Rotorua Employment Law | Tompkins Wake

Trusted legal advice for Rotorua businesses and employees.

When employment issues arise, it pays to have the right legal support behind you. Whether you’re a Rotorua employer managing restructuring, disciplinary concerns or health and safety obligations, or an employee navigating redundancy, dismissal or a personal grievance, our team provides practical, expert advice you can rely on. With deep experience across all aspects of employment law, we help clients throughout the Bay of Plenty region resolve workplace disputes and protect their interests. As one of New Zealand’s leading law firms, we combine local insight with national expertise to deliver effective solutions tailored to your situation.

For Employers:

Restructuring and redundancy advice
Disciplinary processes and performance management
Drafting and reviewing employment agreements
Workplace investigations and compliance
Health and safety obligations
Personal grievance claims

For Employees:

Advice on dismissal or redundancy
Employment agreement reviews
Personal grievances and dispute resolution
Workplace bullying and harassment
Representation in mediation or the Employment Relations Authority

National strength, local insight.

Our Rotorua employment team is backed by the depth and breadth of Tompkins Wake's national employment law practice. With offices across New Zealand and a collaborative, cross-office approach, we bring together specialist expertise to support clients with issues ranging from day-to-day employment advice to complex restructures, investigations, and litigation.

This means you get the benefit of local knowledge, supported by a nationally recognised team with experience across all industries and sectors.

What Our Clients Say

Client feedback, The Legal 500, Asia Pacific 2025

‘Tompkins Wake provide excellent advice in a timely manner. They are happy to discuss and work through scenarios to get the best outcome.’

Client feedback, Chambers & Partners, Asia Pacific 2025

‘We have complete faith and trust in Tompkins Wake. The technical skill is evident and the firm is made up of excellent lawyers and excellent people.’

Client feedback, Chambers & Partners, Asia Pacific 2025

‘Tompkins Wake's value is in the access to specialist knowledge and skills, the personal relationship and the commitment to contribute towards the growth and success of our business.’

Client feedback, The Legal 500, Asia Pacific 2025

‘Their team has taken the time to know our business, how our company operates, and how we appreciate our transactions to be run. We have now built together a brilliant synergy which is so important for external legal providers and clients to achieve efficient and seamless outcomes.’

Client feedback, The Legal 500, Asia Pacific 2025

‘Quick and accurate turnaround times when under pressure, whilst maintaining high quality advice.’

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you act for both employers and employees?

Yes. We advise both employers and employees on the full range of employment matters. We manage any potential conflicts of interest carefully and will let you know upfront if we are unable to act.

I’ve been made redundant — can I challenge it?

You may be able to challenge a redundancy if your employer failed to act fairly and reasonably. If there was no genuine reason for redundancy, or the process was flawed, there might be grounds for a personal grievance. We can review your situation and advise you on your options.

How do I raise a personal grievance?

A personal grievance must be raised within 90 days, except in certain exceptional circumstances. We can help you draft a formal letter, understand your rights, and engage in mediation or dispute resolution if needed.

Can you help with workplace investigations?

Yes. We act for employers who need to carry out fair and lawful investigations, as well as employees involved in those processes. We can also conduct independent investigations where required.

Do you offer advice on employment agreements?

Absolutely. We draft and review employment agreements for businesses, and provide advice to employees before signing an agreement or when issues arise during employment.

What does it cost to get advice?

We offer an initial consultation so we can understand your situation and provide guidance on likely next steps and costs. Our fees reflect the expertise and value we provide, and we’ll always be transparent.

Can you help with health and safety issues?

Yes. We provide advice on compliance, liability, and investigations, including WorkSafe matters. We support both employers and workers facing H&S issues.

I have a workplace issue but I’m not sure if it’s serious enough — should I still call?

Yes. It’s always better to seek early advice. We can help you understand your position and whether further action is necessary.

Daniel Erickson

Mark Hammond

Emma Stewart

Fred Hills

Tom Jarman

Drisana Sheely

Courtney Wi

Jake Russ