Introduction

Issues with wages, within the workplace or a blunt dismissal letter can turn your work-life upside-down and cause immense stress. When your livelihood and wellbeing are on the line, you need straight answers and practical advice fast. Harris Tate’s Employment Law Team can advise you on the Employment Relations Act, Holidays Act, and workplace health-and-safety rules and provide clear, practical advice to protect your pay, your dignity, and your future. Whether you are raising a personal grievance, challenging an unfair redundancy, or standing up to bullying on the job, we can explain your rights and map out the most pragmatic way forward.

Know Your Rights at Work

Workplace issues can hit hard – affecting your income, health, and future. Harris Tate’s Employment Law Team helps employees and contractors understand their rights and ensure fair treatment. Whether you are starting a new job or facing dismissal, we will explain the legal rules to you and advise you on your best next step.

Employment Agreements and Job Offers

Before you sign, make sure the paperwork stacks up. We review individual or collective agreements to identify insufficient clauses about hours, pay rates, restraint-of-trade requirements, trial periods, and KiwiSaver. Do you need flexibility for family/whānau commitments? We will show you how to request changes and negotiate an agreement that protects your interests from day one.

Pay, Leave, and Holiday Entitlements

Are you missing wages, overtime, or holiday pay? Are you unsure about sick leave, bereavement leave, or parental leave? We can advise you on what you are owed, then push for quick repayment. If your boss drags their feet, we can advise you on your options, including escalating the matter to the Labour Inspectorate.

Bullying, Harassment, and Unsafe Work

Every employee deserves a safe workplace. If you are dealing with bullying, discrimination, or dangerous conditions, we will outline your options, including raising the issue internally, lodging a WorkSafe complaint, or raising a personal grievance. We can attend meetings with you, draft written complaints, and negotiate practical solutions like role changes or compensation.

Unfair Dismissal, Redundancy, and Restructuring

Have you been let go without a fair process? Redundancy must be genuine and consultative under the Employment Relations Act. We can examine the timeline and relevant documents to see if your employer has followed due process. Where they have fallen short, we can lodge a personal grievance seeking, for example, lost wages, compensation for hurt and humiliation, or reinstatement.

Mediation and Employment Relations Authority (ERA)

Most disputes settle at mediation through the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), which is faster and cheaper than court. We can help with preparing your case, speaking on your behalf, and achieving the best outcome for you in all the circumstances. If discussions fail, our experienced advocates can also represent you in the ERA.

Why Choose Harris Tate?

• Straight-talking advice: No confusing legal jargon.
• Local insight: Based in Tauranga, helping employees city-wide.
• Pragmatic and commercial advice.
• Responsive team: We call back when we say we will.

Let’s Chat

If workplace issues are keeping you up at night, reach out today. A quick discussion with Harris Tate can put your mind at ease and back in control, so you can focus on your career and wellbeing.