far back will you backpay underpayments?

The Wages Protection Act 1983 sets a six-year window in which recovery of underpayments can be made. However, Tatua has pay records held from September 2006 and has chosen to remediate from then or your Tatua start date (if it is later) up to 31 March 2020.

How much will I be paid?

Earnings history and leave patterns are unique, so each case has been assessed individually and each payment amount will be different. We will be writing to each person to advise of the money they are owed or not.

Will interest be paid on top of my remediation payment?

Yes, although we are not legally obliged to pay interest Tatua has chosen to pay interest on the monies owed. To determine the interest to pay we referred to the Interest on Money Claims Act 2016 for our calculation methodology.

What do I need to do to get my payment?

We are informing everyone by letter what their situation is, whether they are owed money or not. If you have been advised you are owed money, you should have received instructions on how to claim your payment. If you have not received a letter but worked for Tatua between 2006 and 2020, please get in touch via the contact information provided.

What documents do I need to make a claim?

We need you to complete a claim form so we can pay you. You can complete the form online and upload the below documents, or download a form and send it via email or post

The claim form also asks you to provide the following:

• Proof of Identity – one of these documents please:
  • birth certificate, passport, certificate of citizenship, immigration NZ Visa, driver’s license, or Kiwi Access Card.
  • Please note if your identity document has two sides both sides must be provided.
• If contributing to Kiwisave:r a signed IRD KiwiSaver Deduction Form (KS2)
• If contributing to a superannuation scheme: superannuation scheme section must be completed in the claim form
• Tax Code and IRD number: a signed Tax Code Declaration Form (IR330)
• Bank account details for payment: Confirmation of Bank Account which confirms your name, address and bank account number.

I have not heard from you. What do I need to do to find out if you owe me any money?

Please contact us on 0800 783 404.

What if I have changed my address?

Please contact us to update your details via any of the contact options listed above.

What if I have been overpaid – do I need to pay any money back?

No. We are not asking those who have been overpaid to return any funds.

I represent a past employee who has passed away or for whom I have power of attorney. What do I need to do?

Please contact us with your name, the name of the employee (for whom you hold power of attorney or act on behalf of their estate), and your phone number.

We will require you to provide confirmation that you’re legally authorised to act on behalf of the former employee and will need you to supply all the information required in the claim form.

When will I receive the money I am owed into my bank account?

Upon receipt of your documentation we will process your documentation and arrange payment to your nominated bank account on the last Friday of the month.

Will I get a payslip once my payment has been made?

Yes, we will email or post you a payslip (based on your preference).

How does this payment impact my tax obligations?

We will deduct PAYE in accordance with the tax code in your Tax Code Declaration Form (IR330). Your tax will be withheld at the rate appropriate to your conditions for the current financial year. We recommend you follow the advice of the IRD and select an appropriate tax code for your circumstances. It is very important you submit an IRD form when you claim your payment.

To understand if the payment will impact payments such as child support of other benefits, please speak to the relevant agencies that administer these services.

How will super contributions be managed?

Contributions will be made to your KiwiSaver or Superannuation scheme under your instruction. It is important you submit a KiwiSaver form when you claim your payment.

Company contributions to other superannuation schemes will be paid at the rate you were paying at the time you left the business. Please complete the superannuation advice section of the claim form advising us of the superannuation scheme and your member number. If you were part of another superannuation scheme, please contact us via email.