Uber New Zealand has agreed to settle employment-related claims involving more than 1,600 drivers and delivery partners, according to HRD.
Workers First Union said the agreement covers claims made over the past six years.
Uber will make individual financial offers to affected workers, with accepted offers bringing the claims to a full and final settlement.
“This is a hugely important milestone for drivers who have been involved in legal proceedings against Uber for over five years,” said Anita Rosentreter, Workers First deputy secretary.
Deal follows landmark Supreme Court ruling
The settlement comes after New Zealand's Supreme Court ruled in November 2025 that four Uber drivers had been wrongly classified as contractors.
The decision upheld earlier rulings that recognised the drivers as employees, giving them access to rights including minimum wage, holiday pay and collective bargaining.
“There is a sense of closure, but also a lot of promise for the future,” said Mea'ole Keil, one of the drivers involved in the original case.
Uber says agreement provides certainty
Uber said the deal resolves the historic claims.
“Uber is pleased to have reached an agreement with First Union on historic wage arrears claims related to a group of Uber driver and delivery partners,” the spokesperson told HRD.
“The agreement brings to an end these matters which pre-dated the introduction of the Gateway Test in February this year. We look ahead with the certainty needed regarding the status of platform work in New Zealand.”
New rules add to gig work debate
The settlement comes after New Zealand introduced a new “gateway test” to help determine whether platform workers are employees or contractors.
Workers First Union has opposed the changes, arguing they make it harder for gig workers to challenge their employment status.
“Our current government sided with platform companies over tens of thousands of Kiwi drivers - we must keep fighting,” Rosentreter said.