How does an Employment Advocate help? And why you should choose Mathews Walker to help you.

An employment advocate is someone who stands by your side when tensions escalate at work, someone who understands not just the letter of the law, but the lived experience of employment.  They can be firm, empathetic, knowledgeable, and committed to helping you navigate the complexities of disputes that arise between employer and employee.

Mathews Walker Employment Law has a team of advocates skilled and experienced in addressing employment disputes for clients from across New Zealand with employers of different sizes, sectors and industry.  

In practical terms an employment advocate’s role is to support you, protect your rights, and guide you through the process, whether formal or informal.

They provide emotional and practical support

An employment advocate provides a level of emotional and practical support through employment disputes. It can be bewildering to find yourself facing unjust dismissal, unexplained demotion, workplace bullying or discrimination. An advocate will: 

• Listen attentively without judgment.

• Help you clarify the key question: What outcome do you actually want? - whether that’s reinstatement, an apology, compensation, or another resolution.

• Arrange practical steps: drafting a timeline of events, gathering documents like emails, performance appraisals, or witness notes.

Our advocates recently received these google reviews regarding their empathy and support of clients: 

‘Sweden is not just professional, but also combines great empathy with wisdom, calmness, and efficiency.’

‘It honestly felt like I had a friend walking alongside me.  I feel incredibly lucky to have had Simon’s support.  He went above and beyond and I can’t thank him enough.’  

‘Emma always listened empathetically and gave me options to make an informed decision and the autonomy to decide myself.’

They translate legislation and legal jargon

Employment law can be difficult for the average employee to understand.   Phrases such as unjustified disadvantage, constructive dismissal, and good faith obligations may not immediately make sense.  An employment advocate can act as a translator and make sense of the legal jargon helping you: 

• Identify whether your situation fits legal definitions, such as whether you have been unjustifiably dismissed or disadvantaged.

• Understand relevant legislation, especially the Employment Relations Act 2000, and case law that may apply.

• Gauge the viability of your claim. Some disputes are best resolved informally. Others may advance to mediation or lodge a personal grievance within 90 days. An advocate helps you choose wisely and proceed confidently.

Mathews Walker clients recently made the following comments about our knowledge of employment law in New Zealand: 

‘Paul is a true professional - I can’t recommend him highly enough.  He is extremely knowledgeable in his field and achieved a fantastic result that far exceeded my expectations.’

‘Tony's calm, professional manner and deep knowledge of employment law made a huge difference.’

They guide you through the resolution processes

Disputes may unfold through several stages: informal discussions, internal grievance procedures, mediation, ERA investigations or even judicial hearings. An employment advocate helps you navigate each step strategically.

Informal Resolution

Often, issues can be settled through a calm, fact-based conversation with your employer, especially with the advocate’s guidance. They can coach you on framing your concerns clearly and avoiding unintended escalation.

Personal Grievance

If needed, you might submit a personal grievance. Here, the advocate ensures all grounds for your grievance are accurately captured, the grievance is submitted within statutory time frames, and your requested remedy is realistic and clearly stated. 

Mediation

The ERA frequently recommends mediation as a private, flexible means of resolution. Your advocate will:

• Prepare you to present your case calmly and coherently.

• Facilitate clear, respectful communication between you and your employer.

• Help you evaluate any proposed settlement and understand whether it’s fair, comprehensive, and addresses your core needs.

Employment Relations Authority or Court

If mediation fails, your case may proceed to the ERA or even the Employment Court. An advocate will:

• Assist with filing and clarifying your claim.

• Prepare submissions, statements, and evidence.

• Represent you.

• Stand with you in hearings, where formal argument and careful evidence handling becomes crucial.

Mathews Walker advocates frequently receive 5 star reviews on their navigation of employment dispute resolutions including the following: 

‘Emma took the reins and did everything on my behalf, so my well being was protected. I cannot recommend Mathews Walker highly enough. I am so glad I made the right call to seek their help.’

‘My experience with Adrian was amazing!  He represented me well and got what I was owed with no fuss whatsoever.’  

‘David was kind, reassuring, and gave me the right information and guidance to feel prepared for mediation.’

They help reduce the power imbalance and ensure fairness

Employers, especially those with legal and HR teams, often hold significant power in disputes. An employment advocate helps restore balance. They can:

• Step into negotiations with authority and credibility.

• Counter skewed narratives or procedural unfairness.

• Help prevent coercive settlements or confidential deals that disadvantage you unduly.

• Ensure transparency in how the process is managed, particularly during disciplinary or investigation phases.

Mathews Walker advocates pride themselves on achieving fair outcomes for their clients and it shows in their reviews: 

‘Paul’s approach was not only strategic but also incredibly reassuring. He was reliable, firm when needed, and deeply committed to getting the best outcome. I genuinely felt like I was in very capable hands throughout the entire process. Most importantly, he made me feel like I was worth fighting for.’

‘Pamela was supportive, informative and greatly helpful to guide me in making very hard decisions.’

An employment advocate can be an invaluable ally in workplace disputes. They provide empathetic support during stressful times, translate the legislation and legal jargon, navigate procedures and processes, and balance the power differential between employee and employer

If you are feeling powerless, confused, or anxious about an employment issue, don’t underestimate the power of an advocate. Get in touch with Mathews Walker today for a free consultation and discover what a difference an advocate can make to your employment dispute.  MathewsWalker.co.nz | 0800 612 355

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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.