AI tools have quickly become part of everyday working life. They help us draft CVs, tidy up emails, prepare policies, and even generate job descriptions. They’re fast, convenient, and often produce impressively polished text. But as one recent case shows, relying on AI without proper oversight can create real problems, especially in employment relationships, where accuracy and honesty matter.
The Employment Relations Authority’s decision in Rennie v DJ Auto Vehicle Importer Ltd [2026] NZERA 27 is a timely reminder that while AI can help, it cannot take responsibility for what it produces.
What happened in the Rennie case?
Mr Rennie applied for a job with DJ Auto Vehicle Importer Ltd, and used ChatGPT to draft his CV. So far, nothing unusual as many job seekers do the same now days. The issue arose because he didn’t carefully review what the AI had written before sending it off.
Two key inaccuracies slipped through:
- The CV said he had been employed by Hertz, when in reality he had only worked on Hertz vehicles.
- It left out a short period of employment with RV Super Centre, which had ended in dismissal.
These weren’t small details. They were central to the employer’s assessment of his experience and honesty.
DJ Auto argued that these inaccuracies amounted to misrepresentation and breached the employment agreement. The ERA agreed. Even though AI generated the content, Mr Rennie was responsible for what he submitted, and the employer was justified in dismissing him.
What this means for employees
This case highlights a trap that’s easy to fall into: assuming that because AI writes something confidently, it must be correct. But AI doesn’t understand context, nuance, or your personal history. It can guess, embellish, or omit information without warning.
If you use AI to help prepare a CV, cover letter, or any employment-related document, you must:
- Read it carefully
- Check every detail
- Make sure it reflects the truth
The ERA made it clear: intent doesn’t matter as much as accuracy. Even accidental misrepresentations can have serious consequences.
What this means for employers
For employers, the case reinforces that you can expect applicants to take reasonable care with the information they provide even if AI was involved. If a CV contains misleading or incomplete information, the responsibility sits with the applicant, not the tool they used.
It also signals a growing need for employers to be alert to AI‑generated content. A CV may look polished, but that doesn’t mean it’s accurate. Asking clarifying questions, checking references, and verifying key details is more important than ever.
Why professional oversight still matters
The Rennie case also speaks to a broader issue: AI can produce text, but it cannot think. It doesn’t understand legal implications, professional standards, or how a document might be interpreted later.
We often see clients bring us AI‑generated contracts, policies, or letters and ask us to “just check them.” There’s a common belief that this is more cost‑effective than having us draft the document from scratch. In reality, reviewing and fixing an AI‑generated document can take just as long and sometimes longer than preparing a clear, accurate version from the start.
AI can’t:
- Judge whether a clause is enforceable
- Spot inconsistencies
- Understand the intent behind a policy
- Anticipate how wording might be interpreted in a dispute
That’s where professional expertise makes all the difference. Legal advice will bring context, judgment, and an understanding of how the law actually works in practice. Lawyers can identify risks, ensure accuracy, and make sure the document does what you need it to do.
The bottom line
AI is a powerful tool, but it’s not a substitute for human responsibility. Whether you’re an employer or an employee, the content you submit, rely on, or sign still needs to be checked with care.
The Rennie case is a reminder that:
- AI can help you draft—but it cannot guarantee accuracy
- You are responsible for what you submit, even if AI wrote it
- Professional oversight is still essential for important documents
- Technology can make life easier, but it cannot replace judgment, honesty, or expertise. When the stakes are high; your job, your business, your legal obligations, it’s worth taking the time to get it right.
- If you’re using AI in your workplace and want to make sure your documents are accurate, fair, and fit for purpose, we’re always here to help you navigate that safely.