Handling a dispute with your boss or a colleague can feel overwhelming—especially when you’re up against a powerful employer or an unfair situation. That’s where engaging an employee advocate can be a good idea. Whether you’re facing dismissal, discrimination, or just need guidance on your rights, an advocate can help level the playing field.
Here’s why you might want to get one on your side.
1. You’ve Been Unfairly Dismissed
If you’ve been fired without a clear reason, without proper process, or in a way that feels unjust, you may have a case for unjustified dismissal. But proving that on your own can be tricky.
How an advocate helps:
Review your dismissal for legal breaches.
Guide you through a personal grievance claim.
Negotiate for compensation or reinstatement.
2. You’re Facing Workplace Bullying or Harassment
Workplace bullying can be subtle or outright toxic, but either way, it shouldn’t be ignored. If your complaints are being dismissed—or you fear retaliation—an advocate can help you take action safely.
How an advocate helps:
Advise you on your legal rights.
Help you gather evidence to strengthen your case.
Represent you in discussions with HR or your employer.
3. You’re Being Unfairly Disciplined
If your employer is trying to push you out through unjustified warnings, disciplinary action, or performance management, an advocate can step in before things escalate.
How an advocate helps:
Ensure your employer follows proper disciplinary procedures.
Attend meetings with you to ensure fairness.
Help you challenge unfair warnings or allegations.
4. You’re Being Underpaid or Denied Your Legal Entitlements
Minimum wage violations, unpaid overtime, holiday pay disputes—many employees don’t realise how often they’re short-changed at work. If your employer isn’t paying you what you’re owed, an advocate can help.
How an advocate helps:
Review your employment agreement and payroll records.
Negotiate for back pay or legal entitlements.
Help escalate the matter to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) if needed.
5. You’re Dealing With a Redundancy That Feels Suspicious
If your redundancy came out of nowhere, wasn’t properly consulted on, or seems like an excuse to get rid of you, you may have grounds for a claim.
How an advocate helps:
Ensure the redundancy process was genuine and legal.
Help negotiate a better redundancy payout.
Challenge unfair redundancies through legal channels.
6. You Feel Pressured to Sign a Settlement Agreement
Employers sometimes offer exit packages or settlement agreements to avoid legal disputes—but these agreements can be unfair or skewed towards the employer. Once signed, you can’t go back.
How an advocate helps:
Review the agreement to ensure it’s fair.
Negotiate better terms (e.g., more compensation, reference letters).
Ensure you don’t sign away your rights unknowingly.
7. You Just Don’t Know What Your Rights Are
NZ employment law protects workers, but it’s complicated—especially when employers have HR teams and lawyers on their side. If you’re unsure whether something is fair or legal, getting an expert opinion can save you time, stress, and money.
How an advocate helps:
If you’re facing these issues, or any other employment issues, don’t wait until it’s too late. Ask for help from an expert. mathewswalker.co.nz | 0800 612 355
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up to date, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability, or availability with respect to the blog or the information, products, services, or related graphics contained on the blog for any purpose. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk. For specific legal advice tailored to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional.
I certainly know how this feels. The company I worked for destroyed me and at the end of the day I had no choice but to leave.
Looking back I should have been stronger. I was bullied, humiliated and my reputation was destroyed.
I hope they are satisfied that their planned attack to get rid of me, left me with no option but to leave.