Receivership & Liquidation Employee Claim Calculator NZ

Employment New Zealand says a preferential claim can include wages or salary earned in the four months before liquidation, holiday pay, redundancy compensation and certain untransferred deductions or employment awards.

The Companies (Maximum Priority Amount) Order 2024 sets the maximum priority amount at $31,820 for liquidations and receiverships commencing from 30 September 2024. Amounts above the cap can remain unsecured claims.

No. Payment depends on the assets available and the claim being accepted. Employment New Zealand warns that an employee may receive only some or none of the money owed.

No, but employee priority still applies. A receiver appointed under a security interest over accounts receivable and inventory must pay Schedule 7 preferential claims — including the same statutory cap — out of those assets, under section 30 of the Receiverships Act 1993. The claim window shifts to 4 months before the receiver's appointment through 14 days after. Recovery still depends on the receiver holding enough qualifying assets, so ask the receiver or liquidator how employment and claims are being handled in your case.

Keep evidence such as payslips, timesheets, leave records and your employment agreement. File with the liquidator for a company or the Official Assignee for a bankrupt sole trader or partnership.