It is never in our plan for an employment dispute to linger and be unresolved. Lingering disputes become complicated, and they can be damaging to the employment relationship and the people involved.

So what can you do to change this and avoid disputes landing in litigation?

This panel discussion lead by two employment specialists will inform you on what you can do. You will hear about how to manage disputes up front through early intervention and engagement with the union, acting in good faith, how to have an off the record discussion and anything else you might ask the panel.

This event is complimentary for HRNZ Members and Students.

About our Speakers

Geoff Davenport

Geoff has been a specialist employment lawyer for over 25 years currently . Having graduated with a First-Class Honours Degree in Law and a BCom in Industrial Relations in 1993, Geoff joined the employment law team at Bell Gully, and acted for public and private sector employers, unions and employees over the next 5 years.

Geoff then completed a Masters degree in Law in Vancouver Canada, focusing on the obligation of good faith in employment law. This postgraduate study was followed by employment law roles with the United Nations in Geneva, and a leading law firm in London.

Returning to New Zealand in 2000, Geoff joined a specialist boutique employment law firm, McBride Davenport James, becoming a partner in 2001, and continued to act for the full range of employers (public and private sector), unions and employees. In 2010 Geoff received the NZ Law awards award for the top employment lawyer in New Zealand.

Geoff moved to the Independent Bar in 2019, and continues to specialise in employment law, acting for Government and Private Sector employers of all sizes, unions and employees across the country. Geoff has also been approved by the New Zealand Law Society to accept direct instructions on employment related matters.

Jeff Osborne

Jeff Osborne is an assistant secretary of the PSA. He has been involved in worker representation for about 30 years, beginning with his time as a delegate for the PPTA.

Jeff has represented and assisted many workers who are facing workplace issues. He supports the PSA delegate training programme as a manager, where the PSA trains its 3,000 plus delegates on worker representation. Jeff is interested in early problem resolution, and in developing processes which can help avoid individual workplace issues ending badly for both employers and workers.

To Register

HRNZ Members: to receive the member discount please log in to the HRNZ website FIRST and register through the BUY TICKETS link in the event listing. This will give you access to your member discount.

Non members can register through the BUY TICKETS link

Pricing

• HRNZ Members = Free
• HRNZ Student Members = Free
• Non Members = $20.00

Please note our prices include GST

Payment

Fees will be due for payment in full for each branch event, and are non-refundable unless cancellation has been confirmed by email to branchevents@hrnz.org.nz at least two working days before the event.

Cancellations and Refunds

To receive a full refund cancellations must be received by HRNZ by email to branchevents@hrnz.org.nz two working days before the day of the event.

Cancellations after this time and/or 'no shows' on the day will be payable in full.

Appropriate substitutions are welcome - please email branchevents@hrnz.org.nz with their details.