Buddle Findlay supports public, private, and government clients alike across a broad variety of highly complex employment and industrial relations matters. The Wellington office is home to Peter Chemis, an expert in the employment-related aspects of M&A and restructurings, as well as Hamish Kynaston, whose varied workload includes dismissals, collective bargaining, and harassment mandates; the duo co-leads the group alongside Auckland-based Sherridan Cook and Christchurch lawyer, Susan Rowe. Shaun Brookes was promoted to special counsel in January 2023.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Great all around depth from this national firm in the employment and industrial relations area.’
‘Shaun Brookes is a great operator. Very approachable, bright and focused on a solution.'
Key clients
- New Zealand Police
- Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment
Work highlights
- Represented Customs in the Employment Relations Authority and on appeal in the Employment Court in relation to proceedings brought by an unvaccinated border employee.
- Advised a client on various legal issues associated with the transfer of staff to new entities created to subsume New Zealand's 16 polytechnics (Te Pūkenga) and New Zealand's 20 District Health Boards and other health sector agencies (Te Whatu Ora).