Employment Law for Public Sector.

Legal Advice for Public Sector Employers

We advise central and local government agencies on all aspects of employment law, with a focus on fairness, compliance and public accountability. Our advice is practical and aligned with the values and responsibilities of the public sector.

Employment Law in the Public Sector

Public sector employment comes with unique legal and procedural expectations. It involves:

• Greater scrutiny from oversight bodies and the public

• Specific statutory and policy obligations

• A duty to act transparently and fairly

We help employers manage these requirements confidently. Our advice covers:

• Performance management and disciplinary processes

• Restructuring and redundancy

• Employment disputes, mediation and grievance resolution

We ensure your employment decisions are made lawfully, documented clearly and defensible if reviewed.

Collective Bargaining and Union Relationships

We assist public sector employers with all aspects of industrial relations, including:

• Collective bargaining and wage negotiations

• Union engagement and consultation processes

• Compliance with employment legislation and internal policy frameworks

We understand the complexities of working with unions and provide guidance that supports constructive, compliant relationships with employee representatives.

Advice Grounded in Public Accountability

Public sector employment decisions must meet high standards of transparency and fairness. We provide legal support that ensures:

• Decision making processes are consistent and evidence based

• Actions reflect the organisation’s statutory obligations and public values

• Outcomes can withstand internal and external review

Our goal is to help public sector employers make sound, defensible employment decisions.

Where We Work

Our employment lawyers are based in Wellington. We advise government agencies, local councils and public sector employers across the Wellington region and throughout New Zealand.

Questions We Often Get Asked About Public Sector Employment Law

What makes employment law different in the public sector?

Employment law applies to both private and public employers, but public sector agencies have additional statutory and policy obligations. Decisions must demonstrate fairness, transparency and compliance with public sector values. We help ensure your processes meet these higher standards.

How should performance or disciplinary matters be handled in a government setting?

Public sector employers must follow a fair, evidence-based process when managing performance or discipline. We guide you through each stage, from initial concerns and documentation to consultation and decision making, ensuring compliance with both employment law and internal policy.

What are the legal requirements for collective bargaining?

Collective bargaining in the public sector must comply with the Employment Relations Act and any relevant departmental or policy frameworks. We help you prepare, engage with unions constructively and document agreements that meet your legal and organisational obligations.

How can we ensure employment decisions stand up to external scrutiny?

Employment decisions in the public sector are often subject to audit, review or public interest. We assist in documenting your process, applying consistent reasoning and ensuring your decisions are legally sound and transparent.