Great results in the private and public sector
Our employment group is known for its commercial experience, analytical ability, practical focus and innovative approach.
We work at the forefront of employment law in all its diversity from senior executive employment, collective and regulatory labour environments, large-scale company acquisitions and restructurings, discipline and dismissals, to post-employment conduct. It’s a practice where work is often commercially sensitive, personally confidential and heartfelt. Our priority is achieving reliable outcomes, backed by our expertise in mediation and litigation as required.
We have advised
- Airways Corporation of New Zealand Ltd, one of the world's leading providers of commercial air navigation services, on a wide range of employment matters, all underpinned by the very demanding and technical aviation context in which Airways operates. In 2003, and again in 2008, Airways was rated the top Air Navigation Services provider in the world for outstanding performance in customer satisfaction, cost efficiency and continuous improvement, by the International Aviation Transport Association representing 93% of the world's airlines.
- New Zealand Aluminium Smelters Ltd, one of the world's largest aluminium smelters, and the largest single operating site in New Zealand, contributing $3.65 billion to New Zealand's economy. The smelter's operation raises unique employment-related issues, ranging from highly flexible and developmental career structures, to stringent health and safety in employment measures, including workplace drugtesting.
- various District Health Boards. We have a longstanding engagement as strategic advisers to a grouping of District Health Boards on health industry employment negotiations. Our advice and representation enabled the DHBs to continue to provide acceptable levels of healthcare in the face of threatened industrial action. We also advised the Midland District Health Boards on a precedent-setting question of law involving the ratification of a collective employment agreement.
- on behalf of a number of our substantial industrial clients, including successful negotiations with the Department of Labour to withdraw health and safety prosecutions, having other prosecutions dismissed, and securing lesser charges and substantially reduced penalties for admitted health and safety offences, including arising out of workplace fatalities.
- receivers and voluntary administrators on the employment aspects of company restructurings and insolvencies.
- private equity groups on senior executive remuneration and retention arrangements, in the context of large corporate acquisitions.