Department profile
Hesketh Henry

Employment

Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand

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Hesketh Henry

Rankings

About

Provided by Hesketh Henry

Hesketh Henry is a leading commercial law firm with a strong focus on the employment sector.

 

Our Employment Law Team has extensive experience in all aspects of employment advisory, compliance, litigation, and dispute resolution. We advise employers, employees, and unions across virtually all sectors and industries.

 

Client Sectors:

  • Public and private sectors, including manufacturing, aviation, marine, communications, utilities, and professional services.

 

Key Strengths:

  • Client Understanding: We take the time to get to know our clients, understanding their businesses, industries, and professions.
  • Accessibility and Responsiveness: Our Employment Law Team prides itself on being accessible and highly responsive to client needs.
  • Pragmatic Solutions: Clients value our ability to provide practical solutions to complex legal problems, with access to senior, highly experienced lawyers.
  • Collaborative Approach: We work collaboratively to ensure the most efficient and cost-effective resources are used to deliver high-quality, strategic advice to employers, employees, and unions alike.

 

Our significant experience, combined with our practical and collaborative approach means that clients can expect clear, effective, and efficient advice across all employment law issues.  

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Employment - New Zealand

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

Hesketh Henry is valued for its capability in the fields of restructuring, employee agreements and compliance matters for large national unions and businesses. The practice frequently assists clients with employee relations and health and safety matters. The team focuses on the early resolution of disputes, assisting with performance and disciplinary matters, as well as in contentious matters before the Employment Relations Authority and courts.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Hesketh Henry advised the Corrections Association of New Zealand, a trade union for corrections staff within the prison system, on a range of employment relations, health and safety, and compliance matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Hesketh Henry consistently stay two steps ahead, offering strategic and forward-thinking advice that positions us to address potential risks before they escalate.

    Employment respondentAsia-Pacific

  • I have always found Hesketh Henry very responsive and willing to offer assistance no matter how small or big my enquiry is. They offer proactive support, are solution-focused and are very reliable.

    Employment respondentAsia-Pacific

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Jim Roberts
    Jim Roberts

    Jim Roberts

    Jim Roberts is co-head of the practice and has extensive experience across the full range of employment law, being particularly noted for his expertise in collective bargaining and compliance with the Holidays Act.

    • Jim’s commitment, responsiveness and ability to consistently deliver thoughtful and practical advice set him apart. He is second to none.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific

    • I enjoy working with Jim immensely. He is incredibly knowledgeable, gives timely and accurate advice, and brings a sense of humour to his work.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Alison Maelzer
    Alison Maelzer

    Alison Maelzer

    Alison Maelzer advises a number of large companies on a wide array of issues, including compliance, collective bargaining, disciplinary processes, and health and safety.

    • Alison Maelzer is quick to grasp complex dynamics and apply commercial nous.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Alison is exceptional. She is pragmatic, easy to work with and has phenomenal knowledge.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific
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  • Jodi Sharman
    Jodi Sharman

    Jodi Sharman

    Jodi Sharman assists on a wide range of employment matters and is particularly noted for her litigation experience. She has considerable expertise in handling disciplinary processes and cases arising from dismissals and corporate restructurings.

    • Jodi provides great service. She is very responsive and understands the goals we are trying to achieve.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific

    • Jodi Sharman was excellent in providing tailored advice.

      Employment respondentAsia-Pacific
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Ranked Individuals at Hesketh Henry (3)

New Zealand

Members

Provided by Hesketh Henry

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