Hesketh Henry frequently acts for employers, employees, and unions across various industries, including manufacturing, aviation, marine, professional services, and utilities, in addition to the public sector. Based in Auckland, Jim Roberts has close to 30 years’ experience in the field, leveraging an in-depth knowledge of the Employment Contacts Act 1991, Employment Relations Act 2000, and the Labour Relations Act 1987. Roberts co-leads the team, which focuses on disputes, legislative compliance, and health and safety issues, alongside Alison Maelzer and Jodi Sharman.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Highly case-orientated team with pragmatic solutions during tough negotiations’
‘Team are super practical in advise, approachable and connected; if we speak with one person, we know the whole team are going to be across the issue.'
‘Alison Maelzer is the main partner we work with, and she is extremely responsive, efficient and very knowledgable. Nothing is too much trouble, and her advice gives me confidence.’
‘This practice engages in a true partnership with you. What makes them unique is there practical, down-to-earth advice, which is technically excellent but real. They have significant depth behind their answers which you can rely on.'
- 'They are people you actually enjoy talking to. The key people have an excellent sense of humour and they make a point of being exceptionally available. They are there for you!’
‘Jim Roberts has significant knowledge he brings to any situation and is one of the best in the employment law field. I would trust his opinion on any matter and he gives you confidence.'
- 'What makes Alison Maelzer stand out is her ability to ask you the right questions to get the best answers. Invaluable in terms of cutting to the chase. One of the best I have dealt with in considering all angles in a phone call without any heads up about what you are going to talk labour.’
‘The team is super knowledgeable, capable, and responds quickly.’
Key clients
- Restaurant Association of New Zealand
- Corrections Association of New Zealand Incorporated
- Suncorp Group Services NZ Ltd
- Metropolitan Glass & Glazing Ltd
- Northpower Ltd
- Baker Tilly Staples Rodway Ltd
- Aviation & Marine Engineers Association
- InterMed Medical Ltd
- Hella New Zealand Ltd
- German-New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Incorporated
- Amy Tea Consulting Limited
- Behemoth Brewing Company Ltd
- Sitel New Zealand Ltd
- GUD NZ Holdings Ltd
- Construkt Architects Ltd
Work highlights
- Advising the Restaurant Association of New Zealand, which represents the majority of restaurants and cafes in New Zealand, on a union application for a Fair Pay Agreement, the first FPA in New Zealand for the hospitality sector following the enactment of The Fair Pay Agreements Act 2022.
- Represented the Corrections Association of New Zealand Inc successfully from an application by the Chief Executive of the Department of Corrections to dismiss important proceedings in relation to a prison riot and staff safety.
- Advised Suncorp Group Services NZ Ltd, which has over 900 employees in New Zealand, on a wide range of employment and associated matters, including assisting with a complex disciplinary process for a senior employee, and providing strategic advice for union bargaining purposes.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Jim Roberts, Alison Maelzer, Jodi Sharman