Employment Law Services

Expert Employment Law Services in New Zealand

Our network of experienced employment lawyers provides comprehensive legal services for both employers and employees across New Zealand. Whether you're dealing with workplace disputes, unfair dismissal, harassment claims, or complex restructuring processes, our employment law specialists understand the intricacies of New Zealand's Employment Relations Act and related workplace legislation. We provide strategic advice that protects your interests while maintaining productive workplace relationships and ensuring compliance with employment standards. From individual employment contracts to large-scale organizational change, our lawyers deliver practical solutions that address both immediate issues and long-term employment law risks.

Employment law in New Zealand is governed by comprehensive legislation designed to balance the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees. Our lawyers stay current with evolving employment legislation, Employment Relations Authority decisions, and Employment Court precedents to provide you with authoritative advice that reflects the latest legal developments and best practices.

Employee Legal Rights & Protection

Every employee in New Zealand has fundamental rights protected by employment law. Our lawyers help employees understand and enforce these rights when they are violated:

Personal Grievance Claims

• Unfair Dismissal: When termination lacks proper process, adequate reason, or breaches employment law requirements
• Unjustified Disadvantage: Actions by employers that unfairly disadvantage employees in their employment
• Discrimination: Treatment based on prohibited grounds including race, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics
• Harassment: Sexual harassment, bullying, or other unwelcome behavior affecting work conditions
• Duress: Coercion or pressure to accept disadvantageous employment conditions

Workplace Rights Enforcement

• Wage & Hour Claims: Unpaid wages, overtime violations, holiday pay, and minimum wage compliance
• Leave Entitlements: Annual leave, sick leave, bereavement leave, and parental leave rights
• Health & Safety Rights: Safe working conditions and protection from workplace hazards
• Privacy Rights: Employee monitoring, personal information protection, and workplace surveillance
• Union Rights: Freedom to join unions, collective bargaining participation, and union representation

Whistleblower Protection

New Zealand law protects employees who report illegal activities, health and safety violations, or other serious wrongdoing. Our lawyers advise on:

• Protected disclosure procedures and requirements
• Retaliation protection and legal remedies
• Confidentiality considerations and disclosure strategies
• Employment consequences and job security

Employer Legal Obligations & Risk Management

Employers in New Zealand face extensive legal obligations governing workplace relationships. Our lawyers help employers navigate these requirements while building positive workplace cultures:

Employment Contract Compliance

• Individual Employment Agreements: Drafting compliant contracts that protect business interests
• Collective Agreements: Negotiating and implementing union agreements and workplace policies
• Terms & Conditions: Ensuring contracts meet minimum employment standards and legislative requirements
• Restraint Clauses: Post-employment restrictions, non-compete agreements, and confidentiality provisions
• Variation Processes: Legally compliant methods for changing employment terms

Workplace Policies & Procedures

• Disciplinary Procedures: Fair and reasonable processes for addressing misconduct
• Performance Management: Systems for managing underperformance and capability issues
• Harassment & Discrimination Policies: Prevention strategies and complaint procedures
• Health & Safety Policies: PCBU obligations and workplace safety management
• Leave Policies: Managing various leave entitlements and workforce planning

Restructuring & Redundancy Management

Organizational change requires careful legal management to avoid costly disputes. Our lawyers provide strategic support for:

• Consultation Processes: Meeting legal obligations for employee consultation
• Redundancy Selection: Fair and objective criteria for position elimination
• Alternative Employment: Redeployment obligations and suitable alternative work
• Redundancy Compensation: Calculating entitlements and severance packages
• Change Management: Legal strategies for successful organizational transformation

Employment Dispute Resolution

When workplace conflicts arise, early and effective dispute resolution protects relationships and minimizes costs. Our lawyers provide comprehensive dispute resolution services:

Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Workplace Mediation: Facilitated discussions to resolve conflicts constructively
• Employment Mediation Services: Department of Labour mediation support and representation
• Settlement Negotiations: Strategic negotiation to achieve favorable resolutions
• Facilitation Services: Structured processes for complex workplace issues

Employment Relations Authority (ERA)

The ERA is New Zealand's primary employment dispute resolution body. Our lawyers provide expert representation in:

• Personal grievance proceedings and claims defense
• Compliance order applications and enforcement
• Wage and time record disputes
• Union access and bargaining disputes
• Penalty proceedings for employment law breaches

Employment Court Proceedings

• Appeals from Employment Relations Authority decisions
• Judicial review of ERA determinations
• Complex employment litigation and precedent-setting cases
• Injunctive relief and urgent applications
• Compliance and penalty enforcement proceedings

Specialized Employment Law Areas

Executive Employment & Senior Management

Senior executives and management roles require specialized employment arrangements. Our lawyers advise on:

• Executive service agreements and compensation structures
• Termination provisions and golden parachute arrangements
• Non-compete and restraint of trade provisions
• Directors' duties and employment law intersection
• Change of control and acquisition employment issues

Workplace Health & Safety Law

The Health and Safety at Work Act creates significant employer obligations. Our lawyers provide integrated employment and health & safety advice:

• PCBU (Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking) obligations
• Worker participation and consultation requirements
• Incident investigation and WorkSafe compliance
• Due diligence requirements for officers and directors
• Health and safety representative rights and powers

Immigration & Employment Law

Employing migrant workers requires compliance with both employment and immigration law:

• Work visa compliance and employer obligations
• Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requirements
• Labour market testing and skill shortage verification
• Employment agreement requirements for visa holders
• Exploitation prevention and monitoring obligations

Industry-Specific Employment Law

Healthcare & Professional Services

• Professional registration and practice requirements
• Clinical governance and employment law intersection
• Medical practice partnerships and employment structures
• Continuing professional development obligations

Education Sector Employment

• Teachers' collective agreements and employment conditions
• Education sector restructuring and change management
• Student safety and teacher responsibilities
• Professional conduct and disciplinary procedures

Construction & Manufacturing

• Site-based employment arrangements and multi-employer projects
• Health and safety in high-risk environments
• Subcontractor vs employee classification
• Seasonal and project-based employment

Employment Law Costs & Legal Fees

Understanding employment law costs helps you make informed decisions about legal representation:

• Initial Consultation: Many employment lawyers offer free 30-60 minute consultations
• Hourly Rates: $350-600 per hour for experienced employment lawyers
• Personal Grievance Cases: $3,000-10,000 total cost depending on complexity
• ERA Representation: $5,000-15,000 for full representation through determination
• Employment Agreements: $1,500-5,000 for comprehensive contract review or drafting
• No-Win-No-Pay: Many lawyers offer contingency arrangements for employee claims
• Fixed Fee Services: Some firms offer fixed pricing for specific employment services

Why Choose Our Employment Lawyers?

• Specialized Expertise: Deep knowledge of New Zealand employment law and ERA procedures
• Practical Experience: Extensive experience in workplace disputes and employment litigation
• Strategic Approach: Focus on achieving practical outcomes that serve long-term interests
• Industry Knowledge: Understanding of sector-specific employment issues and challenges
• Relationship Focus: Emphasis on preserving workplace relationships where possible
• Cost-Effective Solutions: Efficient processes and transparent fee structures
• Rapid Response: Understanding that employment issues require urgent attention