New rules which eliminate the use of zero hour contracts come into effect as of today.

Legislation passed earlier this month, following negotiations between the Government and opposition parties, means employers will no longer be able to expect workers to be available for unspecified hours of work without offering compensation.

LISTEN ABOVE: Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse speaks to Mike Hosking

But a recruitment association said the employment law changes don't go far enough for workers or employers.

Recruitment and Consulting Services Association New Zealand chair John Harland said while the changes are good, there's still not enough certainty to guarantee a stable workplace.

"There's no compulsion to have an agreed number of hours in any week so we believe that that's a little bit loose and should be tightened up".

Mr Harland said while the axing of the contracts is all well and good, there's still not a lot of certainty around workers' hours. He said New Zealanders deserve better.

"They really haven't given it some teeth or penalties in providing the security that these people are looking for".

Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse said other measures are also being put in place.

"Strengthening sanctions for breaches of employment law and increasing the minimum wage to $15.25 per hour well ahead of the rate of inflation".

New extensions to paid parental leave take effect as of today as well.

Michael Woodhouse said casual and seasonal workers, along with primary caregivers - in addition to biological and adoptive parents - now can access the scheme and its duration has been stretched to 18 weeks.

"In addition, parents of pre-term babies will be entitled to a longer period of payments than the standard 18 weeks".

Meanwhile, recipients of the minimum wage will also see an increase in their pay packets from today, while recipients of main benefits will now receive an extra $25 a week - a package unveiled at last year's Budget.

Social Development Minister Anne Tolley said the work on the package was started by the Prime Minister immediately after the last election to address his concerns children weren't enjoying the lifestyle we want them to experience.

She said in the end it was a consensus decision and a lot of ministers thought it was the right thing to do. Ms Tolley said it was just a matter of negotiating how much and when.