Personal Grievance
Facing unfair treatment, bullying, or a sudden dismissal at work? You may have grounds to lodge a personal grievance - a formal process that allows employees in New Zealand to challenge unfair workplace behaviour.
Our employment advocates can help you understand your options, protect your position, and take the next steps with confidence. Reach out today for support.
Call 0800 612 355 Start your enquiry online
Are you being treated unfairly at work?
If you believe you’re being treated unfairly at work, it’s important not to make rushed decisions. Before resigning, responding to allegations, or signing any documents, it can help to get advice on your rights and options.
In some situations, speaking with your employer first may help resolve the issue informally, provided you feel safe and comfortable doing so. If the issue continues, filing a personal grievance may be the next step.
Personal grievances generally need to be raised within 90 days from the date the problem occurred, so prompt action is essential.
Get free advice now!
Seek support from our employment advocates before making any big decisions.
Do you have grounds for a personal grievance?
The most common reasons for raising a personal grievance in New Zealand usually stem from unfair treatment, poor process, or a breach of your employment agreement.
If any of the following scenarios sound familiar, call the Mathews Walker team today on 0800 612 355 for a confidential discussion about your rights
I am being bullied, harassed, or discriminated
Repeated bullying, harassment, or discrimination at work can seriously affect your wellbeing and ability to do your job. If your employer has ignored complaints or failed to provide a safe workplace, you may have options available to you.
I was pressured to resign
If you felt forced to resign because of how you were treated at work, you may still have grounds for a personal grievance. This can happen when workplace conditions become unreasonable or your employer pressures you to leave.
I was dismissed unfairly
If you were fired without a fair process, proper warning, or a chance to respond, your employer may not have followed their legal obligations. You may have grounds to challenge the dismissal.
I was treated unfairly during a disciplinary process
Employers are expected to follow a fair and reasonable process when handling disciplinary matters. If you were not given a chance to respond, denied support, or felt the outcome was unfair, you may have options available.
My employer changed my role, hours or pay unfairly
Employers cannot usually make major changes to your role, pay, or working hours without proper consultation. If changes were forced on you unfairly or without agreement, it may be worth getting advice on your situation.
I was selected unfairly for redundancy
Redundancy processes should involve proper consultation and genuine business reasons. If you believe the process was unfair, rushed, or targeted towards you personally, it may be worth seeking advice on your rights.
Unsure how to lodge a grievance? How our employment advocates can help
Mathews Walker is a New Zealand-wide employment advocacy service with considerable experience in supporting employees to lodge personal grievances and work towards a positive resolution. Most of our cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis, meaning we only charge a fee if we are successful.
Our employee advocates can be by your side to help prepare and lodge your personal grievance and, where possible, negotiate a suitable outcome with the employer before further processes are required. They can also help you to prepare for and represent you at mediation or an ERA hearing.
What our clients have said
Rebecca
Emma was an amazing advocate. I am so grateful for her support while I navigated an emotional and difficult situation with my employer. The outcome was much better than I could have hoped. I would recommend Mathews Walker and Emma to anyone. Thank you Emma!
Christchurch
Michelle
Can highly recommend, Paul did an outstanding job, he was thorough, knowledgeable, prompt and professional. He achieved a great outcome in a timely manner.
Christchurch
Donna
Adrian did amazing!! Walked me through every step of the process. Amazing support and great information.
Thankyou Adrian for all your hard work and help
Hamilton
Answering your questions about personal grievances
How do I lodge a personal grievance in New Zealand?
A personal grievance is usually raised in writing by notifying your employer that you believe you have been treated unfairly at work. It should clearly explain:
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who you are,
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what happened and when,
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why you believe the treatment was unfair,
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how it affected you, and
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what outcome or resolution you are seeking.
If you want more information on how the employee grievance process works, our employment advocates can provide the guidance you need.
How long do I have to raise a personal grievance in New Zealand?
In most cases, you have 90 days from the date the issue happened, or from when it came to your attention, to raise a personal grievance with your employer. Missing this deadline can affect your ability to take further action, so it’s important to seek advice as early as possible.
What should you not say in a grievance?
When raising a personal grievance, it’s important to stay factual, clear, and professional. Avoid exaggerated claims, overly emotional language, personal attacks, or threats, as these can weaken your position and make resolution more difficult.
For more advice on what not to do, read our blog on common personal grievance mistakes.
Is it worth it to file a grievance?
Every situation is different, but raising a personal grievance can help you protect your rights, seek compensation, and hold your employer accountable for unfair treatment. It can also give you the opportunity to resolve workplace issues formally when informal conversations have not worked.
What are the outcomes of a personal grievance?
If your personal grievance is successful, you may be entitled to a range of remedies depending on your situation and the impact the issue has had on you.
Possible outcomes can include:
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Reinstatement to your role if you were dismissed
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Compensation for emotional harm or distress
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Reimbursement for lost income or wages
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Contribution towards legal advocacy costs
Real outcomes for New Zealand employees
Unfair dismissal by way of redundancy
Our client was employed in an internal sales role. Due to declining sales, their role was selected for redundancy based on a criteria of cost. They were terminated with 4 weeks notice. With support from Mathews Walker, they lodged a personal grievance for unjustified dismissal.
The ERA found that while the business reasons for the restructure were reasonable, the selection criteria for redundancy were not disclosed early enough for consultation. This meant that the dismissal was unjustified.
As a result, our client was awarded lost wages until they found new employment, along with $16,000 for humiliation, loss of dignity, and injury.
Read the full case study
If you believe your redundancy process was unfair, our employment advocates may be able to help. Call 0800 612 35 for a confidential discussion.
Expert insights
What is a personal grievance, and when should you raise one?
Being treated unfairly at work? Learn what a personal grievance is, when to raise one, and possible outcomes.
10 common mistakes employees make when lodging a personal grievance
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Discover the 10 common mistakes employees make when lodging a personal grievance.
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What evidence and documentation do I need to file a personal grievance?
