Can I have a word? What You Need to Know If You’ve Been Called to a Disciplinary Meeting.

Being called into a disciplinary meeting can feel overwhelming. Whether you expected it or it came out of the blue, it’s natural to feel anxious, confused, or even a bit angry. But the good news is New Zealand employment law offers you clear rights and protections.

You have a right to know what the meeting is for.

Your employer must tell you what the meeting is about including enough detail so you can understand the allegations and respond properly. You’re entitled to know what the concerns are (e.g. lateness, misconduct, performance issues), what specific incidents are being raised and whether disciplinary action is being considered. If this hasn’t been clearly explained, you can (and should) ask for clarification in writing.

You have the right to bring a Support Person.

You don’t have to go through this alone. You have the legal right to bring a support person or representative to any disciplinary meeting. This could be a friend or family member, a union delegate or an employment advocate or lawyer. A support person can’t necessarily speak for you (unless they’re acting as your representative), but they can take notes, help you stay calm, and make sure the process is fair.

You have the right to reasonable notice.

You don’t have to attend the meeting immediately after being notified. You're entitled to reasonable notice so you can prepare. Use this time to:

• Gather any relevant documents or emails

• Write down your version of events

• Get advice from a professional if needed

If the meeting invite is vague or rushed, ask for it to be rescheduled with proper notice and clarification.

You have the right to a fair and reasonable process.

Employers are legally required to follow a fair and reasonable process before making any disciplinary decision. That includes giving you a chance to respond to the concerns, considering your explanation before making a decision, and communicating outcomes in writing. They should not come to the meeting with a decision already made. If it feels like they’ve already made up their mind, that could be grounds for a personal grievance. After the meeting, if disciplinary action is taken (like a warning or dismissal), you have the right to challenge it if the process wasn’t fair or the decision wasn’t justified.

If you’ve been called into a disciplinary meeting and you’re unsure of your rights, or you feel like your disciplinary process has not been reasonable or fair, get in touch for a free consultation. mathewswalker.co.nz | 0800 612 355

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