Can my employer ask me if I have been vaccinated for Covid-19?

Employers that have a legitimate need to know an employee’s vaccination status can ask the employee for that information; for example, where the employee’s role is subject to a vaccine mandate, or where the information is material to a health and safety plan.

We recommend that you check the guidance at employment.govt.nz(external link) for the latest information for employers and employees.

Employer’s must also ensure that their collection practices comply with the requirements of any government vaccine mandate, and with their obligations under the Privacy Act 2020.  For example, in accordance with Information Privacy Principle 3(external link) when collecting the information from the employee, the employer must advise them why the information is being collected, the particular law that authorises or requires the collection (if any), whether supplying the information is voluntary or mandatory, and the consequences for the individual if the information is not provided (if any).  Information Privacy Principle 4(external link) also requires employer to collect information by means that are lawful, fair, and do not unreasonably intrude upon the personal affairs of the individual concerned.

See our full Privacy and Covid-19 information here