Asia-Pacific Guide 2026 : New Zealand
Ranked Individual
Provided by Russell McVeagh
Our highly respected Employment practice advises some of the New Zealand's biggest corporates on the full range of employment matters, specialising in the more difficult and complex issues. Our work starts with initial strategy, through to advocacy at all levels of the court system. We are regarded as specialists in providing practical and pragmatic advice which identifies, assesses and then appropriately minimises legal risk.
We advise on a broad range of contentious and non-contentious aspects of New Zealand employment law. Our lawyers assist with the protection of confidential information, enforcement of restraints of trade, misconduct issues and performance management, and can help during the sale, merger, or outsourcing of a business with issues like redundancy and restructuring.
Our finance experts also assist with issues around superannuation and KiwiSaver, and we provide support during issues relating to human rights, privacy, harassment and worker’s compensation.
This reputation and the particular experience we bring to employment law issues means that we have been well positioned to provide advice on COVID-19 related issues, including vaccination. We have assisted clients to get across, and manage through, a fast moving and complicated legal environment.
Provided by Chambers
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.
Provided by Chambers
Russell McVeagh advised Revex Piling and three of its directors in a dispute with Fletcher Construction involving alleged breaches of employment duties and competition issues, with the case being transferred from the Employment Relations Authority to the Employment Court.
Provided by Chambers
From complex restructures and industrial relations to sensitive workplace investigations and high-stakes litigation, the team at Russell McVeagh bring a wealth of experience and insight.
Russell McVeagh provide very pragmatic advice and outcomes that add a real-life lens to intellectual rigour.
Provided by Chambers
Emma Peterson leads the employment practice at Russell McVeagh. She is highly regarded for advising clients across all employment and health and safety mandates. She has notable expertise in relation to personal grievances, as well as to the employment issues arising out of insolvency situations.
Emma is very pragmatic and understands the human and commercial implications of employment law and health and safety law superbly.
Emma’s deep understanding of employment law, combined with her clear, pragmatic communication style, makes her a trusted adviser who adds genuine value beyond the legal lens.
Head of Employment
Provided by Russell McVeagh
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