New Zealand's Largest Employment Relations Specialist

Be compliant and in control – our employment relations team of lawyers, advisors and consultants provides a full range of employment law and employment relations services.

0800 300 362
Get in touch

New Zealand's Largest Employment Relations Specialist

Be compliant and in control – our employment relations team of lawyers, advisors and consultants provides a full range of employment law and employment relations services.

0800 300 362
Get in touch

We provide end-to-end employment relations solutions for New Zealand businesses

We provide end-to-end employment relations solutions for New Zealand businesses

Restructures and redundancies

We can support you to plan and deliver an impartial process that effectively communicates and manages your people along the way.

Personal grievances and dispute resolution

We can minimise your stress and time with early dispute resolution, mediation or representation at the ERA or Employment Court.

Disciplinaries, performance and medical incapacity

We can support you to ensure that you have the correct procedural frameworks in place to conduct fair and reasonable process that reduces your risk of costly personal grievances.

Employment agreements and policies

We tailor documents to your business and industry needs, including any proposed inclusion(s) and appropriate clauses to protect your business.

Independent workplace investigations and mediations

We are licensed and experienced, providing a fair and impartial service for bullying and harassment allegations or serious misconduct. 

Collective bargaining

We have specialists who can help manage your union relationship and give assistance developing win-win solutions.

Restructures and redundancies

We can support you to plan and deliver an impartial process that effectively communicates and manages your people along the way.

Personal grievances and dispute resolution

We can minimise your stress and time with early dispute resolution, mediation or representation at the ERA or Employment Court.

Disciplinaries, performance and medical incapacity

We can support you to ensure that you have the correct procedural frameworks in place to conduct fair and reasonable process that reduces your risk of costly personal grievances.

Employment agreement and policies

We tailor documents to your business and industry need including any proposed inclusions(s) and appropriate clauses to protect your business. 

Independent workplace investigations and mediations

We are licensed and experienced, providing a fair and impartial service for bullying and harassment allegations or serious misconduct. 

Collective bargaining

We have specialists who can help manage your union relationship and give assistance developing win-win solutions.

Get in touch to book a consultation

AdviceLine is the gateway to your solutions

Call our Member-only AdviceLine as often as you need. Our in-house team are available to answer your questions, connect you with lawyers or consultants, and direct you towards relevant services and resources.

0800 300 362

Who we are

We are employment law specialists

We work for employers only

We offer Member-only rates

We are backed by 138+ years of experience

We are New Zealand's largest ER specialist

Get in touch to book a consultation
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How our employment relations support works

Whatever stage you're at with your employment concern, we can support you.

AdviceLine

Make informed decisions for your business with practical support from our Member-only AdviceLine. Call us on 0800 300 362.

Resource library

Set yourself up for success with our comprehensive library of guides, templates, webinars, and policies that will help you make the right decision for your business.

Expert support

Connect with our expert lawyers and consultants at Member-only rates. We can support you with a full range of employment issues.

ER training

Gain confidence in the complex with our Employment Relations courses covering everything compliance. 

Get in touch to book a consultation

Trusted by over 8,000 New Zealand business owners

"The EMA lawyer was extremely patient, professional and knowledgeable. Her manner was very reassuring and she keep us up to date with progress. Would have no hesitation to engage Ruthi again. Thank you."
"The EMA provide, prompt, thorough and efficient service. Their staff are highly knowledgeable and extremely helpful."
"I find that the EMA AdviceLine always provides you with immediate and clear guidance on HR issues enabling you to take the right course of action."
"I find the AdviceLine service to be prompt and knowledgeable. Efficient with sending any resource recommended. It’s good to speak with people who can assist immediately."
"The person I spoke with was very helpful and was able to offer excellent advice which helped me be able to support an employee through a sensitive situation."
Get in touch to book a consultation

Check out our useful resources

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Meet the team that keeps you compliant and in control

The EMA is New Zealand’s largest employment relations specialist. We have a team of advisors, lawyers and consultants who do more than take a case – they’ll help you solve problems and build your business and a future.

Matt Dearing

Matthew Dearing

Head of Legal and General Counsel

Sarah Lim

Senior Associate

Daniel Church

Senior Associate

Mauro Barsi

Mauro Barsi

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Clive Thomson

Collective Bargaining Specialist

Chris Longman

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Lisa Oakley

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Russell Drake

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Sean Hanna

AdviceLine Team Manager

Apurv Shukla

Employer Advisor

Murray Peat

Employer Advisor

Jasmine Lim

Employer Advisor

Harriet Jolly

Employer Advisor

Logan Nealie

Employer Advisor

Alison Kaua

Employer Advisor

Rebekah Stephens

Health and Safety Advisor

Sarah Selwood

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Jason Tuck

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Toni Stanaway

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Murray Broadbelt

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Phil Hughes

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Kate Bacchus

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Alice Porter

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Jocelyn Visser

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Damian Treanor

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Natalia Mamea

Payroll Consultant

Simone Storey

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Ben Burger

Ben Burger

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Kallia McFarland

Kallia McFarland

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Jannine Omeara

Jannine O'meara

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Damon Jacobsen

Damon Jacobsen

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Nassim Lalehzari

Nassim Lalehzari

Employment Relations and HR Consultant​

Get in touch

It’s easier to succeed when you’re compliant and in control of your business. 

Submit this quick confidential contact form and one of our team members will be in touch. 

Not an EMA Member? That's ok, we can still help.
Enquire today about your options.

Not an EMA Member? That's ok, we can still help.
Enquire today about your options.

Get in touch

Get the right employment relations advice, right now

As New Zealand’s largest employment relations specialist, our consultants and specialists support you to get it right before it goes wrong. But if the moment of prevention is disappearing in the rear-view mirror, we offer mediation, representation, advice and resources.

Arm yourself with our online library of tools, templates, policies and guides that will help you make the right decision for your business.

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Consultants for
the complex and contentious

Connect with our expert consultants and employment lawyers at Member-only rates. Investing upfront in expertise can prevent denting your reputation with the ERA.

Whatever your issue, call our AdviceLine team on 0800 300 362 and we’ll work with you to find the best solution.

Call AdviceLine

End-to-end mediation

Our accredited EMA mediators offer an all-encompassing service. Wherever you find yourself in the life cycle of a dispute, our goal is to reach a sustainable resolution. 

We can mitigate conflicts before they escalate – we are your safety barrier to halt conflict in its tracks.

If prevention is no longer an option, we can facilitate resolution through constructive agreement in disputes, between both employee-employee, and with the employer.

Our mediation service also provides post-investigation relationship restoration.

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Employment Relations Lawyers & Consultants

Our legal team can partner with your business and provide you with a full range of employment law and ER service at special Member-only rates. We can represent you during investigations and mediations, or in front of the ERA and Employment Court. 

You will also have access to our library of over 250 free and paid resources at Member-only rates, including up-to-date policies, templates, and guides on everything from employment agreements, to leave and absenteeism, through to disciplinary issues. 

Our experienced consulting team are here to help you with your workforce. Our consultants have multisectoral experience and can provide you with customised solutions across a range of ER and HR issues.

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Mauro Barsi

Mauro Barsi

Employment Relations and HR Consultant, and Special Counsel

Mauro is an experienced advocate for businesses and employers and a trusted advisor when you need it most. He brings a powerful mix of practical knowledge in Employment Relations and Human Resources, litigation experience; and time spent as a senior leader in both the public and private sectors, all to help resolve your issues quickly and effectively. 

Having worked in-house with organisations to manage growth and transformation projects, his broad business management knowledge means he brings an overarching approach to issues. Mauro helps businesses shape their organisations through strategy, bargaining, restructuring and the implementation of new people structures, through to managing personal grievances, investigations, and employment disputes.

Matt Dearing

Matthew Dearing

Matthew Dearing rejoins EMA having been at Edwards Sluiters Employment Lawyers where he was a Senior Associate and prior to that Employment Relations Legal Counsel for Wilson Group’s FIRST Security & Wilson Parking New Zealand. Matt is no stranger to the EMA and worked here as a lawyer between 2011 and 2022 and was Head of Legal and General Counsel from 2017 to 2022.

Matt graduated from the University of Waikato with a Bachelor of Laws in 2004, was admitted to the Bar in 2005 and then completed a Master of Laws at Victoria University of Wellington in 2010. He is an AMINZ-qualified mediator and been a sitting member of The Law Association’s Employment Law Committee for the past 14 years.

Matt has extensive experience in providing employment law advice to a range of clients from large multinationals to small business across all aspects of New Zealand employment law.

Sarah Lim

Sarah is a senior employment lawyer who advises on all aspects of contentions and non-contentious employment matters. She is passionate about advocating for our members in employment matters and resolving the issues with a commercially pragmatic approach.

Sarah frequently advises her clients on restructures, employee vs contractor status risks, behavioural and performance issues, medical incapacity, and health and safety matters. She is confident in reviewing contracts and ensuring compliance and best practice and has represented clients at mediations and hearings in the Employment Relations Authority. Sarah also has experience in carrying out employment due diligence for high-value commercial transactions and ensuring that her clients meet all of the employer obligations throughout the sale and purchase process.

Daniel Church

Senior Associate

Daniel joined the EMA as a Senior Associate in April 2026. Prior to this, Daniel worked for a barrister for almost 9 years, specialising in employment law.

Daniel has experience providing representation in mediations, the Employment Relations Authority, and the Employment Court. He is able to provide advice and representation on all manner of employment relations issues, including restructuring and redundancies, workplace investigations and disciplinary processes, contractual entitlements and wage disputes, status disputes, and dealing with all types of personal grievance claims. He is also an experienced presenter at conferences, seminars, and webinars, on a wide range of employment law topics.

Daniel holds a Bachelor of Laws with First Class Honours and a conjoint Arts degree, majoring in History, from the University of Waikato.

Clive Thomson

Collective Bargaining Specialist

Clive is passionate about achieving quality outcomes for businesses when they are dealing with Unions. As our main Collective Bargaining Specialist, he is currently the lead negotiator for more than 50 Collective Agreements across New Zealand. The significant majority of these are in private sector manufacturing. 

He has also led our Bay of Plenty and Central North Island HR/ER consulting team for the last 20 years. Clive is well respected for his work with businesses on their IR Strategy, and for his calm and constructive approach when dealing with Unions. This ensures that quality outcomes are delivered in often challenging situations.

Chris Longman

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Chris is held in high regard for his ability to understand a business quickly, and to design bespoke solutions to their people needs. With a solid background of more than 15 years’ experience in both business partnering and organisational development in both the public and private sector, Chris enjoys helping companies with their People Strategies. This includes Union Relationships and Collective Bargaining, as well as leadership and performance coaching; employment investigations and disciplinary processes; personal grievances; conflict resolution; and organisational change and restructures. 

Also working as a facilitator for EMA Learning, Chris regularly delivers Human Resources and Employment Relations training both on public courses and in-house. He ensures attendees walk away feeling confident that they can manage processes in a fair and compliant manner, protecting themselves and their company from unnecessary risk. As a certified independent investigator, Tauranga-based Chris is also a trusted lead to navigate complex workplace matters such as bullying and harassment claims and other tricky workplace issues.

Lisa Oakley

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Lisa’s approach to helping businesses with their needs is to be a true partner, collaboratively solving problems to ensure that leaders and organisations succeed. She is a past Board member and National Vice President of Human Resources Institute of NZ (HRNZ) with almost 20 years’ experience both in New Zealand – for large companies including Air New Zealand and Spark as well as not for profits – and in Australia. 

Community-focused, Lisa also thrives on working with small to medium-sized businesses and for purpose organisations. Lisa supports seamlessly with everything from People Strategy; Contracts and Policy; Organisational Design and Structure; Talent and Capability; Culture and Engagement; and Industrial and Employment Relations.

Russell Drake

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Russell is an experienced Employment Relations professional with more than 25 years’ experience providing consulting advice to clients across a wide range of industry sectors. In addition to this consulting background, Russell holds trade qualifications in the automotive sector, and has also held executive leadership positions in both the professional services and manufacturing sectors, enabling him to develop a broad business skill set and knowledge that now assists him in working with client organisations. 

Russell leads the EMA’s Waikato Based employment relations consulting practice supporting members in the resolution of a wide range of organisational matters from restructures to discipline processes, collective bargaining, drafting employment document and in the resolution of workplace disputes. Working across the broadest possible spectrum of Employment Relations, Russell acts as an advocate for the employer in forums, from the workplace to mediation, and in both the Employment Authority and Employment Court.

Sean Hanna

AdviceLine Team Manager

Sean joined EMA in May 2000 providing advice on employment relations, human resource management and employment legislation.

He previously worked as an Employment Advisor in the public sector and has a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management).

Apurv Shukla

Employer Advisor

Before joining AdviceLine, Apurv joined the EMA initially as part of the Business Helpline. He has completed a Postgraduate Diploma and Master’s in Management from Massey University in Auckland and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce. He has a background in account management.

Murray Peat

Employer Advisor

Murray joined the EMA in April 2022 as part of the Business Support Team, providing support to various projects including Membership, Finance and People Experience. In July 2023, he was appointed to the role of Employer Advisor with the AdviceLine Team. Murray has nearly 30 years’ experience managing relationships with clients, members, and service providers.

Jasmine Lim

Employer Advisor

Jasmine is qualified with a Bachelor of Law and Bachelor of Arts conjoint (University of Auckland) and is admitted to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court of New Zealand.

Jasmine joined the EMA as an AdviceLine Employer Advisor in January 2023 and provides employment relations advice to EMA Members.

Harriet Jolly

Harriet graduated from the University of Otago with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Marketing) in 2024. She has completed the Professionals Legal Studies Course in March 2025 for admittance to the Roll of Barristers and Solicitors of the High Court.

Harriet joined the EMA as an Employer Advisor and is providing employment relations advice to EMA members via the Adviceline.

Logan Nealie

Logan qualified with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts (majoring in Psychology) from the University of Auckland.

Logan joined the AdviceLine team as an Employer Advisor in July 2025 and provides employment relations advice to members.

Alison Kaua

Employer Advisor

Alison graduated from the University of Auckland with a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Economics & Management) in 2025.

Alison joined the EMA as an Employer Advisor and provides employment relations advice to members.

Rebekah Stephens

ProfNZISM, HASANZ Registered

Rebekah Stephens is a Health & Safety Advisor at the EMA, bringing extensive cross-sector experience from a variety of backgrounds, including manufacturing, healthcare, and food distribution. As a Professional Member of NZISM (ProfNZISM) and HASANZ Registered practitioner, Rebekah combines strong technical expertise with a practical, business-focused approach to health and safety.

She specialises in translating complex legislative requirements into clear, actionable solutions that help organisations strengthen compliance, reduce risk, and improve operational performance. Rebekah plays a key role in delivering EMA’s advisory services, supporting members with complex health and safety challenges across governance, risk management, and operational practice.

She is passionate about working alongside organisations to simplify health and safety and deliver solutions that are practical, effective, and sustainable. Holding an NZ Diploma in Workplace Health and Safety Management Level 6, and currently completing a Bachelor of Occupational Health and Safety Management, Rebekah is committed to continuous professional development and advancing best practice across New Zealand workplaces.

Sarah Selwood

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Managing conflict and workplace disputes is Sarah’s specialist area. A certificate holder from the Association of Workplace Investigators Training Institute (the gold standard in workplace investigations training) and licensed investigator, Sarah is a credible investigator with 10+ years investigation experience. When you have facts that are in dispute Sarah will carry out an independent and impartial investigation determining whether allegations can be substantiated. She will provide a quality report to enable you to take appropriate action to address any workplace behavioural and conduct-related issues.

As an alternative to a formal investigation Sarah also offers mediation services, an informal and early intervention to resolve issues that arise before they develop into unresolvable conflict.

When it comes to Employment Relations, Sarah has a deep knowledge of employer obligations, particularly when conflict arises. If it comes to it, Sarah also has an in-depth experience in managing personal grievances for employers, including negotiated exits and representation at mediation.

Jason Tuck

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Jason’s goal is to always develop ER and HR solutions that align with the values, strategic goals and direction of the businesses he works with to add value and provide successful and sustainable outcomes. With more than 30 years’ experience in New Zealand, he has held HR leadership roles at a range of large organisations across different sectors, including Ports of Auckland and Countdown, and has a broad range of knowledge and experience. 

He joined the EMA as a consultant in 2017 and is very familiar and comfortable in complex industrial relations environments and union negotiations and has a deep knowledge of all aspects of New Zealand employment law. Through the peak of the pandemic, he helped more than 50 businesses to restructure.

Toni Stanaway

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Toni has over 20 years senior leadership and HR experience across a wide range of industries and sectors. She combines her creativity, intuition, and strategic mind with a track record of delivering seamless, performance-driven solutions to member businesses. The results are practical, scalable, and innovative across a broad range of Human Resources and Employment Relations (ER) challenges, including business change/transformation, restructuring, planning and performance management, organisational development, workforce and experience development; and governance and leadership development. 

Toni believes that with the rate of change it is essential businesses are equipped with the right advice to help them navigate challenges and achieve success; with the big picture in mind. She also loves supporting leaders through tricky ER issues and assisting the development of individuals, leaders and teams. Toni also provides coaching, private mediation and workplace investigations services (Certified Private Investigator).

Murray Broadbelt

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Whangārei-based Murray is a very experienced hand in both employment and industrial relations. What began as HR roles in sizeable manufacturing businesses has transformed over 35 years into speciality areas including collective bargaining, personal grievances, investigations and mediation. 

Murray combines his considerable ER skills with those of his broad HR background to get the best results. He leads a team of specialists for the EMA throughout Northland. While he and his team cover the general employment relations field, they have become well known for their expertise in drafting employment agreements and hands-on advice for restructuring businesses. Outside of the work, Murray has a governance role with Northland’s Rescue Helicopters.

Phil Hughes

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Phil has over 20 years of HR and leadership experience in the commercial sector, building on a previous career in the Armed Forces. He has worked across various sectors at a senior HR level including professional services, construction, FMCG, SOE and manufacturing, and brings a pragmatic, outcomes-focused approach to HR.

Phil has a solution-based attitude across specialties in remuneration and reward strategies, performance and discipline processes, restructures, industrial relations and training. His leadership style is focused on example and attitude: “what you walk past, you accept”. As a result, he brings an authentic and action-oriented style to his HR capabilities.

Qualifications: Phil holds a Master of Business Studies (Management), Post Grad Diploma in Strategic Studies, and BA in Politics. He is also remuneration qualified in Strategic Pay, Hay and Mercer methodologies and psychometric assessment qualified in TMP, OPRA and CEB/SHL methodologies. He also has qualifications in negotiations and training (with EMA) and is a certified Workplace Private Investigator (Ministry of Justice).

Kate Bacchus

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Kate brings over 25 years of HR experience across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, supporting multinationals, listed companies, crown entities, local government, and SMEs. She has deep expertise in generalist HR, employment relations, leadership development, and organisational change.

She holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Business majoring in Human Resource Management, is a qualified coach, and a Licensed Private Investigator – enabling her to lead fair, thorough, and confidential workplace investigations. A Chartered Member of HRNZ since 2010, Kate is known for her clear thinking, strong judgement, and practical solutions.

Kate partners with businesses to strengthen people practices across leadership development, employment relations, people strategy, organisational design, policy frameworks, and culture and capability building. Her pragmatic, commercial approach and engaging facilitation style

helps leaders confidently navigate HR challenges, grow capability, and build strong, connected teams and businesses.

Alice Porter

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

With 20 years of experience spanning New Zealand and the UK, and holding the CIPD Postgraduate Diploma in Personnel Management from her time working in the UK, Alice is a seasoned expert in employment relations and industrial relations. Her positive, pragmatic approach helps clients achieve optimal outcomes in complex situations.

In addition to providing pragmatic and commercially minded support to businesses dealing with day-to-day employment issues, Alice’s expertise extends to:

  • Change management and restructuring
  • Remuneration and collective bargaining
  • HR policy development
  • Performance management systems.

As a Resolution Institute-accredited mediator and conflict management coach, Alice has the breadth of experience required to tailor her approach to suit diverse industries and business needs. Alice’s coaching and guidance empower business leaders to resolve people matters effectively, ensuring robust and sustainable solutions.

Jocelyn Visser

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Jocelyn is a seasoned HR Consultant with 8+ years’ experience across a wide range of sectors including Sport and Recreation, Not for Profit, and NGOs.

As a licensed Private Investigator and accredited member of HRNZ, she has a passion for empowering individuals and organisations. With a data-driven mindset, she uses her unique insights to create meaningful change and improve employee experiences.

As a collaborative leader, Jocelyn fosters a positive and engaging work environment. Jocelyn provides uniquely tailored HR solutions to meet the needs of each organisation she works with. Jocelyn is passionate about unlocking the potential within individuals and teams. She inspires growth and success by celebrating and amplifying their unique strengths. With a relentless drive to redefine HR, Jocelyn is on a mission to transform organisations and create a future where HR is a powerful catalyst for positive change.

She holds professional accreditations in DISC, the Emotional Culture Deck, and Belbin Team roles.

Damian Treanor

Employment Relations Consultant

Dr Damian Treanor is a HR and employment relations specialist. Through 20+ years of industry experience through New Zealand, he brings a pragmatic blend of scientific and industry experience to solving problems.

He podcasts his 12 Minute HR weekly to give practical and thought-provoking insight to help HR and ER practitioners lift their game in little ways. Dr Treanor is known for translating complex HR and employment topics into clear, accessible guidance for business owners, leaders, and HR professionals.

Natalia Mamea

Payroll Consultant

Natalia Mamea is a senior payroll consultant with over 25 years’ experience across payroll operations, HR, finance, and employment-related compliance in Aotearoa New Zealand. She supports organisations to improve payroll confidence, manage legislative risk, and strengthen payroll operating practices in practical and proportionate ways.

Natalia is a certified NZPPA Consultant and an active member of several payroll and HR professional networks. Her credentials have been developed through decades of hands-on experience in complex, high-risk payroll environments, spanning both strategic and operational leadership roles and experience working within payroll software providers. She has supported small and large workforces across multiple pay cycles, including organisations operating in historically non-compliant settings. This depth of applied experience enables Natalia to translate legislation and policy into practical payroll outcomes that work in real organisations. She provides a specialist bridge at the intersection of payroll operational compliance and employment law.

Simone Storey

Employment Relations and HR Consultant

Simone is a people-first HR Consultant with hands-on experience across the full spectrum of human resources and recruitment. Driven by a genuine passion for helping others grow, she brings empathy, insight, and purpose to every client engagement.

At the core of her work is a belief that no two people or organisations are the same. She takes time to understand not just what individuals do, but who they are, tailoring her approach to unlock authentic outcomes. Her natural ability to build genuine connections, communicate across diverse audiences, and bring clarity to complexity makes her a trusted partner when navigating sensitive or challenging workplace situations.

Simone supports organisations across a broad range of HR functions, including strategic planning, policy and process development, performance reviews, professional development, conflict resolution, disciplinary processes, restructuring, leadership support, and culture and values assessments.

Her driving purpose is simple – to ensure people feel seen, supported, and empowered to do meaningful work.

Ben Burger

Ben Burger

Ben is a seasoned ER (Employee Relations) and HR (Human Resources) professional with over 30 years of senior management experience spanning across diverse countries and cultures, including New Zealand, the Pacific and Europe. Throughout his career, he has accumulated invaluable expertise in small, medium and large scale commercial enterprises as well as within governmental contexts.

Leveraging his background in both legal and HR domains, Ben approaches workplace challenges with a nuanced perspective always prioritising the most effective outcome. His robust experience collaborating with unions, equips him to skillfully manage any industrial relation matters and he serves as a seasoned lead negotiator in collective bargaining scenarios. Having led teams of ER and HR professionals for over two decades, Ben intimately understands the intricacies, challenges, and opportunities inherent in staff management.

Kallia McFarland

Kallia McFarland

Kallia is a people-focused consultant and Licensed Private Investigator with almost 10 years’ experience helping organisations, insurers, legal professionals, and individuals navigate complex and often sensitive situations.

Drawing on a unique background that includes service in the Royal New Zealand Air Force, 12.5 years in education, and extensive investigative experience, Kallia brings a calm, practical, and objective approach to every engagement. She is particularly skilled at building rapport, gathering and assessing information, conducting interviews, and working through challenging situations with professionalism and empathy.

Kallia is passionate about supporting workplaces to achieve fair, constructive, and sustainable outcomes. She believes that taking the time to understand people, their perspectives, and the wider context is key to resolving issues effectively and building stronger workplace relationships.

Known for her integrity, discretion, and strong communication skills, Kallia works collaboratively with clients to provide clear guidance, practical solutions, and confidence when navigating complex people matters.

Jannine Omeara

Jannine O'Meara

Jannine joined the team in March 2023 and brings extensive experience in human resource management having worked across the primary industry and aviation sectors for multi-national corporates.  In recent years she has been focused on industrial relations and collective contract negotiation.

Jannine’s breadth of knowledge, skills, and passion to help businesses of all size and nature means she can assist with any employment need.

Damon Jacobsen

Damon Jacobsen

With a strong background in manufacturing (aluminium, wood processing and poultry) and experience working in education, Damon has successfully improved employee-employer relations, and has applied effective HR and HSE practices within the workplace.

Damon sits on five boards and knows what good governance looks like and the importance of clear communication.

Having managed teams and being a co-worker on the factory floor, Damon can relate to people at all levels and of varying educational and ethnic backgrounds. His key driver is helping people who want to do something they care about, and being a rock for people during challenging times.

Qualifications: Graduate Diploma Occupational H&S Management (Southern Institute of Technology), BBS – HR Major (Massey University), Dip General Psychology (International Correspondence School), Occupational Safety & Health (L3) and completion of Lean Management Training and Manage Hazard Identification and Control on Plant and Machinery Training, Certified Workplace Private Investigator (Ministry of Justice).

Nassim Lalehzari

Nassim Lalehzari

Nassim is a strategic People & Capability leader with more than 15 years’ experience across human resources, employment relations, workforce strategy, talent acquisition, recruitment and regulatory compliance in New Zealand and Australia. With a legal background and extensive executive and commercial experience, Nassim brings a practical, business-focused approach to complex people and workforce challenges.