Employment | Asia-Pacific

MinterEllisonRuddWatts has notable expertise in employment agreement reviews and business restructuring matters. The team acts for an impressive clientele from the agriculture, transport and technology sectors on health and safety, industrial relations and privacy matters. The firm operates a strong practice out of offices in both Auckland and Wellington, specialising in immigration, disciplinary proceedings, employee terminations and workplace investigations. Notable clients include Electrix, Metlifecare and Marriott International.

Dentons is in demand for its depth of expertise in health and safety regulatory compliance, including dealing with investigations by regulatory bodies. The firm advises on various aspects of employment law, including restructurings, contractual issues and performance management, while also boasting extensive litigation experience. The practice also has a strong presence in the public sector, representing major New Zealand public sector employers. The firm is active in post-employment restraint, including breach of confidentiality and settlement agreements. In addition, the team is noted for its work in misconduct, bullying, pay equity and sexual harassment allegations. Its key clients include Airways Corporation of New Zealand, WorkSafe New Zealand, and James Hardie New Zealand.

Russell McVeagh is a compact practice that advises on complex corporate employment matters, compliance issues and minimum employment entitlements, as well as on dismissals and the departure of senior executives. The firm is also acknowledged for its advice to employers regarding collective bargaining and health and safety liability. The practice's notable clients include SkyCity Entertainment Group, Tasman Cargo Airlines and Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

DLA Piper New Zealand represents the New Zealand arm of a global firm known for its practical expertise in the employment aspects of international acquisitions and divestments. The practice advises on outsourcing agreements and the transfer of staff across jurisdictions, handling contentious matters such as personal grievances and disciplinary actions for long-term clients. The team is also skilled in reviewing employment documentation and adapting to local legislative changes regarding health and safety compliance and industrial relations. The firm handles both domestic and cross-border matters, notably for clients from the insurance and healthcare sectors, but also for Auckland Council, Harrison Grierson and Tiffany & Co.

Lane Neave's a large and experienced New Zealand team covers the spectrum of misconduct investigations, discrimination, unfair dismissal claims and compliance reviews. The law firm has successfully represented employers in mediations and also advises on implementing or amending company health and safety policies. In addition, the practice provides training on New Zealand employment law to all its clients and specialist industry groups. Among the former are Lifelinks and Super Liquor Holdings.

Quigg Partners is a well-known employment specialist law firm based in Wellington. The firm advises across a broad range of employment issues, including unjustified dismissal claims, executive terminations and compliance and liability. The team regularly appears before the Employment Relations Authority and Employment Court. It also advises on the employment aspects of corporate transactions and is increasingly active in health and safety prosecutions.